At The Edge Of Time

Nuclear Blast

For their ninth’s studio release, At the Edge of Time, seminal power metal masters Blind Guardian have once again pulled out all the stops and presented yet another epic tour de force worthy of praise in every aspect. Stellar production and intense orchestral arrangements are prominent points of interest here coupled with sporadic tips of the hat to some of the bands previous efforts, namely Somewhere Far Beyond and A Night At The Opera.  Fans hoping for a return to their thrash and speed metal roots might not embrace this latest installment of the Blind Guardian legacy but for those who fancy the more melodic power metal elements it ranks high in the overall scheme of the bands talents. 

Not surprising in the least is frontman Hansi Kürsch’s penchant to again gather together an inspired collection of stories from various works of fantasy literature and folklore including the first single “A Voice in the Dark” based on George R. R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series, The album opener “Tanelorn (Into the Void)”, based on Michael Moorcock's Eternal Champion series and “Curse My Name” a ballad with strong leanings toward the band’s medieval influences. The song is based on Milton’s The Tenure of Kings and Magistrates. Whoever thought that metal lacked intelligence or culture should take a good look at Blind Guardian. Musically At the Edge of Time boasts a tremendous amount of thunder from beginning to end textured with rich layered melodies, eccentric harmonies and instrumentations of all sorts including the very at home usage of  flutes in “Curse My Name” and the wonderfully arranged “War Of The Thrones” which utilizes piano as its base structuring.

Needless to say, after nearly three decades in the industry, Blind Guardian are still primed and ready to take their fans on the next magnificent journey. Kürsch’s voice is as powerful as ever and combined with the talents of his writing partner André Olbrich they are sure to hold their position as one of the greatest power metal bands in existence today. At the Edge of Time is a brilliant offering and will definitely be one of the most talked about releases of 2010.

-Priest