‘The power metal attributes present in Blind Guardian’s fourth album are undeniably breathtaking. Lead guitar licks and Hansi’s layered voice are dispersed throughout for the enchanting power metal sensation. The Quest for Tanelorn embodies this like no other, with its triumphant vocal mantras and flurries of metal axe shreddery. Acoustic guitars are at hand all over the album, as the record opens with Time What Is Time’s striking harmony. The Quest for Tanelorn also opens with wondrous acoustic strumming while The Bard’s Song – In the Forestis acoustic in its entirety as well as a Blind Guardian cult classic song. Peacefulness is also found in Black Chamber a minute of Hansi singing to a piano piece, as well as The Piper’s Calling, a bagpipe instrumental. And as the album winds down, none can deny that the title track Somewhere Far Beyond is the finest 7:30 that a power metal fan will ever experience in their lives’ Sputnik Music