View source for Blind Guardian

{{short description|German power metal band}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=December 2020}}
{{Infobox musical artist
| name              = Blind Guardian
| image             = 20160515 Gelsenkirchen RockHard Festival Blind Guardian 0132.jpg
| landscape         = yes
| caption           = Blind Guardian performing in 2016
| alias             = Lucifer's Heritage (1984-1987)
| origin            = [[Krefeld]], Germany
| genre             = {{hlist|[[Power metal]]|[[speed metal]]|[[progressive metal]]|{{nowrap|[[symphonic metal]]}}}}
| years_active      = 1984-present
| label             = {{hlist|[[No Remorse Records|No Remorse]]|[[Virgin Records|Virgin]]|[[Century Media Records|Century Media]]|[[Nuclear Blast Records|Nuclear Blast]]}}
| website           = {{URL|http://www.blind-guardian.com}}
| current_members   = [[Hansi Kürsch]]<br />[[André Olbrich]]<br />[[Marcus Siepen]]<br />[[Frederik Ehmke]]
| past_members      = Thomas Kelleners<br />Markus Dörk<br />Christof Theißen<br />Hans-Peter Frey<br />[[Thomas "Thomen" Stauch]]
}}

'''Blind Guardian''' is a German [[power metal]] band formed in 1984 in [[Krefeld]], [[West Germany]].<ref name="History">{{cite web |url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/new_version/popups/history.html |title=Band: How it started... |author=Blind Guardian |access-date=15 July 2007 |archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20070630081851/http://www.blind-guardian.com/new_version/popups/history.html |archive-date = 30 June 2007}}</ref> They are often credited as one of the seminal and most-influential bands in the power metal and [[speed metal]] subgenres.<ref name=nolifetilmetal>{{cite web |url=http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/blindguardian.htm |title=No Life Till Metal |publisher=Nolifetilmetal.com |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=7 August 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080807182632/http://www.nolifetilmetal.com/blindguardian.htm |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name=rockhard>{{Cite web |url=http://www.rockhard.de/index.php?smod=p209Wz1iMUIfo2qAo2D9pz9wn2uupzDhLzShMUZhMTI0LJyfIzyyqlMapz91pRyRCKWbK2WuozDzL29hqTIhqRyRCGR0AGHzp3IwnUA0pzyhMm1PoTyhMPOUqJSlMTyuovL%3D |title=BLIND GUARDIAN |publisher=Rock Hard |access-date= |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20080413123624/http://www.rockhard.de/index.php?smod=p209Wz1iMUIfo2qAo2D9pz9wn2uupzDhLzShMUZhMTI0LJyfIzyyqlMapz91pRyRCKWbK2WuozDzL29hqTIhqRyRCGR0AGHzp3IwnUA0pzyhMm1PoTyhMPOUqJSlMTyuovL%3D |archive-date=April 13, 2008}}</ref> Nine musicians have been part of the band's lineup throughout its history, which currently includes singer [[Hansi Kürsch]], guitarists [[André Olbrich]] and [[Marcus Siepen]], and, since 2005, drummer Frederik Ehmke.

Blind Guardian is a key player in the [[German heavy metal|German heavy metal scene]] that emerged in the mid-1980s. The band was formed in 1984 as '''Lucifer's Heritage''' by Kürsch (who also played bass at the time), Olbrich, fellow guitarist Markus Dörk, and drummer [[Thomas Stauch]]. Dörk and Stauch left the following year and were replaced by Christof Theißen and Hans-Peter Frey, respectively, who also departed before the year ended. In 1987, Siepen joined the group, and Stauch returned; this lineup, which lasted 18 years, led the band to change their name to Blind Guardian and release their debut album, ''[[Battalions of Fear]]'', in 1988. They have since released ten more studio albums, as well as an [[Legacy of the Dark Lands|orchestral album]] released under the name Blind Guardian Twilight Orchestra.

Through their discography, Blind Guardian has established themselves as a notable and successful band and as pioneers of the power metal movement. In 1996, Kürsch ceased to act as the band's bassist to focus on vocals, with various session musicians filling in, primarily Oliver Holzwarth. However, in 2005, Stauch left the band, expressing disapproval of Blind Guardian's shift toward a more complex [[Progressive metal|progressive]] sound with heavy backing vocals, and was replaced by Ehmke.

Most of Blind Guardian's albums have been well-received by fans and critics alike: ''[[Somewhere Far Beyond|Somewhere far beyond]]'' (1992), ''[[Imaginations from the Other Side|Imaginations from the other Side]]'' (1995), and ''[[Nightfall in Middle-Earth]]'' (1998) are particularly regarded as influential works. The music is primarily composed by Kürsch and Olbrich together, while the lyrics, penned by Kürsch, draw inspiration from the works of fantasy authors such as [[J. R. R. Tolkien]], [[Michael Moorcock]], [[Stephen King]], [[George R. R. Martin]], and [[Robert Jordan]], as well as traditional [[legend]]s and [[Epic poetry|epics]].<ref name="Middle-earth">[[Bradford Lee Eden]]. Middle-earth Minstrel: Essays on Music in Tolkien. McFarland, 2010. {{ISBN|0-7864-4814-8}}, {{ISBN|978-0-7864-4814-2}}. 215 pages</ref> Over the years, a theme has developed that personifies the band members as traveling storytellers, leading fans to refer to them as "The Bards". Blind Guardian has been described in one article as one of the "big four" bands of power metal, alongside [[Helloween]], [[Sabaton (band)|Sabaton]], and [[DragonForce]].<ref>{{cite web|last=Blum|first=Jordan|title=The 'Big 4' Bands of 17 Metal Subgenres|url=https://loudwire.com/big-4-bands-metal-subgenres/|access-date=2021-12-17|website=Loudwire|date=19 November 2021|language=en|archive-date=1 April 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220401145140/https://loudwire.com/big-4-bands-metal-subgenres/|url-status=live}}</ref>

