FOLLOW THE BLIND

Blind Guardian's second album continues in much the same vein as the first, with a guest appearance from Helloween veteran Kai Hansen underlining their position at the heart of the European power metal and speed metal scenes. Still thrashier and angrier than the sound they'd develop later in their career, the band prove the diverse range of their abilities by rounding the album off with a cover of NWOBHM standard Don't Break the Circle (originally by Demon) as well as showing their sense of humour with a thrashed-up cover of the surf rock classic Barbara Ann. On balance, there isn't a whole lot of musical development shown over the debut album, but aside from that this is another enjoyable disc.