The most memorable moment was a Wacken Festival that Blind Guardian wasn't there. The Bard's Song was played briefly on the video wall and 70,000 people suddenly stopped, paused and began to sing the song. Complete. Only then did everyone go their own way again. That was magical.
I saw Iron Maiden in 2010 shortly after Dio died. It was early in the evening before the opener went up, and they were playing just whatever songs over the PA system, but Holy Diver came on, and all whatever-thousand people had arrived at the venue by that point got quiet and started singing it and throwing horns in honor of Dio. Also magical. I'm seeing Blind Guardian for the first time tonight too :)
I just love how Hansi looks like he just picked up the kids from school and is on his way to do the shopping and he's one of the most badass and best vocalists out there
Funny thing, I got to this video through your Eskimo callboy pump it reaction :D (and because I’m literally addicted to BG)
2 ปีที่แล้ว +19
@Tank they are and we will :) it's like Bohemian Rhapsody or Stairway to heaven ... you never really loose the catchy tune. also you can wake fans up at night, say some words and you will get the song sun ;)
I've seen them live 4 times. The first time being 2001. They have this engagement every time, with every crowd, regardless of size or venue. I still haven't seen an artist or band keep an audience THAT engaged for the entire set. And their headline sets are 2 hours long!
Mirror Mirror is another song where you can see how good everyone in this band is. And also see where and when the "non-vocalists" join in to lend extra strength to voice line.
Hopefully maybe the version of Mirror Mirror from Imaginations Through the Looking Glass cause it’s the one live version I’ve seen where Hansi is going for the crazy notes he hits on the album version. Never see reactors do that one cause it’s older but it’s the best live version out there even if the video quality is slightly lower.
I don´t agree with that. Hansi actually sings like a catholic priest (I don´t know if you´ve ever heard a priest singing at church, but they sound EXACTLY like this).
I discovered Blind Guardian when I was around 16, and I had no idea what the crowds were like in their shows... Then a few years later I went to my first big metal festival (Wacken 2011) and there they were, and the whole crowd was singing with me. Honestly one of the best live experiences I've ever had despite having a dislocated shoulder at the beginning of the show
That Wacken was one of the best experiences in my life. That concert and especially the moment the crowd, after Valhalla, just started to sing again and it propagated through the whole crowd. That was amazing :)
I do think that to be the case. But I can't remember one where he goes so high without distortion off the top of my head. Could you remind me of one? Part of me wants to say "Raven Child", but that's just because that's the one that's on my mind these days. Maybe "And then there was Silence"?
@@Nyarlathotep_Flagg I don't think I've ever heard him go into the upper 5th octave without distortion but there's is some really great clean high singing in Age of False Innocence, And Then there was Silence also seems to have some pretty decent mostly high singing, but it's kinda difficult to tell because of the heavy layering and crappy production.
I've been there, a few times. Singing along to The Bard Song, and then to Valhalla. The feeling, the emotional connection is amazing. I get emotional just listening to it again - it really is special to be there, to be in a crowd, where the band has this level of participation. It helps that they're all such nice guys, and that Hansi is just so relaxed about being a fricken God of Metal.
I was there at the Festival. Was my first Wacken and it was just Magical. I was there with my Cousin and we talked all the way back to the camp about it. And chants of Valhalla kept going on and on way past. I get Goosebumps just listening to it again. It just hits different.
He took lessons to be able to pull that one off I read in an interview. I still think he went out of his comfort zone with that song, but it's still a cool song. Very calm.
this Band has released a new song barely a week ago. cant wait for that new album to be released next year. one of the best german power/speed metal bands with helloween and gamma Ray
One of the Greatest and most respected german Metal bands. Love their music. their music is very fantasy-themed, dwarfs, elves, bards,... they also had a concert in one side-quest in the game "sacred 2". The song they sang in this in game concert is called "sacred worlds" you should check it out. it´s great.
In the original Valhalla video idk if it was planned cause they literally stopped playing and the lights went totally out… and the crowd wouldn’t stop singing so they just continued playing… that’s honestly what made me love this song
Nightfall in middle earth is their masterpiece. We all have learned every word of every song of this album... :-) P.S. André Olbrich is an amazing guitarist with a unique sound.
Blind Guardian is THEE best crowd friendly band on the planet, ever, and I will stand by that. I have seen them many times and the crowd has sang, happily, half of those concerts with them.
