by Steve Huey

Tales from the Twilight World was Blind Guardian's third album, and the one that broke them to a wider audience in Germany and helped score them a deal with the German division of Virgin Records. It's no surprise, then, that it was their best-crafted record up to that point, as the band had mastered its fusion of technical speed metal, powerful Judas Priest-esque grooves, and a dramatic, neo-classical feel. Helloween's Kai Hansen guests on vocals and guitar. [The 2007 JVC Victor edition included bonus tracks.]