NIGHTFALL IN MIDDLE-EARTH

No doubt this is BLIND GUARDIAN's most well known and ambitious album. They dedicated it to J.R.R.Tolkien, and in fact this is a concept album about his book "The Silmarillion". There are 22 songs on this record but half of them are made up of short little narration pieces, folky tunes, or what sounds like sound clips from a movie. I feel the music on their two previous albums are better than what's on this one, but it's the concept that takes priority to the music here. And no matter how well this has been done (and it's amazing) I would take a great album of music over a great concept album any day.

I won't comment on the 11 short pieces except for the first one "War Of wrath". This one opens the album with the sounds of a battle. It's so cool to hear the swords clashing and people yelling and everything else going on. What a way to open the record ! "Into The Storm" hits the ground running with a heavy and fast soundscape. Vocals and vocal harmonies are prominant, and I like the guitar solo to end it. "Nightfall" is fairly laid back with flute in the intro and reserved vocals. It does get fuller and more passionate quickly. "The Curse Of The Feaner" is like "Into The Storm" as it's fast and heavy with harmonies. I like the short instrumental section before 3 minutes.

"Blood Tears" is the best so far. It has a mournful soundscape and lyrics until it kicks into gear after 1 1/2 minutes with some ripping guitar. It settles down again before taking off once again. "Mirror Mirror" is such a catchy tune with relentless drumming. Very uptempo. "Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)" is another favourite. It's mid-paced with powerful vocals that come and go. Excellent guitar before 4 minutes. Killer sound a minute later. "Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)" is my favourite track on here. I think you can call this "kicking ass". This is an all out assault folks. "Thorns" openes with heaviness and background synths. Some good guitar in this one. "The Eldar" is basically piano and vocals. "When Sorrow Sang" is heavy duty and uptempo. He's beating the hell out of his drums. "A Dark Passage" is all about the vocals.

If i was into concept albums this would easily be 4 stars.