==History==  
[[File:Blindguardian-logo.svg|thumb|The group's logo]]  

===Formation as Lucifer's Heritage (1984-1987)===  
Blind Guardian was formed in 1984 in [[Krefeld]], [[West Germany]], by [[Hansi Kürsch]] (vocals, bass) and [[André Olbrich]] (guitar) under the name Lucifer's Heritage, alongside Markus Dörk (guitar) and [[Thomen Stauch]] (drums). The band briefly expanded into a [[quintet]] with the addition of a second lead vocalist, Thomas Kelleners. However, after three months, Kelleners left the band by mutual agreement.<ref>{{cite web|title=Lucifer's Heritage on MusicMight|url=http://www.musicmight.com/artist/germany/krefeld/lucifers+heritage#bio|publisher=Musicmight.com|access-date=2 August 2012|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110829234354/http://musicmight.com/artist/germany/krefeld/lucifers+heritage#bio|archive-date=29 August 2011}}</ref> Lucifer's Heritage released two [[demo (music)|demos]] in 1985 and 1986, despite undergoing chaotic lineup changes: Dörk and Stauch were replaced by Christof Theißen and Hans-Peter Frey, respectively. Finally, in 1987, Marcus Siepen joined, and Stauch returned to form the lineup that would remain consistent for the next 18 years.

===Name Change and Rise to Success (1988-1996)===  
After Lucifer's Heritage signed a contract with [[No Remorse Records]], the band changed their name to Blind Guardian to avoid any speculation regarding [[Satanism]]. In their biography, the band noted that they also wanted to distance themselves from the [[black metal]] movement, as their demos had been placed alongside black metal albums in local record shops. The new name was inspired by the [[Fates Warning]] album ''[[Awaken the Guardian]]''.<ref>{{cite web|title=Band|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/band/|publisher=Blind-guardian.com|access-date=25 November 2017|archive-date=1 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171201031600/http://www.blind-guardian.com/band/|url-status=live}}</ref> They released their debut album, ''[[Battalions of Fear]]'', in 1988, which was essentially a [[speed metal]] album heavily influenced by [[Helloween]].<ref name="Metalstorm Review">{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/review.php?review_id=3736&page=&message_id=|title=Battalions of Fear Review|publisher=Metalstorm.ee|access-date=17 February 2008|archive-date=23 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080223172941/http://www.metalstorm.ee/pub/review.php?review_id=3736&page=&message_id=|url-status=live}}</ref> These two German bands had close ties, and Helloween founder [[Kai Hansen]] made a guest appearance on Blind Guardian's second LP, ''[[Follow the Blind]]'' (1989), where the band revealed some [[thrash metal]] influences.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalkings.ru/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm |title=Metalkings.com |publisher=Metalkings.ru |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=17 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110717055619/http://www.metalkings.ru/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm |url-status=dead }}</ref><ref name="Soundofmetal Review">{{cite web|url=http://soundofmetal.se/index.php?page=blindguardianfollowtheblindreview|title=Follow the Blind Review|publisher=Soundofmetal.se|access-date=17 February 2008|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20080308071640/http://soundofmetal.se/index.php?page=blindguardianfollowtheblindreview|archive-date=8 March 2008|url-status=dead}}</ref> Their third LP, ''[[Tales from the Twilight World]]'' (1990), showcased a much more melodic and "epic" sound, incorporating elements of [[choir]] and classical music.

Blind Guardian signed with [[Virgin Records]] in 1991 and released their fourth studio album, ''[[Somewhere Far Beyond]]'', in 1992, followed by the live album ''[[Tokyo Tales]]'' in 1993. In 1994, [[Flemming Rasmussen]], the former producer for [[Metallica]], began working with the band, producing their fifth studio album, ''[[Imaginations from the Other Side]]'', released in 1995, as well as ''[[The Forgotten Tales]]'', an album that featured a mix of covers and original material, released in 1996.

===Later Years and Departure of Thomen Stauch (1997-2009)===  
[[File:Blind Guardian Kürsch.jpg|left|thumb|200px|Lead vocalist [[Hansi Kürsch]]]]  
In 1998, Blind Guardian released their epic album ''[[Nightfall in Middle-Earth]]''. Described by [[Allmusic]]'s Vincent Jeffries as "complete with anthemic chorusses, spoken-word-storylines, and plenty of bombastic power metal punctuating every dramatic turn", he stated that "Nightfall in Middle-Earth is perhaps Blind Guardian's most-triumphant" work.<ref name="Allmusicguide review1">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r396625|title=Nightfall in Middle-Earth Review|access-date=17 February 2008|archive-date=18 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418055436/http://www.allmusic.com/album/r396625|url-status=live}}</ref> A [[concept album]] based on [[J. R. R. Tolkien]]'s ''[[The Silmarillion]]'',<ref name="Middle-earth"/> the music on ''Nightfall'' demonstrated some [[folk rock]] influence while also featuring heavy use of [[Queen (band)|Queen]]-style layered backing vocals. Following the release of ''Nightfall'', bass duties were taken over by session member Oliver Holzwarth, allowing Hansi to focus entirely on vocals. This album also marked the last time Blind Guardian worked with producer Flemming Rasmussen.

