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BLIND GUARDIAN - At The Edge Of Time

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

9. A Voice in the Dark

10. Wheel of Time

Rating: 7.5 / 10

Playbacksingr Rimi Tomy Pregnant

RHAPSODY OF FIRE - The Cold Embrace Of Fear (A Dark Romantic Symphony)

... Continue the saga of the Dark Secret, colder than ever ...

Name Album: Fear Of The Cold Embrace (A Dark Romantic Symphony)
Label: Nuclear Blast
Release Date: October 19, 2010
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal / Film Score Metal

Introduction:

Another great release of 2010 that I would report and review of this EP is, tagged Rhapsody of Fire. Strong excellent success, even commercial (it arrived around the 30th place in the Italian, and a metal band is no small thing), the latest comeback "Frozen Tears Of The Angels", the Italian band, brimming with ideas Perhaps this time more Florea than ever, it shows a rare gem of class and style, giving an example of their cinematic bombast and Film Score Metal. The Cold Embrace Of Fear Why is this: a single suite of 35 minutes, divided into 7 parts that accompany the continuation of "The Dark Secret Saga", constituting, in effect, the 4th chapter. Electric guitars and the typical speed of their power-speed are overshadowed. There is one thing to say: Those who love the band passionately, unconditionally love the new EP. Who hates it, or simply the accusation of being particularly vulgar and ridiculous, no doubt find fault with this work. The reason is obvious: if the previous and latest album was, however, and undoubtedly, a disc of great symphonic power metal composed and played with controcazzi (as currently around if they feel a few), this new delivery record has every intention of wanting to be a real film translated into music. Here we find many stories and stop and not symphonic metal proper. In short, is a product, probably intended for hardcore fans only, which certainly will enjoy and delight (including myself, and I do not do mystery) in front of this particular work. One last thing to say before track-by-track: the adjective "romantic" of the subtitle, nell'accezione nineteenth-century term, in my opinion goes perfectly with the darkness and atmosphere cold that pervades throughout the entire suite.


Track By Track:

Needless to say, the suite opens with narration and music purely cinematic, with the first of seven acts: "The Pass Of Nair-Kaan" , in which a storm Snow is the scenario that is presented, with the actors-narrators facing an avalanche of snow. Symphonic music increases the tension and takes us in the middle of the situation. The brief second act, "Dark Mystic Vision" , lasting even 2 minutes, traveling along the lines of the first (so why, I wonder, does not make a single act?). Introduced here is a beautiful symphony, the character dark and epic, and the atmosphere begins to heat up seriously. We arrive at the highlight of the EP, which is a song by 15 minutes titled "The Ancient Fires Of Har-Kuun" , the hub of the entire suite. This is a song that alternates between several aspects of the music of the Italian combo (again, but apt) symphonic introduction, aggressive riffs and biting, hints progressive, acoustic verse sung in Italian, bridge and chorus with increasing component operatic-symphonic intermezzo solo As always, quite repetitive, but inevitably engaging (note in this regard, the section of the keyboard and guitar solos on the final). In short, there is everything from Rhapsody Of Fire we can (And you should) wait. They calm the waters and sounds very dark and atmospheric introduce the fourth act, "The Betrayal" . This is an interval of 4 minutes, in which, through stories and symphonies, witnessing first hand the betrayal of Tarish (I prefer not to go over well on the merits of the story, could make this review too long-winded and boring). In short, one of those tracks in a non-fan would rather avoid, and which can not be heard outside the context of a purely narrative. Traditional instruments reproduce any of the other highlights of the disc: the fifth act "Blood Red Snow" . As can be seen from the title, continues the tradition throughout (Must be said) fieramante rhapsodiana to insert each disc into a piece sung in Italian, which does nothing but raise the cube the magical, poetic and epic musical proposal of the group. We are faced with a completely acoustic song, complete with flutes and gentle guitar melodies. These melodies, which often find in the discography of the band, can be commended: they are always well made, very exciting and never dull. In this, the ROF are, without doubt, the masters, and this should be recognized. Returning to the track, this was the only flaw, in my opinion, not being able to "explode" in the final choruses. In short, the refrain is always settles on a discrete level adrenaline, and, where one would expect a refrain final super-orchestral arrangements pumped up over thousands and over on overdubs, the group prefers to remain quietly in the atmosphere of the song. Never mind, because the song seems very interesting and just as sweet. It continues with the "manowarismo" combative and belligerent, the following "Erian's Lost Secrets , and here we return to a pure symphonic epic metal with a huge boom Fabio Lione. The track is a mid-tempo quite obvious in the structure, but it does not matter, because the level of excitement is very high, especially in the refrain bombast! The final takes speed with the main theme of the third. The closure is assigned to another track narrated "The Angels' Dark Revelation" . The task of the final stages it is, inevitably, to Christopher Lee, guest star from time already worked with the group, with its powerful prophetic voice, we start the final chorus, riff on a more epic and majestic.


Techniques and Concluding remarks:

First of all, I would strongly recommend a few things: 1 - listen to the audio in your home, loud, sitting on a couch. Will grasp very well any change atmospheric and moody. It would be pointless to listen to an album of such depth as you took care or while cleaning. 2 - listen to everything from beginning to end, not Skippa the various tracks, as it is a work in which every element is enriched by the other, where every story, every symphony, is closely related to other elements and is an important part to truly appreciate this musical film of 35 minutes. It would, for example, like watching a movie from the middle. That said, what about to close the review? Instead of wasting words on the always excellent technical quality, production, etc., now out of his ears at all, I would like to reiterate that the structure of cinematic-symphonic work, must cope with the real orchestra (as we had got to, instead to appreciate in two previous records, in 2004 and 2006). However, Alex Staropoli able to arrange everything in a superlative, even in the absence of this element, and the sound and emotional impact is equally assured. Another small note is represented by the narratives of demerit: ok, in this work, though plentiful, fit like a glove. But it should be specified that in certain moments, they seem very well kept. They do not seem, in fact, be part of a movie. And let me say that, in a record like this, they are welcome narratives, provided they are also maintained at 100% and not left in the background. All opinions are strictly personal, everyone will have different ideas about it. Nevertheless, in any event, these narratives fail, since the early plays, to make the listener understand the development of various events of this chapter in the saga. Finally, the cover, one of the best of recent times: once by Felipe Machado (as do the previous album), makes it perfectly the idea of \u200b\u200bmusic they want to propose that the ROF. And good guys, another center in your favor. For the benefit of a band that represents everything a fierce pride flag.


Tracklist:

01. Act I - The Pass Of Nair-Kaan
02. Act II - Dark Mystic Vision
03. Act III - The Ancient Fires Of Har-Kuun
04. Act IV - The Betrayal
05. Act V - Blood Red Snow
06. Act VI - Erian's Lost Secrets
07. Act VII - The Angels' Dark Revelation


Rating: 8 / 10