I forgot that Shape of Despair event existed. I should revisit them for the first time in like 5 years. Loved the shit out that album when I was 18.
My friend was the one that really got me into this band. I always appreciated and respected the band, but never really blasted any of their full-length albums until I got drunk and wanted some true fantasy themed non-Stratovarius gay metal. The raging boner has yet to be satisfied, exceptt when I put on some Jag Panzer or Fates Warning or something...
This is like, one of those bands that is lumped with the European/Limp-Wristed Gay Power Metal bands that actually holds a candle to the trve/non-kvnt US power bands and proceeds to actually shit on them at times.
In other words. Blind Guardian is wonderful if you aren't a British faggot and love some of the most heterosexual music out there.
Also, power metal is extremely better when drinking tequila and shitty beer.