There is something very solid about having modern metal bands who, with every note, still pay homage to our forefathers; Dio, Led Zeppelin, Iron Maiden, Sabbath. Germany’s Blind Guardian has maintained that sound throughout their 27 year career. A remarkable feat to still remain relevant while competing for air wave space amongst other heavy metal giants such as Iron Maiden, Killswitch Engage, Lamb of God, or Miss May I.
One huge advantage that Blind Guardian has going for them is that they combine old school heaviness with new school technical shredding and song craftsmanship. It is blatantly obvious that they pour their blood and sweat into every song on this new album, just as they’ve done in the past. It is layered and filled with so many pounding pulses of intricate moments, yet still has it’s lighter touch; mostly encompassed within the monolithic vocals of Hansi Kürsch.
From the first two tracks on down on Beyond the Red Mirror, we get a raging battle of a musical war fought between the brutality of metal music and the clean vocals of Hansi and other vocalists chanting and singing. A well timed battle in which both sides win and destroy.
Lyrically it is packed with with ancient mythology, religious themes, fantasy, and other topics or themes that whet the appetite for any fan of this brand of metal. Nothing new for them, but it still makes us want to grab our sword and shield and march out onto the battlefield and slay endless armies of Orcs!
The fourth track from Beyond the Red Mirror “At The Edge of Time” starts out less heavy, but every bit of epic as it builds into a beautiful melodious mountain of battle-cry music. This song will take you right back to ancient times, where you would bow to your Emperor or King, and gladly fight and die fending off whatever dark enemy invades your lands.
“Ashes of Eternity” opening riff will melt the faces of legions of demons, and also anyone witnessing them play live! More speed metal and fast shredding, the pace continues with no sign of slowing down.
The different guitar work that opens “Distant Memories” is a nice piece of ear candy. Of course more heartfelt vocals atmospherically envelope this slower track, but it also showcases Blind Guardian’s talent as a band who can cover all the bases of traditional metal.
“The Holy Grail” could be offered up as competition against the ruthless speed metal band Dragonforce. Very fierce shredding and you can just imagine our Knight warrior running through the snowy forest with the grail in hand, escaping his relentless pursuers.
From the eighth track “The Throne” on down to the last track, we are treated to much diversity in pace, instrumentation and vocal style. Beyond the Red Mirror really covers a wide range of proper experimentation, while Blind Guardian still holds true to their proven sound and style.
I think and hope that Beyond the Red Mirror will refresh and rectify them as a speed metal band deserving of new fans and the continued support of old faithfuls.
I hope that as we progress into a time in which so much “new music” is constantly being produced, the more rootsy and traditional bands and musicians are still appreciated. Blind Guardian are that band for many, and hopefully will continue to be for a long time.
Rating: 4/5