A Twist in the Myth is the first full-length release
for Germany's power metal stalwarts Blind Guardian on Nuclear
Blast Records. This album also marks the band’s first
without longtime drummer Thomen Stauch. The challenge of filling
his shoes goes to Fredrik Ehmke. Having received a small taste
of the new material with the "Fly" single released in April,
expectations are high for one of the world's leading power
metal bands.
The modernized "Fly" and the Celtic-influenced ballad "Skalds
& Shadows" both reappear on A Twist in the Myth.
What's left are nine songs of all new material, once again
containing all of Blind Guardian's trademarks: Dungeons &
Dragons lyrics, multi-layered harmonies and experimentation
like no other metal band is willing to try. "This Will Never
End" opens with Hansi Kursch's vocals sounding like a medieval
chorus 100 strong. "Otherland" and "Turn the Page" follow
with a similar formula, with lead guitars by Andre Olbrich
prominent on the latter.
Blind Guardian's music, whether meant to be enchanting or
dark and evil, always comes across as uplifting and energizing.
This is evident on "Fly,” which serves as the album’s
centerpiece. "Carry The Blessed Home" is a power ballad the
album could have done without. "Another Stranger Me" is a
strong ‘80s-inspired metal anthem with a shout-along
chorus. "Straight through the Mirror" contains a majestic
lead guitar riff and classic Blind Guardian lyrics dealing
with magic and mystery. "Lionheart" is a straightforward rocker,
while the thunderous percussion of "The Edge" makes it the
heaviest and most up-tempo on the album. "The New Order" closes
the disc and features outstanding guitar work. Majestic, epic
and imaginative, Blind Guardian is in a world of its own when
it comes to musicianship, arrangements and overall style.
Like any power metal band, Blind Guardian's over-the-top style
and wild imagination may be too much for some. A Twist
in the Myth might not win them any new fans, but it is
a solid, if not spectacular, debut for Nuclear Blast. The
"Fly" single may have set expectations too high. But A
Twist in the Myth will keep longtime fans and effectively
demonstrates why Blind Guardian is the world's premiere power
metal band. |
