BLIND GUARDIAN — A Night at the Opera (review)

BLIND GUARDIAN — A Night at the Opera album cover Album · 2002 · Power Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
5/5 ·
Conor Fynes
'A Night At The Opera' - Blind Guardian (10/10)

Even if the only reason to buy this album was the fourteen minute epic 'And Then There Was Silence,' this album would still be well worth buying and score at least four stars, based on the sheer brilliance of that track alone. 'And Then There Was Silence' is quite simply one of the greatest pieces of music composed in modern times; no exageration. Over the course of a quarter-hour, a sort of mini- opera unfolds, with orchestral arrangements, melodic counterpoints, highly overdubbed 'choir' vocals and all. It is a true masterpiece not only of metal, not only of prog but in the realm of modern day music. To any that thought of Blind Guardian as sword toting Dungeons and Dragons players, this song alone should stand as a credit to their genius as an amazing band.

...And what about the rest of the album?

I may have said that even if the rest of the album was bad, this would still be a decent release. However, the real beauty in this album is that every song is fantastic! There are tightly composed tracks throughout, and no filler moments to speak of. Each moment and song brings a new, epic thrill and beautiful vocal harmony.

Each song on this album tells a story of some sort, and compared to their earlier high fantasy influenced works, this is much more lyrically mature and tasteful. Not to say that the concept of 'Nightfall In Middle- Earth' was stupid or anything, but this is a sharp improvement.

One of my favourite albums of all time, and Blind Guardian's magnum opus. A testament to musical complexity, class and musical virtuosity without pomposity.

A truly epic masterpiece.
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