Four years later, the band released ''[[A Night at the Opera (Blind Guardian album)|A Night at the Opera]]'', named after the Queen album. On this album, the band's sound largely departed from their original speed metal influences, instead embracing power and progressive metal with over-the-top orchestral backing and consistent vocal and guitar layering throughout.<ref name="Allmusicguide review2">{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/album/r579741|title=A Night at the Opera Review|website=[[AllMusic]]|access-date=17 February 2008|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101503/https://gum.criteo.com/syncframe?origin=publishertagids&topUrl=www.allmusic.com&gdpr=0&gdpr_consent=|url-status=live}}</ref> While not a true concept album, many of the lyrics explored common themes of religion and the relationships between human and divine powers. This was followed by a live album in 2003 and a DVD, ''[[Imaginations Through the Looking Glass]]'', in 2004, which was the last recorded Blind Guardian material featuring [[Thomen Stauch]] on drums. He departed from the band due to musical differences and was replaced by Frederik Ehmke. The first album with Ehmke was ''[[A Twist in the Myth]]'', released in 2006.

Blind Guardian contributed to the soundtrack for the ''[[In the Name of the King: A Dungeon Siege Tale]]'' [[fantasy film]] directed by [[Uwe Boll]], which was released in 2008.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9074224&aid=9069487 |title=Various Artists – In the Name of the King. Soundtrack Review |publisher=Imhotep.no |access-date=15 July 2011 |archive-date=24 July 2011 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110724180300/http://www.imhotep.no/?did=9074224&aid=9069487 |url-status=live }}</ref> The band also recorded a theme song for ''[[Sacred 2: Fallen Angel]] (''a [[role-playing video game]] and the sequel to ''[[Sacred (video game)|Sacred]]''.<ref>{{usurped|1=[https://web.archive.org/web/20080108003451/http://www.the-following.com/page.php?show=news&view=bg]}}</ref>)

===At the Edge of Time and Beyond the Red Mirror (2010-2017)===  
[[File:Blind Guardian @ Gods Of MEtal 2009.JPG|thumb|Blind Guardian in 2009]]  
"[[A Voice in the Dark (song)|A Voice in the Dark]]" was the next single from Blind Guardian, released on June 25, 2010. Following this, the album ''[[At the Edge of Time]]'' was released on July 30, 2010. To promote the album, the band embarked on "The Sacred Worlds and Songs Divine Tour 2010," with opening acts including [[Enforcer (band)|Enforcer]] and Steelwing for European dates, while [[Holy Grail (band)|Holy Grail]] and [[Seven Kingdoms (band)|Seven Kingdoms]] opened for the U.S. shows. The band also announced they would perform at [[Wacken Open Air]] in 2011.

On July 21, 2011, [[Hansi Kürsch]] revealed on Blind Guardian's official website that they were working on an orchestral album.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/2011/07/21/harbinger-of-great-things-to-come/|title=Harbinger of great things to come|publisher=Blind-guardian.com|access-date=10 September 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924030418/http://www.blind-guardian.com/2011/07/21/harbinger-of-great-things-to-come/|archive-date=24 September 2011|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=14162|title=Blind Guardian – Update On New Orchestral Album|publisher=Metalstorm.net|access-date=10 September 2011|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101612/https://metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=14162|url-status=live}}</ref> On September 1, 2011, Oliver Holzwarth joined [[Rhapsody of Fire]] as a full-time member after 13 years as Blind Guardian's session bassist.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/news.html?start=30|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20130327062931/http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/news.html?start=30|url-status=dead|archive-date=27 March 2013|title=Film score metal band Rhapsody Of Fire announces new bass player|publisher=Rhapsodyoffire.com|date=1 September 2011|access-date=5 June 2014}}</ref>

On January 27, 2012, Blind Guardian released a compilation album titled ''[[Memories of a Time to Come]]'', featuring re-recorded and remixed songs from their entire discography.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/3cd-digi/blind-guardian-best-of-deluxe.html |title=Nuclear Blast's "Memories of a Time to Come" page |publisher=Nuclearblast.de |access-date=12 October 2011 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111013145913/http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/3cd-digi/blind-guardian-best-of-deluxe.html |archive-date=13 October 2011 }}</ref> Almost exactly one year later, on January 28, 2013, they released a box set titled ''[[A Traveler's Guide to Space and Time]]'', which included all of the band’s studio, live, and compilation albums from 1988 to 2004, along with some previously unreleased material.<ref>{{Cite web|title=A Traveler's Guide to Space and Time coming in February 2013 |website=Blind-guardian.com |url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/2012/12/01/a-travelers-guide-to-space-and-time-coming-in-february-2013/ |access-date=22 January 2014 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180328103311/http://www.blind-guardian.com/2012/12/01/a-travelers-guide-to-space-and-time-coming-in-february-2013/ |archive-date=28 March 2018 |url-status=dead }}</ref>

