In 1996 the world was hit with this gem of progressive metal from one of the best in the business. In 2009 you have a chance to revisit this great album with some bonus cuts added just to make you want it all that much more. The Forgotten Tales is a collection of remakes of some of their classic songs along with some great covers thrown in for good measure. On this re-issue you get three additional tunes that fit the album perfectly. For a fantastic good time, this is one of the Blind Guardian albums that is a must have.
Kicking off with a power metal version of the old standard "Mr. Sandman", Blind Guardian demonstrates just capable they are of turning almost any song into a head bobbing metalheads dream. After that warm-up, the band then defies logic and all reason when they completely rework the Beach Boys classic "Surfin' USA". Complete with double kick drums this has to be the ultimate compliment to one of the pioneers of rock and roll. How can you argue with a band that not only gives you these works but also manages to make a truly fantastic remake of Queen's "Spread Your Wings" and to top that they dig deep into the annals of heavy metal with one of the most underrated bands of all time to deliver more magic with Uriah Heep's "The Wizard".
Not only are the cover songs great, the reworked Blind Guardian originals are classic. With acoustic versions of "Bright Eyes" and "Mordred's Song" along with orchestrated versions of "Lord of the Rings" and "Theater of Pain" as just a couple of the highlights on an album filled with them.
Hansi Kursch is in fine voice as always and the way he handles both the originals and the covers make this disc something to behold. His power, range and delivery is what progressive vocals is all about. This is pure dynamite and a terrific purchase for any progressive metal fan.
The three addition bonus tracks consist of cover songs by some of the best in the business. "Hallelujah" by Deep Purple, Judas Priest's "Beyond The Realms of Death" and Dio's "Don't Talk To Strangers" all get the full blown Blind Guardian treatment. The results are as usual with these guys, something unique and totally their own.
It has been awhile since I first heard this album and I am glad for being shown once more just how good of a disc it is. Sorry to say, I had forgotten these tales but as with any good music, it has found its way back into my listening realm.
Track listing:
1. Mr. Sandman
2. Surfin' USA
3. Bright Eyes
4. Lord of the Rings
5. The Wizard
6. Spread Your Wings
7. Mordred's Song
8. Black Chamber
9. The Bard's Song
10. Barbara Ann
11. A Past and Future Secret
12. To France
13. Theater of Pain
Bonus Tracks
14. Hallelujah
15. Beyond The Realms of Death
16. Don't Talk To Strangers
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