BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World 12" Vinyl LP Album

- Genuine first release of "Tales From The Twilight World" by the German Power Metal band: "Blind Guardian"

Blind Guardian's 'Tales from the Twilight World' album cover: a dark, medieval chamber where a hooded figure sits on a throne beside a monstrous statue. Around a fire, sinister characters—dwarves, orcs, and a wizard—gather, surrounded by relics, skulls, and ancient carvings

"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.

Blind Guardian's "Tales from the Twilight World": A Defining Moment in Power Metal
Album Description:

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.

Essentials of: BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World
Music Genre:

Power Metal

Label & Catalognr:

No Remorse Records – NRR 1014

Media Format:

Record Format: 12" Vinyl Stereo Gramophone Record
Total Album (Cover+Record) weight: 230 gram  

Year & Country:

1990 Made in Germany for European Distribution

Album Collector Details

Album Back Cover

How does the album back cover be different from other versions

  • There is NO barcode on the album back cover
  • The catalognr is printed in the upper right corner of the album's back cover.
  • The catalognr on the album back cover is "NRR 1014", on the record's label the catalognr is "210 783"
Inserts or Posters
This album comes with custom inner sleeves with onone side a large photo of the "Blind Guardian" band-members and lyrics of all the songs on the other side
Record Label

Record label information:

  • The record label has a black background colour with silver lettering
  • The label code "LC 7467" is printed near 3'o clock on the label
  • On the left hand side near 9'o clock are the right societies "GEMA", "STEMRA" and "BIEM"
  • Below the right societies is the text "Made in West Germany"
  • The catalognr on the record's label is "210 783"
  • The rim-text runs from 9'o clock to 3'o clock and is printed in English
Production & Recording Information
Producers:

Kalle Trapp - Producer

Kalle Trapp, a legendary German producer and musician, revolutionized heavy metal production with his iconic Karo Studio. Renowned for shaping the sound of Blind Guardian, Destruction, Iron Angel, and many more, his innovative engineering techniques defined the power and aggression of 80s & 90s European metal. Discover more about his groundbreaking work at Kalle Trapp’s Biography.

Charly Rinne - Executive Producer

Charly Rinne, a pivotal figure in German heavy metal, shaped the scene as Metal Hammer’s first Chief Editor and the founder of No Remorse Records. His work as a producer and photographer defined the look and sound of bands like Scorpions, Helloween, and Kreator, creating legendary album covers and editorial influence. Read Charly's Story

Sound & Recording Engineers:

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.

Recording Location:

Karo Musikstudio, Münster, Germany

Album Cover Design & Artwork:

Andreas Marschall - Cover painting and concept.

Andreas Marschall, a master of metal album cover art, shaped the visual identity of bands like Blind Guardian, Sodom, and Destruction with his dark, intricate illustrations. His signature style blends haunting fantasy with raw intensity, making his artwork an essential part of 80s and 90s metal culture. 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.

Musicians:
Guest Musicians:
  • Kai Hansen
    Kai Hansen, the pioneering guitarist and vocalist, is a founding member of Helloween and the mastermind behind Gamma Ray. His electrifying riffs and songwriting on Walls of Jericho and Keeper of the Seven Keys helped shape the power metal genre. A true innovator, his legacy spans decades of influential music. Discover his journey in Kai Hansen’s Biography.
  • Kalle Trapp
    Kalle Trapp, a legendary German producer and musician, revolutionized heavy metal production with his iconic Karo Studio. Renowned for shaping the sound of Blind Guardian, Destruction, Iron Angel, and many more, his innovative engineering techniques defined the power and aggression of 80s & 90s European metal. Discover more about his groundbreaking work at Kalle Trapp’s Biography.
  • Rolfi Köhler
  • Hacky Hackmann
  • Mathias Wiesner
  • Piet Sielck
Tracklisting Side One:
  1. Traveler In Time 5:59
  2. Welcome To Dying 4:47
  3. Weird Dreams 1:19
  4. Lord Of The Rings 3:14
  5. Goodbye My Friend 5:33
Tracklisting Side Two:
  1. Lost In The Twilight Hall 5:58
  2. Tommyknockers 5:09
  3. Altair 4 2:26
  4. The Last Candle 5:59
High Resolution & Quality Photos
Front Cover Photo Of BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World
Blind Guardian's 'Tales from the Twilight World' album cover: a dark, medieval chamber where a hooded figure sits on a throne beside a monstrous statue. Around a fire, sinister characters—dwarves, orcs, and a wizard—gather, surrounded by relics, skulls, and ancient carvings.

