Whew, it's been a long week-plus.I just returned from a business trip to Orlando. Prior to that I was banging out yet another high school football story for a local newspaper (yes, it's fall again). As a result, my blogging has suffered.
Still, there's one bright spot to report: I've since picked up the latest Blind Guardian album, At the Edge of Time, and actually found some time to listen. So far I like what I've heard. Not their best, but there's some good, strong songs on here. Better yet, I'm going to see Blind Guardian live for the first time this November 21!
Anyways, you can pop on over to Black Gate to read the rest. For regular readers I apologize in advance; the post is half recycled material, but my thoughts on At the Edge of Time start about halfway down.
Yeah I like Blind Guardian alright.. maybe not as much as Maiden and Priest though.. and especially not as much as Zeppelin and Sabbath.. really my only problem with so many of these groups who do fantasy oriented music.. its so hard to find.
ReplyDeleteEven in a town like Athens, with three independent record stores that I know of.. if I want most of that stuff I've got to order it.
But I'll listen to almost any power metal so long as I can understand the lyrics.. I can't stand anything thats done with screaming or growling.. blech.
I see BG is coming to Atlanta on December 19th, which is unfortunately a sunday.. so I doubt I'll be able to go to it.. seems good bands are always on sundays or during the week when they come to Atlanta. Never on saturday..
I haven't been able to make it to a good live show in a couple years-you enjoy yourself Brian.
ReplyDeleteno kidding, I actually had tickets to one show for last year, and wound up not being able to go. I honestly dunno how some people manage it.. sure I could go to melting point or one of those "alternative" clubs that REM used to play at before they got famous.. and still occasionally play at.. could go to them every day of the week.
ReplyDeletebut I just don't care about that kind of music.. I of course missed seeing Smashing Pumpkins when they came to Athens.. after canceling a show in Atlanta. bummer.
I have been a BG fan since I was 14 or so, and tonight I will see them live for the first time (here in Germany)! I don't know their newer stuff, but I am really curious how th show will be.
ReplyDeleteThey will be supported by a new metal band - Van Canto. They do Metal a capella, together with a drum. I really like it, so check it out:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6F9aJuHJE80
Hey, these guys aren't bad!
ReplyDeleteSomehow I always suspect the Spinal Tap element will take over. But no! I like the sound, and I definitely like the lyrics...
Ofcourse, my favorite album is Imaginations from the Other Side. But who can resist it? Every track is a hit!
ReplyDeleteAt the Edge of Time by far has the best production value of any Blind Guardian album. And I think it's overall much more aggressive and interesting than A Twist in the Myth. But I also blame that on ATitM being the first album with drummer Ehmke.
I think this new one is absolutely incredible. I wish they'd come to Ohio.
Lagomorph: I was able to get the new BG album at Newbury Comics... I'm not even sure if that is a national or regional chain. I agree about the lyrics--that's the overriding factor in me liking a band. I have to enjoy the singer or no amount of fine musicianship will win me over.
ReplyDeleteDavid: Thanks! This will actually be the third concert I've seen this year. Typically if I get to 1 or 2 I'm in luck.
Mr. Castle: I'd say to please post a quick review here, but I'm still on the fence as to whether I want to be spoiled by the setlist. I kind of like not knowing what they'll play until the moment I hear it. As long as they play The Lord of the Rings... and The Bard's Song... and Mordred's Song... and Imaginations from the Other Side... I could go on and on. I'll check the link.
Eric: I know, at first I was waiting for the other shoe to drop, a mini Stonehenge to come down on stage. But it never happens. These guys are earnest and deadly serious about their music.
Mr. Gone: I feel for you man, I just missed Iron Maiden this year. They skipped Massachusetts and New Hampshire for some reason.
Brian,
ReplyDeleteI have this CD on order, but haven't recieved it yet. I saw these guys a few years ago (with Symphony X opening, no less). Great show.
Man, you love you some BG, dontcha Brian? Not that I'm complaining, of course.
ReplyDeleteBG are one of those bands I really want to see live at some point, but I rarely, if ever, get the opportunity.
(scurries off to do a post on Grave Digger)