reviewsarchiv 574

It's funny. I've just mentioned all these old Eighties Metalbands in one of my reviews lately, who went down the drain over the years. And now I'm getting the oposite situation with such a group. Because here at the concert of Blind Guardian are at least 2.000 people, who moved their butts into the Zenith tonight. And this figure is very good for such a Eighties Band.
On The other hand, this venue here can hold 7.000 until it's sold out. So you can imagine how empty the place seems despite the 2.000.
Hoever, everything is relaxed and happy go lucky, no squeezing and squashing.
Blind Guardian are here this time to promote their new album 'At The Edge Of Time' and to make us aware that they are still here and up to date. - Because it's been a few years, that singer Hansi Kürsch and Co. were here in Munich, Last time at The Tonhalle, a venue perfectly fitting for this band. But well, this time it's the Zenith, and they are going to make the best out of it.
If one rockgroup has deserved the reputation to be with their feet on the ground, then it's surely Blind Guardian. Well, at least nowadays they leave the jogging pants in the cupboard. By getting older, the guys got a little more sophisticated. And that's not only because of the visual aspects. You can convince yourself after both supportacts here - Steelwing and Van Canto have played their stints.

The first support comes from our swedish neighbours Steelwing.

If anybody asks now,who that actually is (I didn't know myself to be quite honest) then this is just okay. Because Steelwing are going now for only just about one year. The lent their name from the the Judas Priest album 'Screaming For Vengeance', because on the cover of that record is a bird of steel shown. Well the this band here surey didn't show any inspiration with that, and it's a, what we call clichee name. But of course that shall not be a pre justice. As long as the music is alright, they can any name they want - no matter what....

However, to judge a new band in such a large venue is truly difficult. Because there is a certain closeness missing, which is needed somehow at something completely new. Let's put it that way, the first impression is not a bad one in the usual bad lighconditions, though the Sweds are playing music, which ain't nessessarely inovating new stuff. But the really put an effort in it to increase their popularity and to get some attention by presenting us their debut record 'Lord Of The Wasteland'. I'm curious, when these guys find their way back to Germany, hopefully in a smaller venue. Then we talk again..... http://www.myspace.com/steelwing

The second act ain't no unknown to us, most of all, because they are going for a strategy, which is not so common. I'm talkng about Van Canto, the probably only a cappella Heavy Metal band on this planet.

At least I don't know of any other of that kind. Only with their voices and a drumkit this band produces a full sound. And when you close your eyes, then you could truly think, there is also a bass and other instruments. But it ain't. This techniqs of a cappella singing seems easy but it definately ain't and every tune has to be right in place.
Compared to the opener, Van Canto I have seen live before in a small club. And I could draw myself a very good picture about them.This unusual strategy of a performance impresses me once again. And though it is definately not everybody's cup of teas, Van Canto have opened a door to a new way of performing Heavy Metal, and it really deserves respect.

In each case, this band deserves truly a lot of attention. Because it's really great of what and how they are doing it - no question about that. 'Tribe Of Force' is the title of the new and third album of the band, which get's introduced, as well as cover versions of famous rock classics. The final is always done by Iron Maiden's 'Fear Of The Dark'. And that's the highlight as well. Hope they are coming back again soon... that's all I can say...http://www.vancanto.de/

I have to make a big compliment to Blind Guardian first.....

When you think, that this band is band is already going for more than 26 years, then respect. Hansi: you kept yourself in shape, and the new short hairstyle suits him very well and makes him much younger. 25 something I'd give him, if I didn't know better. But as known, Rock'n'Roll keeps you young in each way, and as far, as you look after yourself in some ways.
But Blind Guardian have never been what you call RR Animals. And as I mentioned in the beginning, these guys here rather seem like the nive neighbour boys. But as soon as they have started their set, there is another wind blowing, as we say so.
And though Hansi has not quite the moving circle of a David Lee Roth or Iggy Pop, he certainly has a great voice. The rest of the chamber orchestra consists of guitarist Andre Olbrich and guitarist Marcus Siepen, as well as drummer Frederik Ehmke, who came in 2005, for Thomen Stauch. Keyboard and bass are handled by guest musicians, whose names are Oliver Holzwarth and Michael 'm' Schüren. But nevertheless after all these years they are part of the group, so what....

Also in their cases there is a musicial focus, which is named 'At The Edge Of Time'. It's the ninth longplayer of Blind Guardian.Highly dosed sound clouds meed hardrocking riffs, to build a unit. This and older wellknown hymns make this appearance to a piece of art, from sophisticated presence to highly powered exhaltions....

Hmmmm? no golden sparkle in the visual sight, but in the musical one. One thing is for sure, Blind Guardian are standing surely for quality. And all these 2.000 fans know this. What else do you want. - Let's put it that way: rather a great atmosphere in that size as dead trousers with 6.000.. in that sense....
http://www.blind-guardian.com/