Blind Guardian – Imaginations From The Other Side

The overwhelming impression that "Somewhere Far Beyond" made in me, left me wanting more and eagerly searching for more music Blind Guardian might had released up to that point (early 1998).

And the next step, after a fairly difficult search in a pre- internet, godforsaken Mediterranean small city (luckily at that time the band was under the Virgin banner, which was a fairly well- distributed label), was "Imaginations From The Other Side" found in a tiny, heavy metal specialized record store, after I got the "Blind who?" response at the city's main shopping malls' record departments.

Long story short, got the album, went back home and, by the time the album was hitting the closing "And The Story Ends", I was firmly convinced I had just witnessed the living story of the world's greatest heavy metal band.

I just couldn't believe these guys were not huge like, say, Iron Maiden or Metallica.

Because "Imaginations From The Other Side" had just taken the expectations created after the shock of "SFB" and blew them off the roof.

Killer riff after killer riff, unforgettably perfect chorus after chorus, imaginative solo after solo, all founded by an unmatched and unstoppable thunderous rhythm section and topped by Hansi's versatility and dramatic performance, what was deploying in front of me was an epic masterpiece by all means, a collection of perfectly crafted metal songs, all balanced by the perfect amount of aggressiveness and raw power ("I'm Alive" was the most aggressive song I had ever heard up to that point), crowned by Fleming Rasmussen's sharp as a razor yet alive, soulful production and mix (it's still one of my favourite sounding albums by the band).

24 years later I still get goosebumps when I listen to the opening effects at the beginning of the title song, followed by another 8 immortal hymns that are since then considered some of the most solid achievements by any metal band, with their roots deeply settled within many albums and bands that came afterwards.

This remastered edition is a brilliant example of how these remasters can be worthy of getting, as it sounds like a blast.

The overwhelming impression that "Somewhere Far Beyond" made in me, left me wanting more and eagerly searching for more music Blind Guardian might had released up to that point (early 1998).

And the next step, after a fairly difficult search in a pre- internet, godforsaken Mediterranean small city (luckily at that time the band was under the Virgin banner, which was a fairly well- distributed label), was "Imaginations From The Other Side" found in a tiny, heavy metal specialized record store, after I got the "Blind who?" response at the city's main shopping malls' record departments.

Long story short, got the album, went back home and, by the time the album was hitting the closing "And The Story Ends", I was firmly convinced I had just witnessed the living story of the world's greatest heavy metal band.

I just couldn't believe these guys were not huge like, say, Iron Maiden or Metallica.
Because "Imaginations From The Other Side" had just taken the expectations created after the shock of "SFB" and blew them off the roof.

Killer riff after killer riff, unforgettably perfect chorus after chorus, imaginative solo after solo, all founded by an unmatched and unstoppable thunderous rhythm section and topped by Hansi's versatility and dramatic performance, what was deploying in front of me was an epic masterpiece by all means, a collection of perfectly crafted metal songs, all balanced by the perfect amount of aggressiveness and raw power ("I'm Alive" was the most aggressive song I had ever heard up to that point), crowned by Fleming Rasmussen's sharp as a razor yet alive, soulful production and mix (it's still one of my favourite sounding albums by the band).

24 years later I still get goosebumps when I listen to the opening effects at the beginning of the title song, followed by another 8 immortal hymns that are since then considered some of the most solid achievements by any metal band, with their roots deeply settled within many albums and bands that came afterwards.

The Cardboard Sleeve is so tight I can barely get the vinyl in and out without damaging the inner sleeve !

I find myself drawn to this album again and again, knowing full well that with each spin I will discover something new. This album is loaded with Progressive Power Metal that is both impressive instrumentally and emotionally evocative with its bombastic all male choir vocalizations and mythically charged lyrical depth. The opening title track is not only the longest song here (a gutsy move) but the most lyrically nostalgic. But the second track, "I'm Alive," is where this album reaches the stratosphere with an intense chorus that makes all within earshot want to in the choir. The rest of the album is a roller coaster ride filled with some of the finest Power Metal ever recorded. The musical arrangements throughout suggest nothing less than thoughtfully crafted, intelligent songwriting. The production is superb and grandiose, highlighting each musician's skill but never at the cost of the song itself. Power Metal done right is a wholly remarkable experience, and Blind Guardian are masters of the genre. Highly recommended.

Great reissue. Powerful and voluminous sound. Flat and clean vinyl.

So, to start with, I gave this pressing a 4/5, only because there's surface noise which is audible at the beginning seconds of "A Past and Future Secret." I will say that the surface noise isn't audible during the other songs. Yes, I did clean the discs before playing them.

With that said, this pressing is great, but you have to crank it up to get the full effect, but it's Blind Guardian, who wouldn't want to play this album at a loud volume. This is my favorite BG album and I enjoy the 1995 mix much better. The weakest point of the new Remaster, while it still sounds amazing, is the drum sound imho. There is something really cool about this mix, and that is the strings at the beginning of "Mordied's Song." Hansi's voice also sounds amazing.

If I could go back and decide whether I would purchase this pressing knowing what I know now, I would definitely purchase it.

Despite my gripes with both the Somewhere Far Beyond and A Night at the Opera vinyl reissues, I quite like this one. Different from the original, but there are so many details I previously missed that I now hear, and the new mix especially suits epic songs like the title track (the faster ones, not as much).

Sounds awesome. I'm digging that these vinyl versions come with bonus tracks of decent quality that's killer! for fans of the album scoop it up \m/

I bought this in order to finally have it on black vinyl (I have the original picture disc) but from the first note I was disappointed. The sound is changed and sounds very different from the original mastering. It sounds "plastic".

Le vocal et les harmonies vocales sont incroyables. Aucun temps mort. Un super album