It's funny how all those metal bands are somehow connected. Some names just keep popping up with several bands. Remember Kai Hansen from my last blog article? Vocalist of Helloween till 1988? Well, he is also present on Blind Guardian's second studio album Follow the Blind, joining vocalist Hansi Kürsch on THE iconic Blind Guardian song Valhalla. This song is literally drifing me crazy, it's been stuck in my head for days now. Sudden erruptions of "VALHAAAALLA" from various family members included. Without further ado - just listen to this song. Vocals by Hansi Kürsch and Kai Hansen.
Blind Guardian has been one the biggest power metal bands to this day. Founded 1984 in Krefeld under the name Lucifer's Heritage by Hansi Kürsch (vocals and bass) and André Olbrich (lead guitar), the band changed their name to Blind Guardian in 1988 before releasing their first studio album Battalions of Fear. Rhythm guitarist Marcus Siepen joined the band in 1987 and has been a member since then. Thomas Stauch has been Blind Guardian's drummer from 1984 - 2005. Apart from Kürsch, Olbrich, Siepen and Stauch Blind Guardian has later worked with various session musicians on keyboards and for backing vocals but for their first two albums they've stuck to the basics.
Blind Guardian has released 11 studio albums so far. Musically they started as a speed metal band and their first two albums Battalions of Fear (1988) and Follow the Blind (1989) have been very influenced by Helloween (known for their speed) and Iron Maiden but also thrash bands like Metallica, Testament or Forbidden. With their third album Blind Guardian started to lean more into power metal, but this is for another article altogether.
Blind Guardian is a special band for me because they are the only metal band I've actually owned a CD of. Nightfall in Middle-Earth was my treasure back in 2001. Those who know me might remember that I am a total LOTR nerd and of course this album was a must-have. The Tolkien-influenced lyrics have been present right from the start though. Blind Guardian are known for their fantasy-themed lyrics and have been nicknamed "The Bards" by their fanbase. Songs are inspired by Tolkien, Steven King and all kinds of legends and myths.
I've been listening to Battalions of Fear and Follow the Blind from end to end several times by now and I enjoy both albums immensely. Even more than the later power metal releases with the keyboards and choirs and overdubs. The songs are fast and driven, the drums are insane and nevertheless the songs invite to sing-along and stay in your head. Hansi's voice is still gruffer on those two releases and brings a certain aggression into the songs. I've added both albums in the 2007 remastered version to my list of best albums as those versions also include the first demos from the Lucifer's Heritage era. Make sure to listen to them, it is worth it.
Critics of Blind Guardian's early two albums say they are not yet refined, borrowing riffs and hooks from other bands, repetitive and unimaginative. This might be true but nevertheless for me they are great albums because they are so fun to listen to. I had no problems to sit down and listen to one album without being bored. You have the speed of thrash and the NWOBHM that keeps your heart pounding but also melodies that make you sing along and keep the songs in you head for days. Blind Guardian are playing for their audience and audience participation is big for them. So here are the live versions from Battalions of Fear and Follow the Blind that are still on the band's setlist today. I hope you enjoy them as I did.