About this album
Where they were
Released in 1996, 'The Forgotten Tales' came during Blind Guardian's rise to prominence in the power metal genre, following their critically acclaimed album 'Imaginations from the Other Side' (1995). This album serves as a bridge between their earlier works and their subsequent exploration of symphonic elements, showcasing both reimagined classics and new acoustic interpretations.
Why it matters
'The Forgotten Tales' is significant for its unique approach, blending orchestral versions of existing tracks with live recordings, highlighting Blind Guardian's storytelling prowess. The album reached number 24 on the German charts, affirming the band's commercial success and influence within the power metal scene.
Essential tracks
- "Lord of the Rings (orchestral version)" — This track exemplifies Blind Guardian's ability to fuse literary inspiration with grand orchestration, capturing the essence of Tolkien’s world.
- "The Bard's Song (live)" — As a fan favorite, this live rendition showcases the band's connection with their audience and the timeless nature of their music.
- "A Past and Future Secret" — This track features haunting melodies and introspective lyrics, representing the band's lyrical depth and musical evolution.
Release Date
April 16, 1996
Artist Origin
Germany
Tracklist
- 1 Mr. Sandman 2:12
- 2 Surfin' USA 2:27
- 3 Bright Eyes (acoustic version) 4:24
- 4 Lord of the Rings (orchestral version) 3:58
- 5 The Wizard 3:18
- 6 Spread Your Wings 4:15
- 7 Mordred's Song (acoustic version) 5:18
- 8 Black Chamber (orchestral version) 1:17
- 9 The Bard's Song (live) 4:13
- 10 Barbara Ann / Long Tall Sally 1:47
- 11 A Past and Future Secret 3:49
- 12 To France 4:44
- 13 Theatre of Pain (orchestral version) 4:15