Somewhere Far Beyond [Bonus Tracks]

Blind Guardian: Hansi Kursch (vocals, bass); Andre Olbrich, Armin "Magnus" Siepen (acoustic & electric guitars, background vocals); Thomen "The Omen" Stauch (drums).
Additional personnel: Piet Sielck (guitar, sound effects); Kai Hansen (guitar); Peter Rubsam (bagpipes); Stefan Will (piano); Mathias Wiesner (bass); Billy King, Kalle Trap, Rolfi Kohler (background vocals).
Recorded at KARO Music Studio, Hamburg, Germany in March, April & May 1992.
Personnel: Hansi Kürsch (vocals); André Olbrich (guitar, acoustic guitar, background vocals); Kai Hansen (guitar); Peter Ruebsam (bagpipe); Kalle Trapp, Billy King (background vocals).
Audio Mixer: Kalle Trapp.
Audio Remasterer: Wolfgang Eller.
Recording information: Karo Musik Studios Brackel, Hamburg, Germany (??/1991-05/1992); Twilight Hall Studios, Krefeld, Germany (??/1991-05/1992).
Somewhere Far Beyond has all the elements of classic Blind Guardian: fantasy and horror-story tracks inspired by the likes of J.R.R. Tolkien and Stephen King; speedy double-bass riffing; and searing melodic vocals punctuated by anthemic group choruses. Bassist/vocalist Hansi Kürsch seems to possess several different voices, which serve his band's dynamic purposes well. From regal tales of dragon warfare ("The Bard's Song: The Hobbit,") to minstrel ballads ("The Bard's Song: In the Forest,") to Blind Guardian's trademark early-'90s speed metal matrix of hyper riffs and melodic multi-voiced choruses ("Journey Through the Dark," "Ashes to Ashes," and "Somewhere Far Beyond,") every pompous, excessive base is covered. Practically unknown in America, Blind Guardian had grown into quite a formidable metal outfit by the time of this 1992 release. The coming world-wide revival of '80s-influenced European metal certainly did their burgeoning career no harm and the group began penetrating the U.S. market. This delighted many old-school metal fans tired of the fake anger, pasty hip-hop posturing, and overall uniformity of American "hard" music. With plenty of great performances, challenging material, and some wicked guitar playing, Somewhere Far Beyond is a cornerstone of Blind Guardian's sizable reputation. ~ Vincent Jeffries