On July 11, 2012, Hansi posted on the band’s official website that they would cease touring after their performance at the Rockharz festival in [[Ballenstedt]], which occurred two days later. In his announcement, he mentioned the desire to focus on a new record before returning to the road by 2014. He also expressed a wish to perform songs they had never played live before their next tour.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/2012/07/11/where-do-we-go-from-here/|title=Where do we go from here?|publisher=Blind-guardian.com|access-date=31 July 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120729045856/http://www.blind-guardian.com/2012/07/11/where-do-we-go-from-here/|archive-date=29 July 2012|url-status=dead}}</ref>

In October 2013, Blind Guardian was announced as the headliner for the Out & Loud Festival in [[Geiselwind]] on May 31, 2014. On October 18, 2013, Hansi shared an update via the official website, stating he expected the new record to be fully produced by May 2014. He confirmed that the album was progressing well and mentioned nine new songs by name: ''Irish Hill'' (later titled ''Grand Parade''), ''Encrypted Time'', ''Prophecies'', ''Holy Grail'', ''Winter's Coming'', ''The Throne'', ''The Ocean'', and ''Outcast'', along with two others with uncertain titles, ''Song 9'' and ''Midtempo Song''.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/2013/10/18/a-sign-of-hope/|title=A sign of hope...|publisher=Blind-guardian.com|access-date=20 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141016132426/http://www.blind-guardian.com/2013/10/18/a-sign-of-hope/|archive-date=16 October 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> 

The tenth Blind Guardian album, titled ''[[Beyond the Red Mirror]]'', was released on January 30, 2015. The first single, "Twilight of the Gods," was released on December 5, 2014.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-to-release-twilight-of-the-gods-single-in-december-new-album-due-in-january/|title=Blind Guardian To Release 'Twilight Of The Gods' Single In December; New Album Due In January|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=10 October 2014|access-date=10 October 2014|archive-date=19 October 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141019011721/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-to-release-twilight-of-the-gods-single-in-december-new-album-due-in-january/|url-status=live}}</ref> On January 28, 2015, two days before the release of ''Beyond the Red Mirror'', Blind Guardian announced Barend Courbois as their new session/live bassist on their official Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.facebook.com/blindguardian/photos/a.373638827112.152258.21570237112/10152635591537113/?type=1&theater |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/iarchive/facebook/21570237112/10152635591537113 |archive-date=2022-02-26 |url-access=limited|title=Introducing our new bass player Barend Courbois|publisher=Facebook.com|date=10 October 2014|access-date=28 January 2015}}{{cbignore}}</ref>

The band recorded live shows during the 2015 European leg of the Beyond the Red Mirror tour for a new live album, ''Live Beyond the Spheres'', which was released on July 7, 2017.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-to-release-live-beyond-the-spheres-concert-album-in-july/|title=BLIND GUARDIAN To Release 'Live Beyond The Spheres' Concert Album In July|date=8 May 2017|website=blabbermouth.net|access-date=7 April 2018|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101509/https://blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-to-release-live-beyond-the-spheres-concert-album-in-july|url-status=live}}</ref>

===''Legacy of the Dark Lands'' and ''The God Machine'' (2017-2023)===
When asked in July 2017 about the next Blind Guardian studio album, Kürsch stated, "We haven't done too much songwriting for the next regular Blind Guardian album, but still, we've made some steps at least, and I can sense a strong change in comparison to what we did on the last album. There's one song called 'Architect of Doom,' which is a truly heavy track. Very powerful. Very thrashy at points. And there's another song called 'American Goth,' which is kind of what you would expect from Blind Guardian, but the way we maintained the drums and the orchestra—this song features orchestral elements—makes it feel distinctly different. I'm pretty sure that you will notice a significant change when you listen to these two albums, and from that point of view, yes, ''Live Beyond the Spheres'' is the end of an era." He also mentioned that they were working on an orchestral album, which was originally scheduled to be finished and released in 2016,<ref>{{cite web|title = Blind Guardian Discuss 'Beyond the Red Mirror,' Reveal New Orchestral Project|url = http://exclaim.ca/music/article/blind_guardian_discuss_beyond_red_mirror_reveal_new_orchestral_project|website = exclaim.ca|access-date = 29 December 2015}}</ref> but was now due for release in 2019, followed by a "heavy album" slated for release in 2020.<ref>{{cite web|title=BLIND GUARDIAN Frontman Talks Next Studio Album, Says 'Live Beyond The Spheres' Is 'The End Of An Era'|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-frontman-talks-next-studio-album-says-live-beyond-the-spheres-is-the-end-of-an-era/|work=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=27 July 2017|access-date=28 July 2017|archive-date=28 July 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170728205811/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-frontman-talks-next-studio-album-says-live-beyond-the-spheres-is-the-end-of-an-era/|url-status=live}}</ref>

