The return of the Bards, punctual as the German Swiss watch ... ..
Name Album: At The Edge Of Time
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: July 30, 2010
Genre: Epic Power Metal
Introduction:
Summer 2010, from hardcore metalheads will undoubtedly be remembered for the release of new album on the market of the world's most famous bard. There they go, on time, after the (long now) usual four years to break record with this new fresh disk and definitely good and interesting. What can you say about the greatest band, along with fellow countrymen Helloween, power metal scene of the entire European and world? We can say that, from the now distant 1988, album after album managed to churn out the work more interesting, without ever falling into redundant classic style and abuse of power metal, but going instead to always seek to introduce new elements their sound, to make it very special and certainly unique. And the same can be done to the new At The Edge Of Time. Stepping back, back to 2006: the year in which he emerged "A Twist in The Myth." A good album, in which the rhythms were basically slowed down to go to focus on a more sound related to testing and arranging. 4 years later, the Bardi of Krefeld seem to want to do, in terms of songwriting, a step back, and, paradoxically, they also do a forward, as this is what the fans, actually, wait time: sounds are more scratching, some traces back to be voted on at a speed power-hungry old-school, and also in terms of lyrical back to old roots. If, in fact, from that discussed (but definitely amazing) A Night At The Opera in 2002, subjects were moved to the deeper issues and intellectuals such as the epic, philosophy or religion, now the main themes return in touch mostly literature and the fantasy world, so dear to the German group (who, for example, can not remember their masterpiece album, Nightfall in Middle-Earth?). This can be seen, even giving him a fleeting look at the evocative images, drawn in the booklet and the cover (beautiful artwork by Felipe Machado). Another touch of class, which certainly gives an aura to the masterful music of the bards, is the use of the orchestra in Prague 2 suites, surely among the most remarkable and representative traces of the disk. We continue, therefore, with what it is, and must be, the argument supporting the review: the evergreen music of Blind Guardian.
Track By Track:
Bards already decided to surprise the big opening placed in one of their best songs and definitely the best of the entire disc. A song like Sacred Worlds ", born on the soundtrack of the game Sacred 2, and then very well adapted and enriched. It opens with an unexpected opening symphony, played by the orchestra of Prague. The tension is getting higher, and a rush of emotions you feel so inspired again Blind Guardian and appealing. Riff carrying the song explodes, always accompanied by an epic symphony. The suite extends to over 9 minutes long, alternating between aggressive parts, symphonic solos (as always, not particularly fast, but traveling on the coordinates are always fresh and delightful melody) and slow down other parts, all depending on the superlative refrain. Pure art for the ears! The journey continues with "Tanelorn (Into The Void)" , and is a reference to the past of the band, made up of double bass, high speeds, aggressive verses and a lot of melody. This track, then, is no exception and does not disappoint. From the time they did not feel so angry Blind Guardian! The track runs over coordinates power-thrash, almost repetitive in certain situations, but we also consider the chorus to slow down the pace and raise the position of the melodic song. "Road Of No Release" is a successful mid-tempo, in which peeps a shy piano (an element used in this album than in the past of the band). Changes mood of the song and its good arrangement, without doubt within the voice (with the usual chants of "the Blind"), allow you to enjoy this sweet song is particularly innovative, and full of pathos nell'azzacatissimo chorus. We return to press the accelerator to the next weak link in the chain. In fact, we are faced with what, for myself, is the least convincing performance of the album: "Ride Into Obsession" . Even this passage refers to the past, but after several listens, it still fails to fully convince; aided by a rhythm section too tight and strong (even the repeats), a battery too mechanical, and in general a feeling of repetition and "heard" that the song lacks the impact that right should be given. Even the best can make mistakes sometimes. Fortunately, we think the next "Curse My Name" to cheer the hearts of many fans of the band, around the world. This is the usual sound-track medievaleggiante in every album, from Tales From The Twilight World. Rich means atypical for a metal band, continues to secure and graceful melodies worthy bill. Perhaps, it adds nothing new to the discography of the bards, but you can listen with immense pleasure. The second part of the hard part so fluctuating with "Valkyries" , a piece of alternating dark moments with moments more airy. With this song, the Blind is reapplied to the experimentation, we have heard in previous record, so the pace slows down in favor of greater sophistication in the arrangement. However, this track fails to take off as expected, representing another (unfortunately) weak point of the album. From then on, the road is all downhill. In fact, the continuation is assigned to one of the best tracks on the disc, the following "The Divine Control" , mid-tempo ride very strong, with some solutions really melodic and choral hit, accompanied by an atmosphere quite dark and full of emotion. In contradiction to this darkness that pervades much of the disc comes "War Of The Thrones" , piano and acoustic ballad very special and very successful. Shall, however, the refrain riff and a very "happy" and airy melodies, which, we repeat, is posting a bit 'general atmosphere of the disc. Despite that, taken individually, is a song very enjoyable and interesting. The next "A Voice In The Dark" , chosen as lead single of the album, is literally a blow in the teeth! As well as another decisive return to the past (this time fully successful) attacks with one of the most aggressive riffs and pungent history of Blind Guardian, and is continuing to track Thrash Power-up to the beautiful chorus that explodes and crashes straight into your head, not to leave it. Among omnipresent double bass, precise guitar solos, voice hoarse and scratchy, then we see another high point of the work. The closure is entrusted to another of the 9-minute orchestral suite life: the stunning "Wheel Of Time" . Many parts are assigned to the oriental melodies, which alternate with epic and majestic moments (like the pompous refrain), and others simply orchestra. Although, in my opinion, slightly less than the initial "Sacred Worlds" is still a very successful suite, satisfying and perfect as a few to round off this good return of Hansi and associates. Two words on the second disc on the limited edition: contains some tracks from the demo version and an instrumental version of a cover-orchestral "Wheel Of Time." Well turns out to be pretty useless and uninteresting.
Techniques and Concluding remarks:
From a purely technical point of view, sound, sounds, compared to the previous album, are much better. Equalization are set to appear taller and more biting and adrenaline. The technique of the musicians is excellent as always and as you would expect from a great metal band worthy of that label. Mention of honor for Hans, who, with his voice hoarse, sometimes dirty, sometimes clean and sweet, it is an undeniable trademark for this band still offers excellent performance both in the vocal range that interpretation. Too bad that this is only on disk, while his live performances are, unfortunately, less. Finally, the guitar solos, as already stated, do not enjoy very high speeds particularly complex or technical, but they are, as usual, sophisticated and very interesting. That said, let's consider lastly At The Edge Of Time. Overall it is a work good and inspired, you can not say otherwise. However, some weak episodes here and there, some solution too repetitive or poorly developed, means that the general attention by the listener, fails to be maintained throughout the course of the work. It 's a pity, because, on the other hand, this album contains some of the most successful episodes in the career of the bards. From huge fan of Blind Guardian, is a pain for me to write these lines, but, unfortunately, is a feeling which I find even now, riascoltanto (for the umpteenth time) this album. However nothing irreparable, because the disk, as already stated, it is still good and worth listening, with compositions that other groups would be able to remotely power metal type. So, welcome back Blind, and who knows one of the usual four years of recording silence, do not be a way to crank out a new masterpiece, as it were Imaginations and Nightfall. Anything is possible, when speaking of the best.
Tracklist:
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Tanelorn (Into the Void)
3. Road of No Release
4. Ride Into Obsession
5. Curse My Name
6. Valkyries
7. Control the Divine
8. War of the Thrones
10. Wheel of Time
Rating: 7.5 / 10
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