This is the genuine first release of "Tales From The Twilight World" by the German Power Metal band: "Blind Guardian"
"Tales from the Twilight World" is the third official full-length album by the German Power metal band "Blind Guardian". One of the guest musicians is "Kai Hansen" from the bands "Helloween" and "Gamma Ray". "Pieter Sielck" also from "Helloween" has been assistent sound engineer and did some of the backing vocals.
Released in 1990, "Tales from the Twilight World" marked a turning point for Blind Guardian, solidifying their place as pioneers of the power metal genre. This third studio album showcased a band maturing in their sound, transitioning from their speed metal roots to a more complex and layered approach, rich with fantasy themes and intricate song structures.
Historical Context and Musical Exploration
The early 90s saw the power metal genre burgeoning, with bands experimenting and pushing boundaries. Blind Guardian was at the forefront of this movement, embracing a unique blend of literary inspirations, mythological narratives, and progressive musical elements. "Tales from the Twilight World" was a culmination of their evolving sound, showcasing a band unafraid to experiment while maintaining their core power metal identity.
Genre and Musical Style
While firmly rooted in power metal, "Tales from the Twilight World" delved into a wider range of influences. The album featured intricate guitar harmonies, soaring vocals, and complex song arrangements, often incorporating elements of progressive rock and classical music. This eclectic approach set them apart from their contemporaries, contributing to the album's enduring appeal.
Production Team and Recording Studio
"Tales from the Twilight World" was recorded at Karo Musikstudio in Brackel, Germany. The production team consisted of Kalle Trapp, who also served as the engineer and mixer, and Piet Sielck, who provided additional engineering and mixing. The album also featured guest appearances by Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, ex-Helloween) on vocals and lead guitar, adding another layer of complexity and intrigue to the album's sound.
Legacy and Influence
"Tales from the Twilight World" remains a landmark album in power metal, showcasing Blind Guardian's willingness to experiment and push boundaries. It inspired countless bands and continues to be celebrated for its unique blend of fantasy, mythology, and complex musical arrangements. While it may have sparked some debate upon its release, its enduring popularity is a testament to its lasting impact on the genre.
Power Metal
No Remorse Records – NRR 1014
Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram
1990 Made in Germany for European Distribution
How does the album back cover be different from other versions
Record label information:
Kalle Trapp - Producer
Kalle Trapp: The Music Producer Who Shaped a Generation – Discover His Story!"
Charly Rinne - Executive Producer
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
Kalle Trapp - Sound Engineer
Pieter Sielck - Sound Engineer and Guest Musician
Piet Sielck a Power Metal guitarist from Hamburg, Germany. Together with "Kai Hansen" he formed in 1978 the band "Gentry" and left this band which was renamed into "Helloween" during 1982. Sielck has been guest performer in numerous other bands including "Blind Guardian", "Gamma Ray", "Grave Digger" and many others.
Karo Musikstudio, Münster, Germany
Andreas Marschall - Cover painting and concept.
Andreas Marschall is a renowned German album cover illustrator and graphic artist, widely recognized for his exceptional contributions to the world of Hard Rock and Heavy Metal. Read all about Andreas
Buffo - Painting of the Innersleeve
Uwe "Buffo" Schnädelbach a German Photographer, Editor and Band manager (Tankard). During the 1980s he has photographed a dozen of Heavy Metal bands.
Explore Kai Hansen's metal legacy, from his groundbreaking work in Helloween to his reign in Gamma Ray. Witness the birth of power metal, iconic albums, and the enduring impact of this metal maestro.
Kalle Trapp: The Music Producer Who Shaped a Generation – Discover His Story!"
Blind Guardian's album "Tales from the Twilight World"". The artwork portrays a dark, fantasy-inspired scene set in an ancient, torch-lit stone chamber filled with mythical creatures and eerie figures. In the foreground, a cloaked figure sits solemnly on a stone throne with a monstrous, animal-like statue beside them. In the background, various sinister characters gather around a blazing fire, casting shadows on the walls adorned with carved figures and relics. The scene exudes a medieval, mystical atmosphere, fitting Blind Guardian's fantasy themes. A scroll at the bottom reads, "Tales from the Twilight World."
- Blind Guardian: The Early Power Metal Legacy (1988-1990)
Blind Guardian is a pioneering German power metal band formed in 1984 in Krefeld, West Germany. Originally called "Lucifer’s Heritage2, the band gained recognition for blending speed metal intensity with symphonic and fantasy-inspired elements. Their lyrics often draw from mythology, folklore, and classic literature, and their music is known for its intricate arrangements, vocal harmonies, and Hansi Kürsch’s powerful vocals.
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.
Learn more