The band's long-awaited orchestral album, ''[[Legacy of the Dark Lands]]'', was released on 1 November 2019, after Olbrich and Kürsch had conceived and written the project since 1996.<ref name="legacyPresale">{{cite web |title=BLIND GUARDIAN TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA - start presale for "Legacy Of The Dark Lands" + reveal new trailer, tracklist and formats! |url=https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/band/news/details/6060917.71036.blind-guardian-twilight-orchestra-pre-order.html |work=[[Nuclear Blast Records|Nuclear Blast]] |access-date=19 January 2020 |archive-date=10 November 2019 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191110093158/https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/band/news/details/6060917.71036.blind-guardian-twilight-orchestra-pre-order.html |url-status=live }}</ref><ref name="LegacyNuclearBlast">{{cite web|title=Legacy Of The Dark Lands |url=https://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/band/discography/details/6032874.71036.legacy-of-the-dark-lands.html |work=[[Nuclear Blast Records|Nuclear Blast]] |access-date=19 January 2020}}</ref> It features only Kürsch as a performer, along with the [[Prague Philharmonic Orchestra]], and is credited to the "Blind Guardian Twilight Orchestra" rather than the band's regular name.<ref>{{cite web|title=BLIND GUARDIAN'S TWILIGHT ORCHESTRA – LEGACY OF THE DARK LANDS – TEASER '|url=https://www.blind-guardian.com/beispielpost/|work=Blindguardian.com|date=1 March 2019|access-date=1 January 2020|archive-date=1 January 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200101143517/https://www.blind-guardian.com/beispielpost/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In November 2021, it was announced that a new single, "Deliver Us From Evil," would be released on 3 December 2021, and that the band's forthcoming twelfth album would be released in September 2022. Kürsch told Nuclear Blast, "We know that the gap between now and the album release in late 2022 is painfully long. Neither we nor our label could defy the current worldwide economic crisis. A long story short: There is no one to blame for this situation... Talking about anticipation, even though 'Violent Shadows' and 'Deliver Us From Evil' are indisputably fantastic tracks, rest assured: We won't let you wait another ten months with only two songs. I promise you, you will always be blown away—cheers to the digital era and its endless possibilities. Oh, and the album title. There is one, but I won't tell you yet. This would be giving away far too much right now."<ref>{{cite web |title=BLIND GUARDIAN - announce new single |url=https://www.nuclearblast.com/eu/band/news/blind-guardian-announce-new-single-30567 |website=Nuclear Blast |access-date=7 November 2021 |archive-date=7 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211107144022/https://www.nuclearblast.com/eu/band/news/blind-guardian-announce-new-single-30567 |url-status=live }}</ref>

In July 2022, Jon Van Stratum replaced Barend Courbois as a session member. Despite persistent belief among some fans that he became a permanent member, Hansi Kürsch confirmed that he is only a live session member.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metal-hammer.de/der-metal-hammer-podcast-folge-38-mit-parkway-drive-blind-guardian-1971217/|title=METAL HAMMER podcast|website=Metal-hammer.de|date=9 September 2022|access-date=15 September 2022|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101518/https://www.metal-hammer.de/der-metal-hammer-podcast-folge-38-mit-parkway-drive-blind-guardian-1971217/|url-status=live}}</ref>

In May 2022, the title of the band's twelfth album was announced as ''[[The God Machine (album)|The God Machine]]'', along with a release date of 2 September 2022.<ref>{{cite web |title=Blind Guardian: the details of the new album "The God Machine" |url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/blind-guardian-i-dettagli-del-nuovo-album-the-god-machine/ |website=metalitalia.com |access-date=16 May 2022 |archive-date=8 October 2024 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101522/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/blind-guardian-i-dettagli-del-nuovo-album-the-god-machine/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardians-the-god-machine-album-gets-release-date-blood-of-the-elves-music-video-available|title=Blind Guardian's 'The God Machine' Album Gets Release Date; 'Blood Of The Elves' Music Video Available|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=27 May 2022|access-date=27 May 2022|archive-date=9 June 2022|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20220609193430/https://blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardians-the-god-machine-album-gets-release-date-blood-of-the-elves-music-video-available|url-status=live}}</ref>

===Upcoming 13th studio album (2024-present)===
In a February 2024 interview with Australia's Subculture Entertainment, Kürsch revealed that Blind Guardian will commence "real songwriting" for their thirteenth studio album in 2025.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/hansi-kursch-blind-guardian-will-start-with-real-songwriting-for-next-studio-album-in-2025|title=HANSI KÜRSCH: BLIND GUARDIAN Will Start With 'Real Songwriting' For Next Studio Album In 2025|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=4 February 2024|access-date=5 February 2024|archive-date=5 February 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20240205020404/https://blabbermouth.net/news/hansi-kursch-blind-guardian-will-start-with-real-songwriting-for-next-studio-album-in-2025|url-status=live}}</ref> When asked that same month if there would be "a shorter turnaround time" for the album, following a seven-year gap between ''[[Beyond the Red Mirror]]'' and ''[[The God Machine (album)|The God Machine]]'', Kürsch reiterated that the band will "keep [their] focus on regular songwriting" after their upcoming tour. Regarding a possible release date, he stated, "I don't know—I would be very surprised to find out that there's no new Blind Guardian album before '27, which is an accomplishment already, but I'm hoping for either late '25 or '26."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://blabbermouth.net/news/hansi-kursch-i-would-be-very-surprised-if-there-was-no-new-blind-guardian-album-before-2027|title=HANSI KÜRSCH: 'I Would Be Very Surprised' If There Was No New BLIND GUARDIAN Album Before 2027|website=[[Blabbermouth.net]]|date=4 February 2024|access-date=5 February 2024|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101518/https://blabbermouth.net/news/hansi-kursch-i-would-be-very-surprised-if-there-was-no-new-blind-guardian-album-before-2027|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Musical style==
[[file:Blind Guardian 6.jpg|thumb|upright=1.2|Blind Guardian in 2006]]  
The musical style of Blind Guardian has been described as [[power metal]],<ref name=nolifetilmetal/><ref name=allmusic>{{cite web|url=https://www.allmusic.com/artist/blind-guardian-mn0000059292/biography|title=Blind Guardian|publisher=ALLMusic|access-date=30 July 2022|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101621/https://www.allmusic.com/artist/blind-guardian-mn0000059292/biographyAjax#biography|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="Blabbermouth review">{{cite web|title=CD Reviews – Beyond The Red Mirror Blind Guardian|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/beyond-the-red-mirror/|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=29 December 2014|access-date=2 January 2015|archive-date=31 December 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141231190743/http://www.blabbermouth.net/cdreviews/beyond-the-red-mirror|url-status=live}}</ref> [[symphonic metal]],<ref name="Blabbermouth review"/> [[progressive metal]],<ref name=allmusic/> [[speed metal]],<ref name=nolifetilmetal/><ref name=rockhard/><ref name=allmusic/> [[Heavy metal music|heavy metal]],<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.loudersound.com/features/i-felt-like-an-alien-in-my-own-music-why-blind-guardian-returned-to-their-heavy-metal-roots-on-the-god-machine|title="I felt like an alien in my own music": Why Blind Guardian returned to their heavy metal roots on The God Machine|publisher=[[Metal Hammer]]|date=December 6, 2022|access-date=March 4, 2023|archive-date=4 March 2023|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230304071940/https://www.loudersound.com/features/i-felt-like-an-alien-in-my-own-music-why-blind-guardian-returned-to-their-heavy-metal-roots-on-the-god-machine|url-status=live}}</ref> [[thrash metal]],<ref name=allmusic/> and [[neoclassical metal]].<ref name=allmusic/>

