Blind Guardian is a speed metal/power metal band from Krefeld / Meerbusch, Germany, that is credited as one of most influential artists of its genres. While early Blind Guardian’s work belong to speed metal style, in latest releases the band moved towards epic power metal.

Blind Guardian was founded in the mid-80’s by André Olbrich (guitar), Hansi Kürsch (vocals, bass), Marcus Siepen (guitar) and Thomas “Thomen” Stauch (drums), (left the band in 2005, replaced by Frederik Ehmke). Before calling themselves Blind Guardian, the band released two demos under the name Lucifer’s Heritage in 1985 and 1986.

Blind Guardian has always been inspired by the fictional worlds of fantasy writers such as J.R.R. Tolkien, Michael Moorcock, Margaret Weis, Tracy Hickman, Stephen King as well as traditional legends and epics. Stephen King’s Dark Tower series has also been an influence on the band, evident in “Somewhere Far Beyond” as ... read more »