NIGHTFALL IN MIDDLE-EARTH

Blind Guardian's previous two albums showed that the band was heading into uncharted territory for power metal. Hansi Kursch decided to go for broke and record a concept album dealing with Tolkien's less celebrated masterpeice, The Simarillion. He also adds medieval sounds, which isn't uncommon in the neo-classical world of power metal, but his arrangements stand out somehow. I'm not sure how to describe it. I guess it's more musical than other bands who use medieval vibes. Hansi doesn't have them there just to prove he's power metal. The result is a tremendous metal album that stands as the peak of BG (and in many ways power metal).

What is very intriguing about Blind Guardian is how they treat the guitars. Much of power metal features blazing rhythms that give way to frantic solos. As Mike said, Olbrich and Siepin instead accompany Hansi's singing. It's almost like an operatic R&B group. For this album Hansi gave up bass duties to focus on his vocals, which are overdubbed so many times they give Freddie Mercury a run for his money. "Into the Storm," "Nightfall," "Noldor," and most of the tracks are incredible, fll of intensity yet never sacrificng the musicality.

Nightfall is BG's magum opus. It's highly enjoyable, and I often discover new things with each listen. However, the middle part of teh album drags a little, even though the songs are good. Hansi is one of the best vocalists in metal, which is full of incredible singers. In my opinion, he is the second most emotional power metal singer next to Iced Earth's Matt Barlow (third if you count Quuensryche as power metal, in which case Geoff Tate reigns supreme). Prog metal fans (especially Symphony X fans) will find a lot to love about the progressive power metal of Blind Guardian. Highly recommended.

Grade: B+