Blind Guardian - Somewhere Far Beyond

General Information

Original Author: The Uncreator

Artist: Blind Guardian

Album: Somewhere Far Beyond

Genre: Power Metal

Label: Nuclear Blast

Tracklist

1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through The Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theater Of Pain
5. Quest For Tanelorn
6. Ashes To Ashes
7. The Bards Song - In The Forest
8. The Bards Song - The Hobbit
9. Pipers Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
11. Spread Your Wings
12. Trial By Fire
13. Theater Of Pain (Demo)

Sound

10 Welcome to the first Blind Guardian review, and i believe the first Power Metal band review! Anyway, the sounds on this album is superb, Blind Guardian have a wide variety of sounds, from the rough edged guitars of "Battalions Of Fear" and "Follow The Blind" to the more modern albums with a more "Epic" touch to them like "A Night At The Opera" and "A Twist In The Myth", This album to me feels like a combination of the two, its got a very epic feel and atmosphere but has enough good 'ol metal riffs to keep you busy bangin your head! The guitar sounds stands out particulary when Andre Olbrich plays his solo's, i have yet to find any band that can replicate his sound, except Savage Circus, which is formed by Ex-Blind guardian drummer Thomen Stauch, but its just Blind Guardian knock off sadly....Anyway...Back to the solo's, as seen Here, this video provides a good insight into the guitar sounds im referring to, its very melodic, catchy, and above all, AWESOME. This albums is one you can listen to 1,000 times and never get tired of.

Lyrics

9 I love Hansi's style of writing, as is with most power metal bands, the theme here is Fantasy style of approach to his lyrics, BUT, i must say that Hansi has an insane ability to make the most creative vocal melodies out of nowhere, the way he sings his lyrics are very unique. one of my particular favorites off this album are these...

Now you all know
The bards and their songs
When hours have gone by
I'll close my eyes
In a world far away
We may meet again
But now hear my song
About the dawn of the night
Let's sing the bards' song

The way hansi sings these lyrics gives me chills everytime, even more so when he ends with this...

In my thoughts and in my dreams
They're always in my mind
These songs of hobbits, dwarfs and men
And elves, Come close your eyes
You can see them too...

I know it may not seem liek much now, maybe This video (video removed by youtube user!) will explain better what i mean, Im abosultely in love with this song i have it right up there with Iron Maidens Powerslave, and Vai's Whispering A Prayer....the lyrics definetly dont suit all, and may seem rather simple to some, but listen to there stuff, it goes much deeper.

Guitar Work

10 Catchy riffs? Catchy Melody you say? well this album is full of it, as is any BG album, they are to me recognizable by there tone, sound, and style of melodys they choose, sometimes they have that Folk feel to them, Medieval lore in a way, and it just capture your imagination. The tone is unique, the sound is amazing, and the feel is marvelous, Blind Guardians guitar work can take you away to a whole nother place.

Overall Impression

10 Fantastic album, you dont have to be a metal head or a power metal head to like them, they can appeal to most anyone who loves catchy, melodic music, And if you listen close enough, it will take you to another world...A World...

Somewhere Far Beyond.