Blind Guardian's sound is very dramatic and cinematic. At The Edge Of Time kicks off with “Sacred Worlds,” a 9 minute epic (the longest song on the album) originally written for a video game. “Tanelorn (Into The Void)” features a diverse vocal performance from Hansi Kursch. He showcases everything from spoken word to moderate mid-range crooning to powerful high pitched nearly glass-shattering belting. “Road Of No Release” has some progressive elements along with bombastic power metal.
Things mellow out halfway through the album with “Curse Your Name,” which has a folky beginning with flutes and acoustic guitars. It intensifies a little bit as the song progresses, but the lack of electric guitars keeps the heaviness down. It's a nice change of pace song. The second half of At The Edge Of Time isn't quite as strong as the first half.
“Control The Divine” is one of the catchiest songs on the album, with a memorable chorus. “War Of The Thrones” is another ballad, piano-influenced at the beginning and become more orchestral in the latter part of the song. “Wheel Of Time” is the closer, another nearly 9 minute track with a Middle Eastern flavor injected into the cinematic epic.
At The Edge Of Time is a typical Blind Guardian effort. The songs are well-written, expertly arranged and have quite a bit of diversity. From acoustic ballads to mid-tempo epics to fast speed metal, Blind Guardian fans will find a lot to sink their teeth into with this CD.
(released August 24, 2010 on Nuclear Blast Records)
