Band:	Blind Guardian
Album:	Nightfall In Middle-Earth
Style:	Power metal
Release date:	April 24, 1998
Guest review by:	Storchillarn

01. War Of Wrath
02. Into The Storm
03. Lammoth
04. Nightfall
05. The Minstrel
06. The Curse Of Feanor
07. Captured
08. Blood Tears
09. Mirror Mirror
10. Face The Truth
11. Noldor (Dead Winter Reigns)
12. Battle Of Sudden Flame
13. Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill)
14. The Dark Elf
15. Thorn
16. The Eldar
17. Nom The Wise
18. When Sorrow Sang
19. Out On The Water
20. The Steadfast
21. A Dark Passage
22. Final Chapter (Thus Ends...)
23. Nightfall [orchestral version] [Japanese bonus]
24. A Dark Passage [instrumental version] [Japanese bonus]
25. Harvest Of Sorrow [remastered edition bonus]
26. Doom [remixed and remastered edition bonus] [original lyrics]
27. The Tides Of War [remixed and remastered edition bonus]

Power Metal and fantasy - dragons, magic and short, bearded fellows - have been walking hand in hand almost since the creation of the genre. Blind Guardian has strengthened this connection since their first album. Ten years after their initial release the genre-defining group returns with one of their most ambitious projects ever: a concept album based on the epic "Silmarillion" by J.R.R. Tolkien, one of the bands biggest influences. The result? Have they possibly managed to make something memorable and, most importantly, metal of the literary work? Hang on for the answer.

The sound of "Nightfall in Middle-Earth" is a very orchestrated and polished sound with Hansi's vocals being highly layered. This makes for a very epic sound with almost operatic choruses. I have to admit I was a bit skeptical to begin with but once I got used to it, it fits the music perfectly. I imagine a lot of old-time fans might get turned off by the symphonic sound but for me it was the other way around because this was the album that got me into the band. Despite the symphonic elements the guitars and drums are prominent enough and the guitars are still what drive the songs. If you are solely into the Speed-Metal side of Blind Guardian and Power Metal in general you might have a hard time enjoying this album but it might also be the album that gets you into this distinct subgenre.

The instrumental skills of the band are undoubtedly very high on this album, with incredible melodies, solos and rhythm. The same goes for the song writing. The songs are complex with varied song structures and great build-ups. Most of the songs are followed by an interlude that tells a part of the concept-story with very good voice-acting. Obviously you grow tired of these interludes while just casually listening but they make the concept more understandable. NiME contains some of the band's most classic songs including: "Nightfall", "Mirror Mirror" and "Time Stands Still..." and there aren't any filler material, unless you consider the interludes filler. It is a very even mix of songs; both faster, middle-paced songs and ballad-like songs as well. There is even a piano-driven ballad called "The Eldar" but it doesn't quite offer much of a punch compared to the other songs.

The lyrics all deal with the story of Silmarillion and it is a complex story. It's basically the full background of Middle-Earth, the place where "Lord of the Rings" takes place. I was so fascinated with the story that I had to read the book and I can tell you Blind Guardian have really captured the story with their music (apparently Peter Jackson wanted them to make the music for the "Lord of the Rings" movies). The production of NiME is above average so nothing to complain about there. It really is an original album in so many ways; the concept, the symphonic elements and the folk-music inspired melodies.

To me this should be a milestone in Power Metal with its consistent material, brilliant performance, good production and great lyrics. Every song has something to offer and many are ranked as band classics. This is THE Blind Guardian masterpiece that no Power Metal-fan should leave unnoticed because it is highly possible it will blow your mind!