With the tremendous amount of success Blind Guardian has endured through Europe and Japan it seems as if they have set their sights on the American market this time round. With the metal resurgence in full swing through the states only time will tell if the Heavyweights from Germany can conquer such a fickle market. For the average listener Blind Guardian's grandiose arrangements may be perceived as overkill. Due to the fact the average listener generally seeks out a the ever-redundant hook that they can sink their unoriginal jaws into. By ways of our commercial market's past record one could quite easily assume the average listener is a complete foking numbskull too. When it comes to Power Metal, Blind Guardian definitely is inscribed deep within its hierarchy. With an almost compulsive ardor for details A Night at the Opera is a distinct musical endeavor into the realms of premium musicianship. Whether you are a musician or just a fan that can appreciate musicians that play superincumbent styles than A Night at the Opera is a must have. Delivering some of the finest vocal harmonies in the business, Hansi attacked his vocal duties on A Night at the Opera with the same potency he has on previous Blind Guardian releases. Huge choruses of multiple layered voices gracefully flourishing throughout the entire release. If you have a single inkling into the world of vocals you can not help but marvel at his execution. Where he finds his inspiration and the ability to pull these vocal lines off is indeed the question of the hour.

For the music itself, it is of course extremely progressive, diving deep into the vein of brilliance. The performance is flawless, innovative and original. Reminiscent of Dream Theater ever so vaguely. The songs are well thought out and border on masterful. Signature leads and melodies grace this release unequivocally. Various layers of speed to mid-tempo change with crystal clean parts to fill the void. Thomen Stauch proves his abilities behind the kit are indeed worthy of this whole production. Delivering solid rhythms and thundering fills. The production is Millennium on all accounts. Offering even the smallest of home stereo's something of worth. Bottom Line: Whereas Blind Guardian's music is that of genius. Obviously though, the die-hard death metal fan will want absolutely nothing to do with this release. If you will leave your minds open and can appreciate music of such intense magnitudes of progressive. Than I fully recommend this one. A Night at the Opera has hit the player on several occasions since I have owned it. It is indeed a fresh alternative to the ass-gargles I surround myself with generally 80% of the time.