Blind Guardian

Blind Guardian is a power metal band from Germany. They originally were under the name of Lucifer's Heritage back in '84, but had to change it because another band had the same name. The original members were Hansi Kursch (vocals) and Andre Olbrich (guitars). Through many changes, they ended up with a line up of Kursch (vocals/bass) Olbrich (guitars) Thomas "Thomen the Omen" Stauch (drums) and Marcus Siepen (other guitars). The band then continued, soon they released Battalions of Fear which shows more Speed metal elements then anything. The band continued to make excellent albums, leaning more towards the power metal side of things once Somewhere Far Beyond was released. Before doing that, they released Follow the Blind, a speed metal album which is heavy, but very awesome. The band continued to be very awesome throughout the years, and in 1997 Nightfall in Middle Earth was released which is one of the most well loved and well respected power metal albums. This album is also based on Tolkien's The Silmarillion. However, during this album Hansi dropped bass and gave it to Oliver Holzwarth, who would be somewhat like the "crouching tiger of the band" for he is credited as only a studio and live member. Afterward, Blind Guardian released A Night at the Opera which is based on a Queen album. The band took a much different approach to the point where Thomen got annoyed and left the band. He was replaced by Frederick Ehmke. A few years later, they release A Twist in the Myth which is a pretty good album. They are currently working on the next album, and I suspect it will be very awesome.

Current Members
Hansi Kursch (vocals) (1986- Present)
Andre Olbrich (lead guitar) (1986- Present)
Marcus Siepen (second guitar) (1987- Present)
Frederick Ehmke (drums) (2005- Present)
Oliver Holzwarth (So called "session and live member", but he's like the fifth man of the band. He plays bass) (1995- Present)

Former Members
Thomas "Thomen the Omen" Stauch (drums) (1987-2005)
Marcus Dork (guitar, only played during the demo years)
Christoph Theissen (guitar, played during demo years)
Hans Peter Frey (drums, only played during demo years)
Thomas Kelleners (vocals, 1984, I don't believe he was included in any albums).

Recommended Works
Albums of Blind Guardian are always awesome, but here are the top guns, the creams of the crop, etc.
Battalions of Fear - The perfect no filler all killer album. This album is a speed metal masterpiece. It combines fast paced guitars, fast drumming and cool vocals all into perfect harmony of melody, rhythm and speed. Choice cuts from the album are Majesty, Run for the night, and pretty much the whole damn thing.

Nightfall in Middle-Earth - Ah, the filler but still killer album. The reason there is filler is because, well, it's needed to tell the story in the album. This is one of the most well received albums by critics, and for a good reason. The melodies are beautiful, the rhythm is fierce, and it is still somewhat fast. It's a tremendous feat. Choice cuts include Into the Storm, Mirror Mirror and Blood Tears.

Follow the Blind - Speed Metal with hints of thrash. This album produced so many beautiful things. From start to finish it's a wild ride. The opening track is actually one of my favorite songs, and this album produced the Power Metal Anthem (Valhalla). Overall, the album is an excellent speed metal choice. Choice cuts are Banish From Sanctuary, Valhalla, and Fast to Madness.

Essential Tracks
Banish from Sanctuary
Battalions of Fear
Mirror Mirror
Bard's Song
Valhalla

Links
Official site
Wikipedia
Metal Archives
Last.fm