BLIND GUARDIAN — Battalions of Fear (review)

BLIND GUARDIAN — Battalions of Fear album cover Album · 1988 · Speed Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
1967/ 1976
"Battalions Of Fear" is the debut album of Teutonic Speed Symphonic Power Metal wizards Blind Guardian, one of my preferred Classic Metal bands. This debut album is a typical 80's Metal album: poor production and sound mix, great songs, great mentality.

The first song is one of Blind Guardian evergreen: "Majesty". This song is one of the definitive Power Metal songs: power, technique, mix of various genres, feelings in first plan. The correct genre of "Majesty" is Speed melodic Power Metal. As millions of Speed Power Metal songs the neoclassical soli and chorus are the best moments. But this song is a real masterpiece in all moments. "Guardian Of The Blind" is an imitation of US Power Speed Metal and nothing more. "Trial By Archon" and "Wizard's Crown" are a double track. "Trial By The Archon" is the intro of "Wizard's Crown", an enthralling track, a perfect example of European way of Power Metal with great chorus. "Run For The Night", as the title indicates, is an interesting example of Speed Power Metal with an interesting chorus. "The Martyr" is a typical Blind Guardian Symphonic Speed Power Metal with Prog elements. "Battalions Of Fear" is similar at "The Martyr" but present more Symphonic arrangements and a great operatic chorus and a symphonic solo. "By The Gates Of Moria" is a sort of instrumental mini suite with Speed and Symphonic parts that close the original album. "Gandalf's Rebirth" is the CD bonus-track added in 1991 by Virgin and it is a Proto Symphonic Prog Metal song with neoclassical guitar riff.

Certainly "Battalions Of Fear" is only a good debut album. But if good only mean good... Worth listening to an album of this general level.
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Time Signature wrote:
more than 2 years ago
Funny you should review this album now.... I bought this album the other day. While a fan of Blind Guardian, I've never actually heard this album before.

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