There is a version of the Valhalla song where the crowd just keeps on going and going and going, some say they still are singing:-) Might be the same concert, this clip got cut off early lolz
Most of the time its on their own concerst there are time restrictions for festivals like that, and they have to keep it But man, when they are not on a festival the valhalla part can take ages!
The Bards song and Valhalla is always an easy day at the office for Hansi (not that it is different with their other songs). Everytime the audience is willing to help.😄 Hansi is phenomenal. I mean we're talking about nearly 40 years of experience, like all of them. They absolutely know how to keep the audience attention.
I love the community on this channel, the participation in the chat was like Wacken crowd. I would also like add a suggestion for future analysis, Ningen Isu - Heartless🙂
Pity I missed the live chat on this one. I’ve been a fan of Blind Guardian since about 1998, when I started to expand my metal knowledge beyond a few big bands like Metallica. These two songs in particular are very easy for BG fans to sing along with. We know every word.
there's like one song that embodies everything Blind Guardian is about and that is "And then there was Silence". It's an epic 14 minutes ride telling about the end of Troy. The song has powerful vocals, epic choirs and many changes of rhythm ranging from up-tempos to ballads parts.
Hansi Kürsch's singing voice is special. Everytime I think hes "yelling/screaming" in a song, hes actually just reaching this tone without what seems much effort. Id expect that to reach this loud, hed have his mouth full opened and his neck veins bulging but no ...he has this power that doesnt seem to need any effort from him. The first example is in the song "Children of the Smith" at 4:17, where clearly he seems to go for a powerful tone and yet, the vid shows him while recording and he seems to barely break a sweat. And to think that the band never would have guessed that this ballad would become that popular. Having the crowd singing it through most of it everytime they play it at a concert...I only know of Sabaton with their "En Livstid I Krig" which reached that awesomeness.
With this reaction done, I would recommend Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down - The Source (2017). As well as Van Canto(an a capella metal band), they have a cover of The Bard's Song that is absolutely amazing.
Saw these guys back when I was in college in 2002, in a little rock/metal club (that has sadly since closed) in Alexandria, Virginia, in what was their 1st US tour, I believe. The crowd interaction was just as powerful, and they write pretty much all of their music woth that in mind.
If you listen to Blind Guardian’s studio recordings, Hansi likes to track his voice maaaany times. Lots of harmonies and counterpoint. It’s actually rare to hear one Hansi at a time ha. You’d probably really enjoy it and find a lot to nerd out about! Try the 2007 remaster of Nightfall or the 2017 remaster of And Then There Was Silence. The latter is long, but also has him hitting a few low(er) notes without distortion. And cool orchestration, and more fantastic guitars. Precious Jerusalem is a great showcase too. I like how you picked up on how… abruptly he can shift his pressure and phrasing and jump to notes. His tone is unique and not for everyone, but I love it. And he has really figured out how to use those different colors and changes to write songs where he’s playing many different parts, representing different people, telling stories involving multiple characters and viewpoints.
I always enjoy watching educated people react to Blind Guardian, reminds me of the first time i listened to them, some 12-13 years ago - and they immediately became one of my favorites. The amount of talent and imagination these guys have always baffled me, and though it should be pretty obvious, people not used to rock or metal music might not pick that up straight away; the fact that you did earned yourself a sub. I strongly recommend you to l isten to more of their works, you won't be dissapointed. About the crowd participation.. I can't imagine there are that many artists who can walk up the stage, nod to the crowd and have them sing basically your entire discography word for word. That's the devotion BG instills in their fans.
Translation for yo (sorry, my English is not that good): Before the first song: [German] We love to be here on Wacken. I'd like to let you shout a bit longer, but we don't have that much time left, wich we want to spend with music. I Think, most of you know what comes next. It have been legendary, not for the first time here. But I have the feeling, you will top it today, so let's sing "The Bard's Song: In the Forest" Between te first and teh second Song: [English] You're all fucking crazy! [German] Wacken, I Don't dare to say this, but you're much more awsome (he uses a German slang) then ever. We here on stage had always a good time. We always loved to come to Wacken, but sometime it's time to move on, but we will see us again somwhere else. [English] Let's get crazy for a last time! Let's lock up the Gates of "Valhalla" During the last moments of "Valhalla" : [German] Look's awsome! Sond's awsome! (again in German slang. "Geil" means "sexuyal excited" but is used as "This is so much more better, than good"). I think, Magnus (Guitar Player) worked hard enough, now It's time for Fredrick (Drummer), but for this you need to sing a litte bit louder! ... _unintelligible_ ... Give me all you have! MEGA (also "awsome", yet another slang). Now the last 3 times. And again. Sing, as you would be on stage. (Then he sings the last cours together with the croud) At the end he says good bye in different languages (I heard, german, english, french and I think japanese, but could be wrong here)
Julia, if no one mentioned it, all the instrumentalists except Frederick, the drummer, are singing. They either double Hansi on the choruses or provide a call and response, depending on the song.
