Prepare to either bow at the feet of the power metallers Blind Guardian hailing them as overlords of heavy rock nihilism or wonder why a band with the reputation for crushing musical aggression have become so overly produced and slightly weak (in comparison to earlier efforts)?

Yes the latest CD from Blind Guardian, A Twist in the Myth, is likely to divide fans and newcomers alike. The hardest of the hardcore head-bangers are possibly going to feel that the BGs have gone all ‘Funeral For A Friend’ by trying to win mainstream approval by wimping out with some symphonic melodies… But for those of us out there that would be hard pressed to tell the difference between the lead singer’s demonic warbling and a drunken down-and-out swinging a rabid dog against a wall might just find that this is the power metal album that changes their mind. There are some unexpected arrangements here with some clean vocal lines to be made out amongst the wails of agony and despair.

A Twist in the Myth packs some fire power riffs, head pounding drumming and a even decent groove or two. Songs like "This Will Never End" and "Otherland" are immediate stand out tracks – you could well find yourself singing ‘Far out in space, I ride on, Time is chasing us all’ etc.

Andre Olbrich’s guitar work certainly complements Hansi Kursch's vocal spew and Frederik Hemke bangs his drums as if beating an errant wife – imagine if Queen had all been possessed by Satan and their ball burning anthems were being used to torment virginal nuns… That’s the mental picture it gave me anyway!?

VERDICT:

Overall there is an admirable level of musical experimentation here, my limited exposure to the power metal notwithstanding I found myself in a daze of heavy rocking beats for at least a couple of hours after listening to this. If you like your music loud and your distorted vocals tempered with a melodic infusion… seek out A Twist in the Myth or slam your head in a car door outside a McFly concert – the choice is yours.

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