Artist: Blind Guardian Album: Follow the Blind

Year: 1989
Duration: 43:06

A of Blind Guardian's Follow the Blind Album

Blind Guardian has been one of the most influential bands in the power metal scene, gaining a massive following with each release. The German band has been around for over 30 years, continually innovating their music to deliver the best to their fans worldwide. One of their most iconic albums is Follow the Blind, released in 1989. It’s a classic example of Blind Guardian's power metal style, incorporating some of their best songs and most innovative parts. But how does the album fare today? Read on to find out in our of Follow the Blind.
Blind Guardian's Follow the Blind album is an enjoyable power metal album that remains a classic of the genre. The band built on their previous album and added more complexity to their music, experimenting with more ambitious song structures and incorporating fantasy themes into their lyrics. The album's opening track Inquisition sets the stage for an epic journey, with roaring guitars and bombastic singing from frontman Hansi Kürsch. The track's riffs have a great hook that draws listeners in, making it an excellent choice to open the album.
Follow the Blind's best songs can be argued, with each track showcasing different aspects of Blind Guardian's sound. Banish from Sanctuary is a gem that showcases the band's technical ability, with its complex guitar solos and powerful vocals. Valhalla stands out as a classic epic with a catchy chorus and some of the most memorable lyrics. Barbara Ann is an unexpected departure from the album's prevailing sound, with its upbeat, harmonizing vocals and acoustic guitar.
The album's most innovative aspect is its use of middle-eastern instrumentation. Don't Break the Circle and Fast to Madness both employ these unique elements, which help set them apart from other power metal tracks. The use of the acoustic and electric guitars throughout the record helps to showcase the band's versatility and creates a more dynamic overall sound. Follow the Blind, the album's title track, features some fantastic harmonizing between Kürsch's lead vocals and the backing harmonies, making it a stand-out track on the album.
However, while Follow the Blind has some great songs, it's not without its flaws. Some of the tracks feel overly similar and could have benefitted from more varied song structures. While tracks like Valhalla and Don't Break the Circle have unique elements to them, others can feel more formulaic. While the middle-eastern instrumentation adds variety, some tracks struggle to set themselves apart from others in the album. The album also lacks the polish of later records, with some of the production letting the songs down in places.
Blind Guardian's Follow the Blind album remains a power metal classic that showcases the band's unique sound and technical ability. Despite its flaws, the album still has some great songs and innovative parts that will delight fans of the genre. While not their best album, it's still an excellent addition to any power metal collection and a reminder of Blind Guardian's early glory days. Overall, Follow the Blind is a remarkable and exciting album that's well worth a spin.