The band has done a very big musical evolution. They startet with raw speed and thrash metal stuff, went to very progressive things before mixing them and also do a full orchestra album. While this evolution Hansi's voice also changed a lot. Most people think that around 2005 to 2008 was his prime. But to be honest he damaged his voice back then. His performances went worse going into 2010. I saw them on every tour since 2011 and there was progress to watch when he regained his voice and found new colours, styles and details he never used before. It's the only band i know wich developed that much within 10 years. Hnsi is now singing better than in 2011 for sure, when even messed up the harder songs. Now he is close to perfection but also taking care about his voice and use the really stressing techniques only for highlights or on non stressing tours, like 2021 where there have been only 4 concerts. I would recommend "Another Holy war" for very early stuff, "Mirror, Mirror" if you want to listen what ist part of most of the people think is Blind Guardian's best Album or "the ninth wave" if you want to listen to the actual status of development.
Another Holy War is at the tail end of their early career. Something from Tales From the Twilight World might be more representative. Last Candle, Traveler In Time, Lost in the Twilight Hall, etc.
@@LordBaktor imaginations from the other side is the apex of their career for me. In any case I agree it’s objectively false to caracterize the period as « early »; they had been playing for 10 years at the time!
Great reaction, as always! You should totally check out Blind Guardian's "The Eldar". It's a stunningly beautiful song, in which Hansi goes pretty much through his full range. Including one verse of just three notes that go from low to very high. It's a vocal and musical, and lyrical masterpiece
This was the best react I've seen in a long time. And above all, it wasn't a stupid react, like in other reacts where people just nod their heads and so on. You know what I mean. You showed your enthusiasm and explained well why you are so enthusiastic. I really liked that. But what still annoys me is that 2016 I was very sick and couldn't go to Wacken Open Air. :/
Awesome reaction to an awesome band, Probably one of the most influential in power and speed metal. You are amazing and thank you from the bottom of my heart :) Also now you need to react to some Manowar for some excellent transitions between melodic and growl lyrics in the realm of Epic Rock. Lots of love from Greece stay safe and healthy.
For Julia really analyses Hansi's vocals she has to do something from the Tokyo Tales live in Tokyo Album. Hansi was in his prime. Totally an absurd I woud recomend Journey Through the Dark from Tokyo Tales to an analyses.
@@nahadoth2087 Good point. I agree that Hansi would ruined his voice if he kept singing like that but it was awesome either way. I said as his prime cause he was young and powerfull even with a bad technique
I first heard this Song and the Album "Somewhere far beyond" only some 30 years ago, in a School Bus, in the early 90s, when a Friend brought his Discman, 2 Sets of Headsets and a new CD...the rest is silence🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
among all the reaction videos ever made to this song, and as a big BG fan, i can tell that you communicate the joy and the emotion by listening to this for the first time. just like us all, except that for me (and all the fans i presume) it's everytime :) thanks for this video
Hey Julia! Love that you’ve started your Blind Guardian journey I have loved this band since the late 90’s!! They are very middle earth based in their songs and I think you’ll love that! You should listen to The Eldar to be truly blown away with Hansi’s vocal abilities and also The Script For My Requiem is another brilliant song!! Stay metal 🤘🤘
Julia dear, to hear Hansi's shreak again, please listen to Ayreon/Age of Shadows (Live at Tilburg 2017).... loads of fun that one is. You will love his backup singers, lol.
To hear some more wonderful singing from Hansi, he has multiple performances from Ayreon's live show called Universe like River of Time, Star of Sirrah, Age of Shadows, Everybody Dies & The Eye of Ra. Many of those have high quality videos of them on TH-cam.
It's an incredible experience to be within that crowd on The Bard Song. I was once in Warsaw and everybody just sat on the floor and sing along the whole thing. Awesome.
After being a lukewarm fan of Blind Guardian for years and rediscovering them after going to my first Blind Guardian concert. Their music has influenced me to sing their songs. I hope to start a Blind Guardian cover band.
