Released 20 years ago
A Twist in the Myth
Blind Guardian · 2006
77 min · 14 tracks · power metal
Epic orchestrations collide with intricate guitar work and soaring vocals, creating a rich tapestry of power metal storytelling.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Otherland — This track stands out for its elaborate narrative structure and dynamic shifts between aggressive riffs and melodic passages, encapsulating the album's thematic exploration of otherworldly realms.
-
→
Fly — Featuring a powerful chorus and uplifting lyrics, this song exemplifies Blind Guardian's knack for creating anthemic tracks that resonate with listeners on both emotional and musical levels.
-
→
Lionheart — With its driving rhythm and heroic themes, this track highlights the band's signature storytelling style while showcasing their technical musicianship through intricate guitar solos.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases ambitious compositions and intricate arrangements typical of power metal, though it has some unevenness in flow.
What we noticed
- The album features complex song structures with multiple tempo changes, often shifting from fast-paced sections to slower, more melodic passages.
- Vocals are layered with harmonies throughout, particularly in the choruses, creating a rich vocal texture that complements the orchestration.
- Several tracks incorporate orchestral elements and choirs, enhancing the epic feel and storytelling aspect of the music.
- Composition 25% of the score
-
8/10
- Craft 20% of the score
-
7/10
- Durability 25% of the score
-
6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
-
7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
6/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- dynamic journey with emotional peaks
- epic melodies for grand escapism
- wave-like pacing inviting reflection
- immersive storytelling through music
- orchestral elements enhancing drama
Maybe skip if you
- prefer short, standalone tracks
- seek immediate gratification
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry but not widely recognized as a standout in their catalog.
- Career context
- A Twist in the Myth is Blind Guardian's ninth studio album, released in 2006 as a follow-up to their critically acclaimed A Night at the Opera. At this point in their career, they were solidifying their status as pioneers of the power metal genre while exploring new musical territories and production techniques. The album showcases their evolution with more complex arrangements and thematic depth.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Helloween· Iced Earth· DragonForce
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 This Will Never End 5:07
- 2 Otherland 5:15
- 3 Turn the Page 4:18
- 4 Fly 5:45
- 5 Carry the Blessed Home 4:04
- 6 Another Stranger Me 4:37
- 7 Straight Through the Mirror 5:50
- 8 Lionheart 4:17
- 9 Skalds and Shadows 3:13
- 10 The Edge 4:29
- 11 The New Order 4:53
- 12 Dead Sound of Misery 5:20
- 13 [silence] 8:07
- 14 [Interview] 12:38
If this landed
Records by other artists that run on the same instinct.
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.