Battalions of Fear

　　The thing that interested me most in the band was the website. The moment I saw the cool looking welcome page I wanted to hear these guys. So I finally sat down with this CD, cracked it open and waited for my ears to be tickled with a great band. As I waited for the first song to start playing I began reading the titles of the songs and I was beginning to see a HUGE love for JRR Tolkien. I started thinking that if anyone likes Tolkien like I do then they can’t be all bad. 　　As so many other writers they have taken some of their inspiration of people and things. Songs "Majesty", "By The Gates Of Moria" and "Gandalf's Rebirth" were inspired by J.R.R. Tolkien's "Lord Of The Rings". Song "Guardian Of The Blind" was inspired by Stephen King's "It". Song "Run For The Night" was inspired by Antonin Dvorak. 　　This album is as hectic as I thought it was going to be and as I guitar player myself I would love to jam with Thomen Stauch, what an amazing drummer. This guy is as solid as can be. A couple of songs that stand out for me as ones I listened to over and over again would have to be “Guardian Of The Blind” and “The Martyr”. Great riffs, harmonies, hooks leading into the verses. These guys can really write a good song. 　　Of course the last two songs on the CD “By The Gates Of Moria” and “Gandalf’s Return” are complete instrumentals that are homages to Lord of the Rings. Musically very cool, however, I’m not sure what they had to do with LOTR. 　　All in all this album was a good one. Sadly there wasn’t anything in it that I would say is totally memorable but it was worth the listen. These guys put a great deal of effort into writing the CD and it shows in the production. I’m glad I started off with one of their earlier works so I can see them mature as a band with their future writings. If you are into heavy, loud and aggressive Metal check out BLIND GUARDIAN. (Online March 3, 2004)