27 B L I N D - G U A R D I A N H I S T O R Y -------------------------------------------- Hello folks! This is Blind Guard of MANITOU typing.Today I want to introduce you the best german "melodic trash metal" band I know. "Blind Guardian" are the following guys: Hansi Kuersch: Vocals, bass Andre Olbrich: Lead, rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals "Magnus" Armin Siepen: Rhythm, acoustic guitars and backing vocals Thomen "The Omen" Stauch: Drums Andre and Hansi founded a band called "Luzifers Hertitage" in the year 1985. Under this name they recorded 2 demos called "Symphonies of Doom" and "Battalions of Fear".Thomen left the band after finishing the first demo, but he came back after a short time. Marcus joined the band in the early 1987. He had nothing to do with the demo-tapes, but he played his first concert under the band name "Luzifers Hertitage". After a short time the band was renamed into "Blind Guardian". The favourite books of the band members are: 27 1. Der Herr der Ringe J.R.R. Tolkien 2. ES Stephen King 3. Die Sage vom Dunklem Turm Stephen King 1.Teil: Schwarz, 2.: Drei, 3.: Tot 4. Die Elric Saga Michael Moorcock 5. Die Hawkmoon (Herzog von Koeln) Saga Michael Moorcock 6. Der kleine Hobbit J.R.R. Tolkien 7. Der Bannsaenger Zyklus Alan Dean Foster 8. Die Nebel von Avalon Marion Zimmer Bradley 9. Der Hauch des Drachem Peter Straub 10. Das Liebesleben der Hyaene Charles Bukowski 72 That were a few lines about the band itself, now I want to write about their albums: I. Battalions of Fear II. Follow the Blind III. Tales from the Twilight World IV. Somewhere far Beyond The first album is "Battalions of Fear" and was recorded in 1987. ------------------ The songs on this album are: 1.Majesty 2.Guardian of the Blind 3.Trial by the Archon 4.Wizards Crown 5.Run for the Night 6.The Martyr 7.Battalions of Fear 8.By the Gates of Moria 9.Gandalfs Rebirth 72 Best songs are: "Majesty", "Guardian of the Blind", "Run for the Night" and "Gandalfs Rebirth". Total Playing time: 39:26 min. The next album is "Follow the Blind" released in 1989. The titles are: 1.Inquisition 2.Banish from Sanctuary 3.Damned for all time 4.Follow the Blind 5.Hall of the King 6.Fast to Madness 7.Beyond the Ice 8.Valhalla 9.Dont break the Circle 10.Barbara Ann The best songs on this album are: "Banish from Sanctuary", "Follow the Blind", "Valhalla". "Barbara Ann" is the cover version of the oldie with the same name. Total playing time is: 43:13 min. 72 The third album named "Tales from the Twilight World" is definitly one of their best.Titles are: 1.Traveler in Time 2.Welcome to Dying 3.Weird Dreams 4.Lord of the Rings 5.Goodbye my Friend 6.Lost in the Twilight Hall 7.Tommyknockers 8.Altair 4 9.The last candle 10.Run for the Night (LIVE!) Best songs are: "Welcome to Dying", "Lord of the Rings", "Goodbye my Friend", "Lost in the Twilight Hall", "Tommyknockers", "The last candle" and "Run for the Night". If you are interested in B.G. now I strongly encourage you to buy this album. It is their best! Total playing time: 44:38 min. The last and newest album called "Somewhere far Beyond" contents the following: 721.Time what is Time 2.Journey through the Dark 3.Black Chamber 4.Theatre of Pain 5.The Quest for Tanelorn 6.Ashes to Ashes 7.The Bards Song - In the Forest 8.The Bards Song - The Hobbit 9.The Pipers Calling 10.Somewhere far Beyond 11.Spread your Wings 12.Trial by Fire 13.Theatre of Pain (Classic Version) Best songs are: "Time what is Time", "Journey through the Dark", "Theatre of Pain", "Somewhere far Beyond" and "Trial by Fire". Playing time: 55:36 min. B.G. will release a new album soon, which will be a live album and is called "Tokyo Tales". It will come out on the 22nd of March 1993! Do you know the metal magacine "Rock Hard"? In the charts is B.G. on the first place since a half year with "Somewhere far Beyond". I hope you liked my article. Signed BLIND GUARD OF MANITOU