Blind Guardian, the German metal legends, have carved a unique path through the realms of power metal, fantasy, and progressive soundscapes. Their dedication to their craft and their fans is undeniable. Proof of that dedication came in the form of a limited-edition box set: “A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time.” This collection offers a comprehensive journey through the band’s Virgin Records era, a period that solidified their place in metal history.
Unboxing the Guardian’s Legacy: The Virgin Years
“A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time” is more than just a compilation; it’s a curated experience for the dedicated Blind Guardian fan. Released in 2013, this strictly limited-edition box set contained 15 CDs housed in 13 high-quality digipacks. With only 8000 copies released worldwide, it quickly became a prized possession for collectors and enthusiasts.
This box set is a testament to Blind Guardian’s global success. From their early German beginnings with “Battalions Of Fear” (1988) to international acclaim with “Follow The Blind” (1989) and the subsequent euphoria surrounding “Tales From The Twilight World” (1990) and “Somewhere Far Beyond” (1992), the band’s name became synonymous with quality and innovation. Culminating in masterpieces like “A Night At The Opera” (2002), Blind Guardian consistently delivered complex, mystical themes with unparalleled musical prowess.
A Deep Dive into the Collection
What makes “A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time” so special? It’s the sheer depth and breadth of content. The collection includes all seven studio albums released during their Virgin years (1988-2004):
- “Battalions Of Fear”
- “Follow The Blind”
- “Tales From The Twilight World”
- “Somewhere Far Beyond”
- “Imaginations From The Other Side”
- “Nightfall In Middle-Earth”
- “A Night At The Opera”
Adding to this already impressive list are the live albums “Tokyo Tales” and “Live,” as well as “The Forgotten Tales” compilation. All of these were remastered in 2012, and some even received new mixes, breathing new life into these classic recordings.
But Blind Guardian didn’t stop there. They delved into their archives to unearth some true gems:
- “Imaginations Through The Looking Glass”: The phenomenal concert from Coburg, Germany, in June 2003, presented in audio format for the very first time across two CDs.
- “Nightfall In Middle-Earth” (Special Edition): The legendary 1998 studio album presented without any breaks, including a new mix of “Blood Tears.”
- “An Extraordinary Tale”: A treasure trove of previously unreleased demo versions of tracks like “Welcome To Dying,” “Lord Of The Rings,” “The Bard’s Song (In The Forest),” “The Bard’s Song (The Hobbit),” “Theatre Of Pain,” “Trial By Fire,” and “I’m Alive.” This disc also includes the never-before-released, longer version of “The Quest For Tanelorn” and the rare track “Harvest Of Sorrow.”
More Than Just Music: The Collector’s Experience
“A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time” offered more than just audio delights. The deluxe box set included:
- A 20-page glossy booklet (27cm x 27cm) filled with comments from the band members and over 100 rare and mostly unpublished photos.
- A limited-edition and numbered Blind Guardian art print on special paper (27cm x 27cm).
- A guitar plectrum engraved with the band’s logo.
These additions elevated the box set from a simple collection of music to a true collector’s item, offering fans a tangible connection to the band and their history.
A Band’s Perspective
“With ‘A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time,’ we document how much Blind Guardian developed between 1988 and 2004 in, as I see it, a particularly impressive and vivid way,” explained vocalist/bassist Hansi Kürsch. He also noted that the brand new mastering ensured consistency across all 15 CDs, allowing for a seamless listening experience.
The collection showcases compositional milestones like “Majesty,” “Traveler In Time,” and “The Bard’s Song,” highlighting the band’s unique songwriting and boundless energy. It also features epic tracks like “Imaginations From The Other Side” and “Time Stands Still (At The Iron Hill),” culminating in the progressive masterpiece “And Then There Was Silence.”
A Testament to Dedication
“A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time” exemplifies Blind Guardian’s commitment to their fans. As Hansi Kürsch stated, “We poured our heart and soul into ‘A Traveler’s Guide To Space And Time,’ making it a well worthwhile box for our fans which fully meets the demands we make of ourselves as well as those of our fans.”
This box set is a testament to Blind Guardian’s legacy and a must-have for any serious fan of power metal. It’s a journey through space and time, guided by the masters of their craft.