Blind Guardian's first two albums, ''[[Battalions of Fear]]'' and ''[[Follow the Blind]]'', were more in the style of [[speed metal]] compared to their subsequent works. Beginning with their third album, ''[[Tales from the Twilight World]]'', Blind Guardian gradually started to write more intricate compositions, placing less emphasis on speed. By the time of their sixth album, ''[[Nightfall in Middle Earth]]'', Hansi Kürsch ceased playing bass to concentrate solely on vocals. At this juncture, the band began to incorporate substantial orchestral arrangements and utilized the technique of [[overdub]]bing, heavily influenced by the English rock band [[Queen (band)|Queen]].<ref name="Queen influence">{{Cite web|title=Queen influence|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/new_version/band_members.php3|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20070626035249/http://www.blind-guardian.com/new_version/band_members.php3|archive-date=26 June 2007}}</ref>

Blind Guardian's music features the [[staccato]] guitars and double [[bass drum]]ming characteristic of power metal, along with the use of [[overdub]]s and numerous backing vocals to create a rich and dense sound. This proved significant on all albums after the first two, but most particularly on ''[[A Night at the Opera (Blind Guardian album)|A Night at the Opera]]''.

Another defining feature of Blind Guardian's music is the frequent use of [[folk music|folk tunes]] and instruments, especially in [[power ballad]]s such as "Lord of the Rings", "The Bard's Song", "A Past and Future Secret", "Skalds and Shadows", and "Curse my Name", among others.

===Influences===  
The band was initially inspired by their fellow countrymen [[Helloween]], and in its early releases, it also displayed influences from [[Iron Maiden]] and [[Metallica]].<ref name="Markus interview">{{Cite web|title=Markus Siepen Interview|website=Metalkings.com|url=http://metalkings.com/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm|access-date=7 March 2015|archive-date=29 January 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180129140623/http://metalkings.com/reviews/blind-guardian/blind-guardian.htm|url-status=dead}}</ref> According to guitarist Marcus Siepen, during the songwriting for ''[[Follow the Blind]]'', they also listened to [[Bay Area thrash metal]] bands, such as [[Testament (band)|Testament]] and [[Forbidden (band)|Forbidden]], resulting in a somewhat heavier sound.<ref name="Markus interview"/>

Starting with their third album, ''[[Tales from the Twilight World]]'', and continuing through ''[[Somewhere Far Beyond]]'' and ''[[Imaginations from the Other Side]]'', Blind Guardian gradually incorporated more influences from progressive and classical music. [[Queen (band)|Queen]] had a significant impact, particularly concerning the choir arrangements and harmonies, an effect most notable on ''[[A Night at the Opera (Blind Guardian album)|A Night at the Opera]]''.<ref name="Markus interview"/>

Singer Hansi Kürsch expressed the band's attraction to 1970s [[progressive rock]], citing early [[Genesis (band)|Genesis]], [[Gentle Giant]], and [[Emerson, Lake & Palmer|ELP]] as key influences. However, regarding the genre, he sees more direct influences in [[progressive metal]] bands, particularly [[Fates Warning]], [[Queensrÿche]], and [[Savatage]].<ref name="Hansi interview">{{Cite web|title=Blind Guardian's music perseveres through many different eras|date=31 August 2012|website=Powerlinemag.com|url=http://www.powerlinemag.com/2012/08/31/blind-guardians-music-perseveres-through-many-different-eras/|access-date=7 March 2015|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008101623/http://www.powerlinemag.com/2012/08/31/blind-guardians-music-perseveres-through-many-different-eras/|url-status=live}}</ref> The folkloric influences on ''[[Nightfall in Middle-Earth]]'' primarily stem from British rock band [[Jethro Tull (band)|Jethro Tull]].<ref name="Markus interview"/>

==Side-projects==  
Along with [[Jon Schaffer]], the leader and founder of [[Iced Earth]], Kürsch was a member of [[Demons & Wizards (band)|Demons & Wizards]], where he served as the lead singer until its disbandment in early 2021 due to Schaffer's involvement in the [[January 6 United States Capitol attack|January 6 US Capitol attack]].

