THE FORGOTTEN TALES

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Am very happy to have Blind Guardian featured at this site because as far as I know, some of their albums were truly "prog" albums. My first attempt with the band was through a "provocation" by metal friend, Hengky, who consistently insisted me to give a try with the band's "A Night at The Opera" album. But I found "Nightfall in Middle Earth" album first in the format of cassette produced by PT Aquarius Musikindo (Indonesian label). Yeah! I fully agree with Hengky my friend because this band has something unique with their music and the album has become one of my all-time favorites. It's not because of the "Lord of The Rings" thing but it's more on the unique music these gentlemen in Blind Guardian deliver their music.

"Forgotten Tales" comprises tracks which previously unreleased and it also features cover version of Uriah Heep's "The Wizard" and Queen's "Spread Your Wings". Even though this is not the best album from the band but I do enjoy this one for couple of reasons. First, because I like the music delivered by Blind Guardian. The vocal line by Hansi Kürsch is quite unique - he sings in an operatic style with deep and sometime high register notes backed with a stream of choirs which sometimes remind me to Gentle Giant's choir. Second, it contains excellent interpretation of legend's song like "The Wizard" and "Spread Your Wings" and other cover version. Third, I like the cover artwork of faceless human being (?) which reminds me to the figure of Naszgul from the Lord of The Rings movie.

Overall, this is a very good compilation of good songs that I believe will not dissatisfy you especially if you like power metal music. My best recommendation is for you to start with "Nightfall in Middle Earth" album first because it's a concept album and it's a masterpiece. Just in case you see this CD at local store, grab it! Anyway ... keep on proggin' ..!

Of course .. I will review their albums .... all ....

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW

The Forgotten Tales is a compilation album by German power metal/ symphonic metal ( often refered to as Teutonic metal) act Blind Guardian. The album was released on the 18th of April 1996. The original release had 13 tracks but the album was Remastered and re-released on the 15th of June 2007 with 3 bonus tracks and 2 bonus videos.

The songs come from different recording sessions and therefore the sound on the different songs vary a bit. You have songs produced by three different producers ( Flemming Rasmussen, Kalle Trapp and Piet Sielck) in addition to the songs the band have produced themselves. The difference in sound is very limited though and certainly not a problem. There are both cover songs of The Beach Boys, The Chordettes, Uriah Heep, Queen, The Regents, Little Richard and Mike Oldfield in addition to re-recorded acoustic and orchestral versions of Blind Guardian tracks. It should be noted that there´s not much metal on this album even though it´s still obvious that Blind Guardian is a metal band. The songs are taken from different single releases and some have appeared as bonus tracks on CD re-releases of the early albums by the band. I´m not sure how many that are exclusive to this compilation but my guess is not many.

The re-arranged/ re-recorded versions of songs like Bright Eyes, Black Chamber, A Past and Future Secret and the instrumental orchestral version of Theatre of Pain are all very succesful to my ears and the live version of Mordred´s Song is also very enjoyable with the audience singing with Hansi Kürsch. The cover songs are all very enjoyable too and it always bring a smile to my face to hear the ending of Surfin´ USA played in speed metal/ power metal mode. It´s actually quite tasteless but sooo enjoyable anyway. The Mike Oldfield song To France also brings joy IMO.

I´m usually a bit indiffent towards cover songs but in this case I actually found lots to enjoy and it´s more evidence of how talented Blind Guardian really is. Their re-arrangements of their own songs are also quite clever and deserves recognition. The Forgotten Tales is of course mostly an album for the fans but a 3.5 star rating is well deserved.