The album cover of Tales from the Twilight World by Blind Guardian immerses the viewer in a dark, mystical realm. The setting is an ancient, torch-lit stone chamber, its walls lined with intricate carvings, skulls, and mysterious relics. At the forefront, a solemn hooded figure sits on a weathered stone throne, shrouded in shadow, exuding an air of wisdom and foreboding. Beside them, a monstrous, animal-headed statue looms, its mouth open in a silent snarl, casting an eerie presence over the scene.

The center of the chamber is dominated by a roaring fire, its flickering flames illuminating a gathering of sinister and fantastical beings. Dwarves, goblins, and orcs clad in ragged armor clutch mugs of ale, their faces contorted in drunken revelry or sinister scheming. A hunched creature crawls on all fours before them, its chained wrists hinting at servitude or subjugation. Standing further back, a cloaked wizard observes the gathering with piercing eyes, his gnarled staff resting at his side.

Every detail in the image tells a story—shields and weapons adorn the stone walls, dragon-like sculptures jut from the archways, and eerie statues of forgotten gods peer from the shadows. The floor, cracked and worn, bears an ancient scroll unfurled at the bottom, inscribed with the title Tales from the Twilight World. The golden, gothic-style "Blind Guardian" logo gleams at the top, solidifying the band's legendary presence in fantasy-laden heavy metal.

Photo Of The Back Cover BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World
Back cover of Blind Guardian's 'Tales from the Twilight World': a bearded sorcerer sits at a wooden table in a dimly lit medieval chamber, his hands gesturing over a glowing, translucent crystal containing a trapped figure. Behind him, an iron-bound door and torch-lit stone walls add to the mystical atmosphere.

The back cover of Tales from the Twilight World by Blind Guardian transports the viewer into a medieval, mystical setting. At the center, an aged, bearded sorcerer with piercing eyes and a sinister smirk sits at a heavy wooden table. His tattered red shirt and dark vest suggest a life of knowledge and power. His hands are raised in an incantatory gesture, summoning or manipulating a glowing, translucent crystal before him. Inside the crystal, a shadowy figure appears to be trapped, frozen in an eerie stance, perhaps imprisoned by a spell.

The chamber is enclosed by towering, ancient stone walls, rough-hewn and bathed in flickering torchlight. Two torches, mounted on either side of an iron-reinforced wooden door, cast long, wavering shadows across the room. The door itself is adorned with intricate metalwork, including skull-like carvings and twisted metal bars, hinting at the dark magic and secrets concealed within.

The wooden table is cluttered with symbols of power and wealth—gold coins spill across its surface, glinting in the dim light, while a large, bulging sack sits nearby, perhaps filled with more treasures or arcane artifacts. The sorcerer’s intense gaze and confident posture suggest a master of dark arts, fully in control of his domain.

Below the illustration, the album’s tracklist is prominently displayed, split into two sides. Each song title is elegantly arranged, reinforcing the album’s fantasy-driven themes. The presence of production credits and the "No Remorse Records" logo in the upper left further solidifies the classic heavy metal aesthetic.

Photo of the custom inner sleeve BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World
Blind Guardian band members posing outdoors in a vineyard, dressed in casual and band-related attire. They stand on rocky terrain with relaxed and confident expressions, their long hair and youthful energy capturing the essence of early '90s power metal.

This inner sleeve image from Tales from the Twilight World features a youthful Blind Guardian posing outdoors against a lush green backdrop of a vineyard. The band members exude relaxed confidence, dressed in casual attire that reflects their heavy metal roots. The natural setting contrasts with their energetic presence, highlighting their camaraderie.