Frederik Ehmke was a founding member of the band [[Sinbreed]], in which Marcus Siepen was initially a session member. Later, in 2012, Marcus became a full member of the band.

Following the tsunami that struck Japan on 11 March 2011, Blind Guardian collaborated with their former record company, [[EMI|EMI Music]], to auction an exclusive studio session for two at the Twilight Hall Studio in Grefrath, Germany, for charity. All proceeds were donated to tsunami relief efforts.<ref>{{cite web|title=Build a better Bard's Song and help Japan|url=http://www.blind-guardian.com/2011/04/14/build-a-better-bards-song-and-help-japan/|publisher=Blind-guardian.com|access-date=2 May 2011|archive-date=28 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110428180354/http://www.blind-guardian.com/2011/04/14/build-a-better-bards-song-and-help-japan/|url-status=live}}</ref> The auction concluded on 22 April 2011 with a final bid of £1,171.00.<ref>{{cite web|title=BLIND GUARDIAN Fan Joins Band In Studio To Create New Version Of 'The Bard's Song'|date=13 August 2011|url=https://www.blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-fan-joins-band-in-studio-to-create-new-version-of-the-bard-s-song/|access-date=2 February 2022|publisher=Blabbermouth.net|archive-date=8 October 2024|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20241008102022/https://blabbermouth.net/news/blind-guardian-fan-joins-band-in-studio-to-create-new-version-of-the-bard-s-song|url-status=live}}</ref>

==Band members==
{{col-begin}}
{{col-2}}
'''Current'''
* [[Hansi Kürsch]] – lead vocals <small>(1984, 1984–present)</small>, bass <small>(1984–1996)</small>
* [[André Olbrich]] – lead guitar, backing vocals <small>(1984–present)</small>
* [[Marcus Siepen]] – rhythm guitar, backing vocals <small>(1987–present)</small>
* Frederik Ehmke – drums, [[Percussion instrument|percussion]], [[flute]], [[bagpipes]] <small>(2005–present)</small>

'''Current touring musician'''
* [[Johan van Stratum]] – bass, backing vocals <small>(2021–present)</small>

'''Current session musicians'''
* Thomas Hackmann – backing vocals <small>(1990–present)</small>
* Billy King – backing vocals <small>(1992–present)</small>
* Olaf Senkbeil – backing vocals <small>(1997–present)</small>
* Matthias Ulmer – keyboards, piano <small>(2007–present)</small>
* Kenneth Berger – keyboards <small>(2023–present)</small>

{{col-2}}
'''Former'''
* Thomas Kelleners – lead vocals <small>(1984)</small>
* Markus Dörk – rhythm guitar <small>(1984–1986)</small>
* Christoph Theissen – rhythm guitar <small>(1986; died 2013)</small>
* Hans-Peter Frey – drums, percussion <small>(1986)</small>
* [[Thomen Stauch|Thomas "Thomen" Stauch]] – drums, percussion <small>(1984–1986, 1987–2005)</small>

'''Former session/touring musicians'''
* Mathias Wiesner – keyboards <small>(1989–2002)</small>, bass <small>(1992–1993)</small>
* [[Rolf Köhler]] – backing vocals <small>(1990–2007; died 2007)</small>
* Marc Zee – keyboards, backing vocals <small>(1993)</small>
* Oliver Holzwarth – bass <small>(1997–2011)</small>
* Alex Holzwarth – drums <small>(2002–2003)</small>
* Pat Bender – keyboards, sound effects <small>(2002–2006)</small>
* Barend Courbois – bass, backing vocals <small>(2011–2021)</small>
* Michael "Mi" Schüren – keyboards <small>(1997–2023)</small>

<!--The band specified in 2015 that Courbois was only a session musician, and never came back on those statements. To list him as an actual member, you need a source.-->

{{col-end}}

===Timeline===
{{#tag:timeline|
ImageSize  = width:800 height:auto barincrement:18
PlotArea   = left:105 bottom:125 top:10 right:5
Alignbars  = justify
DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy
Period     = from:01/01/1984 till:{{#time: d/m/Y }}
TimeAxis   = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy
Legend     = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:3
ScaleMajor = increment:3 start:1984
ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1984

Colors =
  id:vox  value:red    legend:Lead_vocals
  id:bvs  value:pink   legend:Backing_vocals
  id:lead value:teal   legend:Lead_guitar
  id:gee  value:brightgreen  legend:Rhythm_guitar
  id:bass value:blue   legend:Bass
  id:drum value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion
  id:keys value:purple legend:Keyboards
  id:wood value:gray(0.5) legend:Flute,_bagpipes
  id:sesh value:yellow legend:Session/touring_musician
  id:Lines value:black  legend:Studio_album
  id:bars     value:gray(0.95)

