{"product_id":"battalions-of-fear-blind-guardian","title":"Battalions Of Fear, Blind Guardian -CD","description":"\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBlind Guardian – Battalions of Fear\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"1\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"1\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eArtist:\u003c\/b\u003e Blind Guardian\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"2\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"2\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTitle:\u003c\/b\u003e Battalions of Fear\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"3\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"3\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFormat:\u003c\/b\u003e CD (Original Pressing)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"4\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"4\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOriginal Release Date:\u003c\/b\u003e May 17, 1988\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"5\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"5\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eLabel:\u003c\/b\u003e No Remorse Records (Catalog: NRCD 1001)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"6\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"6\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eGenre:\u003c\/b\u003e Speed Metal \/ Power Metal\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003chr data-path-to-node=\"7\"\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"8\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eBackground \u0026amp; Production\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"24\"\u003eBattalions of Fear\u003c\/b\u003e is the high-velocity debut album from the German legends Blind Guardian. Before they became the kings of symphonic \"Bard Metal,\" they were a raw, aggressive speed metal outfit. Produced by \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"232\"\u003eKalle Trapp\u003c\/b\u003e at Karo Studios in Münster, the album captures the band’s transition from their previous moniker, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"342\"\u003eLucifer's Heritage\u003c\/b\u003e, into the world-renowned Blind Guardian. The lineup features the classic core of \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"442\"\u003eHansi Kürsch\u003c\/b\u003e (vocals\/bass), \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"470\"\u003eAndré Olbrich\u003c\/b\u003e (lead guitar), \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"499\"\u003eMarcus Siepen\u003c\/b\u003e (rhythm guitar), and \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"8\" data-index-in-node=\"534\"\u003eThomas Stauch\u003c\/b\u003e (drums).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"9\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"9\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eMusical Composition \u0026amp; Style\u003c\/b\u003e Unlike their later orchestral works, this album is heavily influenced by the early European speed metal scene and NWOBHM (New Wave of British Heavy Metal).\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"10\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eSpeed \u0026amp; Aggression:\u003c\/b\u003e Tracks like \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"32\"\u003e\"Majesty\"\u003c\/b\u003e and \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"46\"\u003e\"Banish from Sanctuary\"\u003c\/b\u003e showcase the band's early reliance on thrashy, fast-paced riffing and Hansi's more aggressive, raspy vocal delivery.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eFantasy Roots:\u003c\/b\u003e The album marks the beginning of their obsession with J.R.R. Tolkien’s work, most notably on the epic track \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"123\"\u003e\"Majesty,\"\u003c\/b\u003e which references \u003ci data-path-to-node=\"10,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"151\"\u003eThe Lord of the Rings\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eTechnical Flourish:\u003c\/b\u003e \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"20\"\u003e\"Gandalf's Rebirth\"\u003c\/b\u003e is a standout instrumental that hints at André Olbrich’s budding talent for melodic, neo-classical guitar harmonies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Epic Closer:\u003c\/b\u003e The title track, \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"10,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"34\"\u003e\"Battalions of Fear,\"\u003c\/b\u003e is a complex, multi-part song that serves as a precursor to the epic songwriting style they would eventually master.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"11\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eOriginal CD \u0026amp; Collector Notes\u003c\/b\u003e The original 1988 CD pressing on \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"11\" data-index-in-node=\"63\"\u003eNo Remorse Records\u003c\/b\u003e is a significant collector's item, as the label folded shortly after the album's release, and the rights were eventually picked up by Virgin\/EMI.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"12\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eIdentification:\u003c\/b\u003e The first pressing features the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"48\"\u003eNo Remorse Records\u003c\/b\u003e logo on the disc and back insert with the catalog number \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"124\"\u003eNRCD 1001\u003c\/b\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDisc Details:\u003c\/b\u003e Look for the \u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"27\"\u003e\"Made in West Germany\"\u003c\/b\u003e text on the CD face, which is a hallmark of authentic early European pressings from the late 80s.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,2,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eThe Artwork:\u003c\/b\u003e The cover art—a gritty depiction of an executioner—is starkly different from the polished, fantasy-heavy digital art of their later years.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"12,3,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"12,3,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eDynamic Range:\u003c\/b\u003e Audiophiles often prefer this original No Remorse pressing over later remasters because it lacks the \"loudness war\" compression, offering a more dynamic and natural 80s metal sound.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cmeta charset=\"utf-8\"\u003e\n\u003ch3 data-path-to-node=\"14\"\u003e\n\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"14\" data-index-in-node=\"26\"\u003eKeywords:\u003c\/b\u003e Blind Guardian, Battalions of Fear, Original CD, 1988, No Remorse Records, Speed Metal, Power Metal, Hansi Kursch, Rare Metal CD, West Germany Pressing.\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul data-path-to-node=\"15\"\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15,0,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eCollection Ideas:\u003c\/b\u003e German Speed Metal Origins, Early Power Metal Pioneers, 80s Metal First Pressings, Tolkien-Inspired Metal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cp data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\"\u003e\u003cb data-path-to-node=\"15,1,0\" data-index-in-node=\"0\"\u003eRelated Artists:\u003c\/b\u003e Helloween, Iron Savior, Gamma Ray, Running Wild, Grave Digger.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSealed Copy Brand new vintage copy.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e","brand":"Blind Guardian","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":51395231514941,"sku":"5595","price":60.0,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0959\/2605\/9325\/files\/ab67616d0000b273d0baafbaa477c348545ae1a4.jpg?v=1771302991","url":"https:\/\/gravestonerecords.com.au\/products\/battalions-of-fear-blind-guardian","provider":"Gravestone Records","version":"1.0","type":"link"}