Follow the Blind

Infobox Album
Name = Follow the Blind
Type = studio
Artist = Blind Guardian


Released = October 25th, 1989
Recorded = January-February 1989 at Karo Studios, Münster, West Germany
Genre = Power metal, speed metal
Length = 43:06
Label = No Remorse, Virgin, Century Media
Producer = Kalle Trapp
Reviews =
* [http://soundofmetal.se/ Sound Of Metal] Rating-10|8.6 [http://soundofmetal.se/index.php?page=blindguardianfollowtheblindreview link]

* Allmusic Rating|3|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:kcdgyl61xppb link]
Last album = "Battalions of Fear"
(1988)
This album = "Follow the Blind"
(1989)
Next album = "Tales from the Twilight World"
(1990)

"Follow the Blind" is the second full-length album from the German metal band Blind Guardian, released in 1989. Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray and ex.Helloween sings in the song Valhalla. The album is more in the vein of speed metal, compared to the style that would later define the band's unique sound.

The opening track "Inquisition" is a repetition of the Latin phrase "Pie Jesu Domine, dona eis requiem" ("O sweet Lord Jesus, grant them rest" in English) chanted as it would be by monks. The phrase forms part of the Roman Catholic Requiem Mass, and is also identical to that which is chanted by the monks in "Monty Python and the Holy Grail".

Remastered, remixed and re-released on 15th June 2007, with the whole second demo tape, "Battalions of Fear", of the band (at the time called Lucifer's Heritage) as part of the bonus tracks.

Track listing

# "Inquisition" – 0:40
# "Banish from Sanctuary" – 5:27
# "Damned for All Time" – 4:57
# "Follow the Blind" – 7:10
# "Hall of the King" – 4:16
# "Fast to Madness" – 5:57
# "Beyond the Ice" – 3:28
# "Valhalla" – 4:56
# "Barbara Ann" (The Regents and Beach Boys cover) – 1:43
*Bonus Track:10. "Don't Break the Circle" (Demon cover) – 3:28
*2007 Re-release Bonus Tracks:11. "Majesty" (Demo Version) – 7:28:12. "Trial by the Archon" (Demo Version) – 1:41:13. "Battalions of Fear" (Demo Version) – 6:06:14. "Run for the Night" (Demo Version) – 3:33

Note: the 2007 re-release and other special releases have "Barbara Ann" moved to the 10th position, and the bonus track "Don't Break the Circle" being on 9th position. In the 2007 re-release, "Don't Break the Circle" is still a bonus track, although it is not listed as such.

Lineup

Band

* Hansi Kürsch - vocals and bass
* André Olbrich - lead guitar and backing vocals
* Marcus Siepen - rhythm guitar and backing vocals
* Thomas "Thomen" Stauch - drums

Personnel

* Kai Hansen - vocals on "Valhalla", Guest Guitar solo on Hall of the King.
* Kalle Trapp – recording, mixing and producing
* van Waay Design – cover painting

Lyrical References

* "Damned for All Time" and "Fast to Madness" are based on Michael Moorcock's characters from "Eternal Champion" series.
* "Banish from Sanctuary" is based on the life of John the Baptist.
* "Follow the Blind" is based on Stephen King & Peter Straub's "The Talisman".
* "Hall of the King" is about the faith and being faithful.
* "Valhalla" is about the "heaven" of Norse mythology.