BackgroundColors = bars:bars

BarData =
  bar:hk text:"Hansi Kürsch"
  bar:tk text:"Thomas Kelleners"
  bar:ao text:"André Olbrich"
  bar:md text:"Markus Dörk"
  bar:ct text:"Christoph Theissen"
  bar:ms text:"Marcus Siepen"
  bar:oh text:"Oliver Holzwarth"
  bar:bc text:"Barend Courbois"
  bar:jvs text:"Johan van Stratum"
  bar:ts text:"Thomas Stauch"
  bar:hp text:"Hans-Peter Frey"
  bar:ah text:"Alex Holzwarth"
  bar:fe text:"Frederik Ehmke"
  bar:mw text:"Mathias Wiesner"
  bar:mz text:"Marc Zee"
  bar:mi text:"Michael 'Mi' Schüren"
  bar:pb text:"Pat Bender"
  bar:mu text:"Matthias Ulmer"
  bar:th text:"Thomas Hackmann"
  bar:rk text:"Rolf Köhler"
  bar:bk text:"Billy King"
  bar:os text:"Olaf Senkbeil"

PlotData=
  width:11
  bar:hk from:01/01/1984 till:01/06/1984 color:vox
  bar:hk from:01/09/1984 till:end        color:vox
  bar:tk from:01/06/1984 till:01/09/1984 color:vox

  bar:ao from:01/01/1984 till:end        color:lead
  bar:ao from:01/01/1984 till:end        color:bvs width:3
  bar:md from:01/01/1984 till:01/06/1986 color:gee
  bar:ct from:01/06/1986 till:01/01/1987 color:gee
  bar:ms from:01/01/1987 till:end        color:gee
  bar:ms from:01/01/1987 till:end        color:bvs width:3

  bar:hk from:01/06/1984 till:01/09/1984 color:bass
  bar:mw from:01/01/1992 till:01/01/1994 color:bass width:7
  bar:oh from:01/01/1997 till:01/02/2011 color:bass
  bar:bc from:01/02/2011 till:01/08/2021 color:bass
  bar:bc from:01/02/2011 till:01/08/2021 color:sesh width:7
  bar:jvs from:01/08/2021 till:end        color:bass

  bar:ts from:01/01/1984 till:01/06/1986 color:drum
  bar:ts from:01/01/1987 till:01/07/2005 color:drum
  bar:hp from:01/06/1986 till:01/01/1987 color:drum
  bar:ah from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2003 color:drum
  bar:fe from:01/07/2005 till:end        color:drum

  bar:mw from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/2002 color:keys
  bar:mz from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1994 color:keys
  bar:mz from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1994 color:sesh width:7
  bar:mi from:01/01/1997 till:end        color:keys
  bar:pb from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2006 color:keys
  bar:mu from:01/01/2007 till:end        color:keys

  bar:th from:01/01/1990 till:end        color:bvs
  bar:th  from:01/01/1990 till:end        color:sesh width:3
  bar:rk from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/2007 color:bvs
  bar:rk from:01/01/1990 till:01/01/2007 color:sesh width:3
  bar:bk from:01/01/1992 till:end        color:bvs
  bar:bk from:01/01/1992 till:end color:sesh width:3
  bar:os from:01/01/1997 till:end        color:bvs
  bar:os from:01/01/1997 till:end color:sesh width:3

  width:3
  bar:hk from:01/01/1984 till:01/01/1997 color:bass
  bar:oh from:01/01/1997 till:01/02/2011 color:sesh
  bar:bc from:01/02/2011 till:01/08/2021 color:bvs
  bar:ah from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2003 color:sesh
  bar:fe from:01/07/2005 till:end        color:wood
  bar:mw from:01/01/1989 till:01/01/2002 color:sesh
  bar:mz from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/1994 color:bvs 
  bar:mi from:01/01/1997 till:end        color:sesh
  bar:pb from:01/01/2002 till:01/01/2006 color:sesh
  bar:mu from:01/01/2007 till:end        color:sesh
  bar:jvs from:01/08/2021 till:end       color:sesh

LineData =
  color:black layer:back
  at:18/05/1988
  at:25/10/1989
  at:03/10/1990
  at:29/06/1992
  at:05/04/1995
  at:27/04/1998
  at:04/03/2002
  at:01/09/2006
  at:30/07/2010
  at:30/01/2015
  at:01/11/2019
  at:02/09/2022
}}

== Discography ==
{{main|Blind Guardian discography}}
* ''[[Battalions of Fear]]'' (1988)
* ''[[Follow the Blind]]'' (1989)
* ''[[Tales from the Twilight World]]'' (1990)
* ''[[Somewhere Far Beyond]]'' (1992)
* ''[[Imaginations from the Other Side]]'' (1995)
* ''[[Nightfall in Middle-Earth]]'' (1998)
* ''[[A Night at the Opera (Blind Guardian album)|A Night at the Opera]]'' (2002)
* ''[[A Twist in the Myth]]'' (2006)
* ''[[At the Edge of Time]]'' (2010)
* ''[[Beyond the Red Mirror]]'' (2015)
* ''[[Legacy of the Dark Lands]]'' (2019)
* ''[[The God Machine (album)|The God Machine]]'' (2022)

== References ==
{{Reflist}}

== External links ==
{{Commons category}}
{{Wikiquote}}
* {{official}}
* {{allmusic}}
* {{musicbrainz artist|id=7fa7fc04-1011-4876-8095-ecd232edea87|name=Blind Guardian}}

{{Blind Guardian}}
{{Authority control}}

[[Category:1984 establishments in West Germany]]
[[Category:German musical quintets]]
[[Category:German power metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German progressive metal musical groups]]
[[Category:German speed metal musical groups]]
[[Category:Music based on Middle-earth]]
[[Category:Musical groups established in 1984]]
[[Category:Nuclear Blast artists]]
[[Category:Virgin Records artists]]