Nice reaction. ;) Standing in this crowd and sing along with 80000 other metalheads was hilarious. I listen to Blind Guardian since the late 80´s. They can play the first tones of the Bard Song and the crowd can sing the song without Hansi Kürsch :) Bard Song and Valhalla are on almost every Setlist when they play a concert.
I'm stealing another comment by a BG fan which is the absolute truth: "Blind Guardian's concerts are the fans singing their songs, and the band coming to support on some of them." And as I've been to quite a few concerts I find that comment to be too accurate and true 😂🤣😂
The first time I saw them live, the crowd sang the outro for longer than the song itself. The band didn’t know how to stop the crowd. It consistently became enough of an issue that they had to figure out how to get people to stop singing it, like they did here.
![Teacher Reacts To "Blind Guardian - The Bard's Song & Valhalla (LIVE)" [NEW FAVORITE]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/0NNqp1WlASI/mqdefault.jpg)
The most memorable moment was a Wacken Festival that Blind Guardian wasn't there. The Bard's Song was played briefly on the video wall and 70,000 people suddenly stopped, paused and began to sing the song. Complete. Only then did everyone go their own way again. That was magical.
I saw Iron Maiden in 2010 shortly after Dio died. It was early in the evening before the opener went up, and they were playing just whatever songs over the PA system, but Holy Diver came on, and all whatever-thousand people had arrived at the venue by that point got quiet and started singing it and throwing horns in honor of Dio. Also magical.
I'm seeing Blind Guardian for the first time tonight too :)
@@jesseharper6669 Are you well prepared with the lyrics of the bard song?
I just love how Hansi looks like he just picked up the kids from school and is on his way to do the shopping and he's one of the most badass and best vocalists out there
To steal a quote from Blind Guardian fans everywhere, "Legends says that the crowd is still singing 'Valhalla' to this day..."
Funny thing, I got to this video through your Eskimo callboy pump it reaction :D (and because I’m literally addicted to BG)
@Tank they are and we will :) it's like Bohemian Rhapsody or Stairway to heaven ... you never really loose the catchy tune. also you can wake fans up at night, say some words and you will get the song sun ;)
yes... and they will do that for the rest of time.....
Hey Tank. Their choruses just have so much singability that you have to sing.
I've seen them live 4 times. The first time being 2001. They have this engagement every time, with every crowd, regardless of size or venue. I still haven't seen an artist or band keep an audience THAT engaged for the entire set. And their headline sets are 2 hours long!
Mirror Mirror is another song where you can see how good everyone in this band is. And also see where and when the "non-vocalists" join in to lend extra strength to voice line.
I support this comment. "Mirror Mirror" is a classic.
Hopefully maybe the version of Mirror Mirror from Imaginations Through the Looking Glass cause it’s the one live version I’ve seen where Hansi is going for the crazy notes he hits on the album version. Never see reactors do that one cause it’s older but it’s the best live version out there even if the video quality is slightly lower.
And Then There Was Silence.
personaly id go with And then there was Silence or Time stands still from a vocal perpective especaly the latter with the spoken sections etc
The Bard's Song... "He's still singing most of it" hehehe.....I giggled.
As Arjen of Ayreon put it once: Hansi is the singer one imagines on top of a mountain ridge, shrieking to the heavens!
Roaring down the mountain 😀
Thats why Arjen always collect best singers for his projects
I don´t agree with that. Hansi actually sings like a catholic priest (I don´t know if you´ve ever heard a priest singing at church, but they sound EXACTLY like this).
@@gabrielp9646 you and I go to VERY different churches. Lowkey envious tbh :D
nah bro, that's Daniel Heiman
Not only Hansi's voice is a trademark of the band, but also a guitar work. Their leads and solos are very recognizable.
Hansi Kürsch is one of the Best Metal Vocalist ever.
And I love that he wouldn't look out of place as the manager of an Olive Garden.
Probably the most underrated metal singer ever!
Yeah, he should get the same kind of recognition as Ronnie James Dio, Michael Kiske and Rob Halford.
Ben Metzner is also good as Hansi , i think
Whatever your opinion of their music....Eric Adams pretty much makes Manowar with his ridiculous range and ability.
I discovered Blind Guardian when I was around 16, and I had no idea what the crowds were like in their shows... Then a few years later I went to my first big metal festival (Wacken 2011) and there they were, and the whole crowd was singing with me. Honestly one of the best live experiences I've ever had despite having a dislocated shoulder at the beginning of the show
That Wacken was one of the best experiences in my life. That concert and especially the moment the crowd, after Valhalla, just started to sing again and it propagated through the whole crowd. That was amazing :)
I was there at 15 and it was glorious.
