Beyond the Red Mirror
2 weeks ago the dark portal of metal heaven opened up once again to grace us with the latest Blind Guardian opus. Have The Bards lived up to the expectations raised by their past adventures in Middle-Earth and the Seven Kingdoms?
As tradition with our favorite German power metal gods, this new album was 5 years in the making. This is the price to pay to create truly epic music. Blind Guardian’s previous two albums, A Twist in the Myth (2006) and At The Edge of Time (2010) were both well received by critics and users alike although they were arguably their weakest. Beyond the Red Mirror is the proof a band this prolific is capable of reinventing themselves.
At first BTRM plays exactly how you would expect it to be. The opening track The Ninth Wave, a 9 minutes and half epic, starts with choir chants and orchestral arrangements which let the listeners know they are in for a wild ride. Once the intro is done, the tune changes pace with increasingly strong, gritty guitar riffs while Hansi’s powerful voice kicks in and proceeds to soothe your soul. The chorus couldn’t be catchier and the solo suitable as an appetizer. You can feel the Blind Guardian formula in full force before getting to the new track.
Progressive Symphonic Power Metal?
Following the second song Twilight of the Gods (you could seriously know it was a BG song from the title itself) each track takes turn in trying something new. Prophecies sounds like a classic from the band’s golden age with masterful theatrical vocals, while At the Edge of Time feels more symphonic as the orchestral instruments empower its slow pace. Distant Memories begins with a guitar riff that sounds akin to a medieval faire, while its successor The Holy Grail delves into speed metal territories. Of course a ballad makes its appearance in the form of Miracle Machine, this time with strong hints of piano.
The first listen is a tricky one as the old habits are clashing with refreshing ideas. My original thoughts on BTRM were not favorable but after spending more time with it I can safely say this is the best work Blind Guardian in the 21st century, even better than A Night at the Opera.
The Final Note
Expect the same recurring themes, repeated lyrics (‘twilight’ has got to be the most overused term ever by any bands) and a feel of déjà vu for the first few listens. Once you stop focusing on the negatives, the subtleties will slowly surface and reveal one of the most elaborate albums the power metal scene has to offer. Add in the Blind Guardian Kickass Solo™ available in 90% of the tracks and a variety of musical styling’s and you have a record that is doing everything possible to be a crowd-pleaser. That is if you are into metal, of course.
Nuclear Blast was kind enough to make the entire album available on Youtube (embedded below) but do not hesitate to pay your due by purchasing Beyond the Red Mirror on iTunes.
