BLIND GUARDIAN - Battalions Of Fear 12" Vinyl LP Album
- Limited Edition Pressed on Light Blue Vinyl
This album is the limited to 500 light blue LPs with the remixed 2007 / remastered 2018 version of Blind Guardian's debut in gatefold cover
- Limited Edition Pressed on Light Blue Vinyl
This album is the limited to 500 light blue LPs with the remixed 2007 / remastered 2018 version of Blind Guardian's debut in gatefold cover
Blind Guardian's 1988 debut album, "Battalions of Fear," marked the German band's bold entry into the burgeoning speed metal scene. In 2018, Nuclear Blast reissued this iconic album on a limited edition light blue vinyl, giving fans a chance to revisit this early chapter in the band's history with a unique collector's item.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
Released at a time when thrash metal was dominating the metal scene, Blind Guardian's "Battalions of Fear" carved out its own niche within the speed metal subgenre. The album's fast tempos, aggressive riffing, and soaring vocals showcased the band's technical prowess and youthful energy.
While the album drew inspiration from classic heavy metal acts like Judas Priest and Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian also began to incorporate elements of power metal, evident in the epic song structures and fantastical lyrics. This early experimentation with power metal would become a defining characteristic of the band's later work.
Musical Genre
"Battalions of Fear" is a prime example of speed metal, a subgenre of heavy metal characterized by its fast tempos, aggressive riffing, and high-pitched vocals. However, the album also contains hints of the power metal elements that would later become synonymous with Blind Guardian's sound.
Production Team and Recording Studio
The album was produced by Kalle Trapp, a German producer known for his work with other metal bands like Helloween and Gamma Ray. The recording sessions took place at Karo Studios in Brackel, Germany.
Power Metal, Speed Metal
Nuclear Blast – NB 4322-1
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 280 gram
2018 Europe
This 12" LP vinyl music record comes comes in a Fold Open Cover (FOC), which is also also known as a Gatefold cover. The inner pages of this album cover contain artwork by Filipe Machado and
Also included is a lyrics insert with lyrics of all the songs and production details.
Kalle Trap - Producer
Kalle Trapp: The Music Producer Who Shaped a Generation – Discover His Story!"
Charlie Bauerfeind - Sound Engineer
Darcy Proper - Sound Mastering Engineer
Holger Schreiber - Sound Engineer
Karo Musikstudio
Detlef Van Waay - Album Artwork
Felipe Machado - Album Artwork
Charly Rinne - Photography
Charly Rinne is a prominent figure in the world of German heavy metal as a producer, photographer, and former Chief Editor of the esteemed magazine "Metal Hammer" and founder of the "No Remorse" record company. Read Charly's Story
The cover art of Blind Guardian's debut album Battalions of Fear. The artwork is a vibrant and intense fantasy illustration that showcases two large, ghostly hooded figures with shadowed faces, emerging from a dark void, reaching towards a battlefield below. The center of the composition features a menacing blue and orange monstrous face with piercing eyes that dominates the background. In the foreground, muscular, warrior-like figures are engaged in combat or fleeing from an imposing, blue-armored figure standing on a chessboard-like platform.
Note: The images on this page are photos of the actual album. Slight differences in color may exist due to the use of the camera's flash. Images can be zoomed in/out ( eg pinch with your fingers on a tablet or smartphone )
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band that formed in 1984. Known for their intricate and symphonic approach to heavy metal music, the band has become one of the most influential and respected groups in the genre. With their unique sound, powerful lyrics, and innovative approach to songwriting, Blind Guardian has left a lasting impact on the world of heavy metal music.
Blind Guardian's sound is characterized by complex musical arrangements that often feature multiple vocal and instrumental layers. The band's music is heavily influenced by classical music and fantasy literature, and their lyrics often deal with epic themes like mythology, folklore, and fantasy. This combination of intricate musical arrangements and powerful lyrics has helped to set Blind Guardian apart from other power metal bands, and has made them one of the most respected groups in the genre.
One of the key elements of Blind Guardian's sound is the powerful vocals of lead singer Hansi Kürsch. Kürsch is known for his powerful and soaring vocal range, and his unique singing style has become one of the defining features of the band's sound. The band's intricate musical arrangements are often centered around Kürsch's vocals, and his powerful voice serves as the centerpiece of many of their songs.
Blind Guardian's music is also characterized by the use of multiple vocal harmonies, and the band is known for their intricate vocal arrangements. The band often uses multiple vocalists to sing different parts of the same song, and this helps to create a rich and complex sound that is unlike anything else in the heavy metal genre. In addition to the vocal harmonies, Blind Guardian also uses a variety of instrumental elements, including keyboards, orchestras, and choirs, to create a rich and epic soundscape that is both powerful and memorable.
One of the defining features of Blind Guardian's music is the band's innovative approach to songwriting. The band is known for their complex and intricate arrangements, and they often take a symphonic approach to their music, incorporating elements of classical music into their songs. This has helped to set Blind Guardian apart from other power metal bands, and has made them one of the most respected groups in the genre.
Nuclear Blast – NB 4322-1 , 2018 , Europe
Blind Guardian's 1988 debut, "Battalions of Fear," now on limited-edition light blue vinyl, is a speed metal time capsule. Before elves and epic tales, this was raw, youthful fury. Production may be rough, but the energy is undeniable. Hansi Kürsch's vocals soar over galloping riffs, hinting at the power metal
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NRR No Remorse Records NR 1005 , 1989 , Germany
In 1989, Blind Guardian unleashed "Follow the Blind," a pivotal album in their career. Marking a heavier turn towards speed metal, this record solidified their presence in the German heavy metal scene while hinting at the epic power metal sound they'd later become known for.
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No Remorse Records – NRR 1014 , 1990 , Germany
Blind Guardian's 1990 "Tales from the Twilight World" marked a turning point, showcasing their evolving power metal sound. Blending intricate arrangements, literary themes, and mythological narratives, the album solidified their status as genre pioneers.
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