In the foreground, a smiling band member with shoulder-length wavy hair wears a white T-shirt featuring a blue and yellow graphic with the German phrase “Der Sinn des Lebens” (The Meaning of Life), his arms crossed in a laid-back stance. To his right, another member, dressed in a black Blind Guardian tank top, stands with arms crossed, his long brown hair partially covering his face as he gazes directly at the camera.

Behind them, two more band members lean casually against rocks. One wears a black band T-shirt with a skeletal warrior design, his long curly hair cascading over his shoulders as he smiles warmly. The other, in a black T-shirt with white lettering, stands slightly behind with a relaxed smirk. They all wear denim jeans, a classic heavy metal staple, and sneakers, giving a casual and authentic vibe to the shot.

Framing the image, the band's logo appears in large, stylized blue gothic lettering along the right side, reinforcing Blind Guardian's visual identity. The inner sleeve captures the band's youthful energy and chemistry at the time, making it a nostalgic and personal glimpse into their early era.

Photo of the custom inner sleeve BLIND GUARDIAN - Tales From The Twilight World
Blind Guardian's 'Tales from the Twilight World' second inner sleeve: a black-and-white lyric sheet featuring the band's logo at the top, tracklist, lyrics, production credits, and guest musician details in a structured, classic heavy metal layout.

The second inner sleeve of Tales from the Twilight World presents a classic black-and-white layout, filled with lyrics, track information, and production credits. Dominating the top portion is the bold, gothic-styled Blind Guardian logo, its sharp angles and imposing design reinforcing the band’s powerful identity. Just below, the album title, Tales from the Twilight World, is prominently displayed in a bold, serif font.

The page is meticulously structured, with the left side dedicated to the complete tracklist, separated into Side A and Side B. Each song title is presented with its runtime, ensuring a clear and organized flow. Below this, the full lyrics to each track are printed in neat, justified columns, allowing fans to immerse themselves in Blind Guardian’s signature fantasy storytelling.

To the right, detailed production credits and acknowledgments are listed. The text acknowledges key contributors such as producer Kalle Trapp, as well as guest musicians who provided backing vocals and instrumental additions. Special thanks are also extended to various individuals and supporters within the metal scene, reinforcing the band’s strong connection with its community.

At the bottom, additional notes include contact information for the band and their label, No Remorse Records, as well as sponsorship details. The entire layout exudes a raw, old-school metal aesthetic, relying on a monochrome color scheme and simple yet effective typography to deliver an essential part of the album’s immersive experience.

Close up of the record's label
Blind Guardian 'Tales from the Twilight World' vinyl label for Side 1. The No Remorse Records logo is prominently displayed at the top, with tracklist details, production credits, and copyright information printed in white on a black background.

This vinyl label for Side 1 of Tales from the Twilight World by Blind Guardian presents a classic, no-frills heavy metal aesthetic. Dominating the upper portion is the striking No Remorse Records logo, with bold, metallic block lettering and a stylized “NRR” emblem giving it a formidable, authoritative presence.

Below the logo, the band's name, Blind Guardian, is printed in a clear, bold typeface, ensuring immediate recognition. Just underneath, the album title, Tales from the Twilight World, is prominently displayed, reinforcing the record's identity.

The tracklist for Side 1 is carefully arranged in neat, evenly spaced lines, listing the following songs along with their durations:

  • Traveler in Time – 5:59
  • Welcome to Dying – 4:47
  • Weird Dreams – 1:19
  • Lord of the Rings – 3:14
  • Goodbye My Friend – 5:33

Additional production credits note that the album was Produced, Engineered, and Mixed by Kalle Trapp at Karo Musik Studios, with Piet Sielck listed as the second engineer, reinforcing the hands behind the album's sonic craftsmanship.

Encircling the label’s outer edge, small capitalized text states copyright warnings and usage restrictions, standard for vinyl releases. The format is indicated as STEREO 33 for 33 RPM playback, and additional markings, including the catalog number 210 783, licensing codes, and distribution details, are placed methodically around the design.

The overall layout is clean, functional, and professional, with white text contrasting sharply against the black background, ensuring high readability while maintaining the raw, classic feel of a 1990s heavy metal vinyl pressing.

FEATURED BLIND GUARDIAN VINYL RECORDS

- Blind Guardian: The Early Power Metal Legacy (1988-1990)

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