Tracks
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Blind Guardian’s fascination with Tolkien’s mythology is no secret. The band has explored Middle Earth through a number of releases, dedicating full albums (Somewhere Far Beyond, 1992 and Nightfall in Middle Earth, 2002) to name a few.
It is to the first of those, Somewhere Far Beyond, that this current release links back. The Bard’s Song – In the Forest is part of a two-song story which tells the story of an ancient minstrel recounting adventures form former days. As such it is nothing short of an acoustic gem, which has been re-recorded and boasts a shiny, studio production. Although a remake, it is louder, clearer and Hansi Kursch has taken care to ‘fix’ his pronunciation in what he had, presumably, deemed problematic areas. Auto-tune usage, prominent on post-2000 Blind Guardian releases is present here, too but it is not all that obtrusive and the listener often forgets about it, lost in the music.
And what a tune it is. Ok, it is not quite as homely, authentic, camp-fire like, as the original version but there is no taking-away from the medieval beauty of the melody. Performed in the key of 'Am' and infused with a melancholic, introspective feel, the song features a rhythm-guitar melody, handpicked with Germanic perfection, as well as a subtle lead harmony which accentuates the rises and falls of Kursch’s voice. No bass or drums are featured, nor needed (however, if you are wondering how this beautiful tune might sound with full instrumentation you need to get yourself the original album and listen to The Bard’s Song – The Hobbit. Preferably while holding onto 'Sting' – as in Bilbo’s sword, not the Police former vocalist!)
Also worthy of note are the live versions where the crowd, who knows every word, is left to sing the chorus and various parts of the song. It may sound odd, but remember that Iron Maiden put the audience to great use in numbers such as Heaven Can Wait. This is very much the same, and workers wonders in putting the listener at the centre of a live gig – believe me, it won’t take you long to memorise the lyrics and join in with the crowd.
Lyric-wise, there is a Tolkien-esque feel to the song yet they are also delightfully obscure and can reference any heroic mythos form any given country. It could be taken metaphorically, of course about a person’s travel and experiences through life – which makes us – YOU – the main hero.
If you found the tune pleasant and are wondering where to turn – it depends. Blind Guardian have an eclectic discography and although often branded as ‘power metal’ they are too complex to fit into a niche category like that. Their early stuff, pre-2000 is close to speed, even thrash metal, think Running Wild. They become more polished and almost Queen-like in their complex orchestration in latter, late 2000 releases. Their signature sound, however, remains and once you have listened to an album or two, you will be able to pick them out form any Metal hammer compilation without looking.
Enjoy!
It is to the first of those, Somewhere Far Beyond, that this current release links back. The Bard’s Song – In the Forest is part of a two-song story which tells the story of an ancient minstrel recounting adventures form former days. As such it is nothing short of an acoustic gem, which has been re-recorded and boasts a shiny, studio production. Although a remake, it is louder, clearer and Hansi Kursch has taken care to ‘fix’ his pronunciation in what he had, presumably, deemed problematic areas. Auto-tune usage, prominent on post-2000 Blind Guardian releases is present here, too but it is not all that obtrusive and the listener often forgets about it, lost in the music.
And what a tune it is. Ok, it is not quite as homely, authentic, camp-fire like, as the original version but there is no taking-away from the medieval beauty of the melody. Performed in the key of 'Am' and infused with a melancholic, introspective feel, the song features a rhythm-guitar melody, handpicked with Germanic perfection, as well as a subtle lead harmony which accentuates the rises and falls of Kursch’s voice. No bass or drums are featured, nor needed (however, if you are wondering how this beautiful tune might sound with full instrumentation you need to get yourself the original album and listen to The Bard’s Song – The Hobbit. Preferably while holding onto 'Sting' – as in Bilbo’s sword, not the Police former vocalist!)
Also worthy of note are the live versions where the crowd, who knows every word, is left to sing the chorus and various parts of the song. It may sound odd, but remember that Iron Maiden put the audience to great use in numbers such as Heaven Can Wait. This is very much the same, and workers wonders in putting the listener at the centre of a live gig – believe me, it won’t take you long to memorise the lyrics and join in with the crowd.
Lyric-wise, there is a Tolkien-esque feel to the song yet they are also delightfully obscure and can reference any heroic mythos form any given country. It could be taken metaphorically, of course about a person’s travel and experiences through life – which makes us – YOU – the main hero.
If you found the tune pleasant and are wondering where to turn – it depends. Blind Guardian have an eclectic discography and although often branded as ‘power metal’ they are too complex to fit into a niche category like that. Their early stuff, pre-2000 is close to speed, even thrash metal, think Running Wild. They become more polished and almost Queen-like in their complex orchestration in latter, late 2000 releases. Their signature sound, however, remains and once you have listened to an album or two, you will be able to pick them out form any Metal hammer compilation without looking.
Enjoy!