Hansi Kürsch can use his vocal range with or without distorsion at will, he has proven that in several songs.
I do think that to be the case. But I can't remember one where he goes so high without distortion off the top of my head. Could you remind me of one? Part of me wants to say "Raven Child", but that's just because that's the one that's on my mind these days. Maybe "And then there was Silence"?
@@Nyarlathotep_Flagg In case you're still wondering, Sacred Worlds has him go quite high at 3:29.
@@irgendweranders5823 The concert with that song played as an AMV was the best of Sacred 2. Also hearing Hansi as the bard in towns was fantastic.
@@Nyarlathotep_Flagg I don't think I've ever heard him go into the upper 5th octave without distortion but there's is some really great clean high singing in Age of False Innocence, And Then there was Silence also seems to have some pretty decent mostly high singing, but it's kinda difficult to tell because of the heavy layering and crappy production.
at Blind Guardian concerts the crowd comes together to sing and sometimes the band joins in ;)
I've been there, a few times. Singing along to The Bard Song, and then to Valhalla. The feeling, the emotional connection is amazing. I get emotional just listening to it again - it really is special to be there, to be in a crowd, where the band has this level of participation. It helps that they're all such nice guys, and that Hansi is just so relaxed about being a fricken God of Metal.
Fucking goosebumps even now
Legends say that the song can still be heard on the great field of wacken!!!!
Its true! I was there!
I was there at the Festival. Was my first Wacken and it was just Magical. I was there with my Cousin and we talked all the way back to the camp about it. And chants of Valhalla kept going on and on way past. I get Goosebumps just listening to it again. It just hits different.
What I would recommend in order to really savour Hansi's skills is the song "The Eldar" from the "Nightfall" album.
SUCH an underrated song! One of my favorites
Thorns is another one that deserves more love.
Big agree. Sadly there's no music video for the song, live or otherwise. But it's a super good listen for Hansi's voice.
He took lessons to be able to pull that one off I read in an interview. I still think he went out of his comfort zone with that song, but it's still a cool song. Very calm.
So much this! A standout song in Blind Guardian's discography that rarely gets mentioned. A beautiful piece of music and an amazing vocal performance.
this Band has released a new song barely a week ago. cant wait for that new album to be released next year. one of the best german power/speed metal bands with helloween and gamma Ray
One of the Greatest and most respected german Metal bands. Love their music. their music is very fantasy-themed, dwarfs, elves, bards,...
they also had a concert in one side-quest in the game "sacred 2". The song they sang in this in game concert is called "sacred worlds" you should check it out. it´s great.
In the original Valhalla video idk if it was planned cause they literally stopped playing and the lights went totally out… and the crowd wouldn’t stop singing so they just continued playing… that’s honestly what made me love this song
The Bard's Song is like the national anthem of power metal and Wacken is the capital city 😁
And us nerds.
Arjen Lucassen describes Hänsi Kursch's voice as if he's roaring from atop a mountain. Seems apt.
i misplaced the umlaut >.
"I'd have to listen to more of him."
Yes.
Yes! :)
Nightfall in middle earth is their masterpiece. We all have learned every word of every song of this album... :-)
P.S. André Olbrich is an amazing guitarist with a unique sound.
Imaginations from the other side’s rawer power is much better to me than Nightfall’s overly finicky speedy stuff. Much more emotional.
I come for the fantastic vocal analysis, I stay for the sunshine that is Julia's radiant smile.
Awwwww ☺️
me too...me too...\m/~,~\m/
Blind Guardian ladies and gentlemen,.... KINGS OF POWER METAL 🤘🤩🤘!!!!
Nuff Said !!!!
Blind Guardian is THEE best crowd friendly band on the planet, ever, and I will stand by that. I have seen them many times and the crowd has sang, happily, half of those concerts with them.
You heard him briefly before. In the AYREON Video "The Day that the Worls break down"
Warm greetings from Germany
@@ICBMSteve Then it´s time :-)
I saw this band in front of maybe 800 people in Edmonton and it was just as loud. Unbelievable fans!!!
Imaginations from the other side, another great song from Blind guardian
When a pause is hit before the evil laugh, somewhere in the world a metalhead heart ached 🥲
I love how Hansi looks like an average dad but is actually a metal legend :P
My boyfriend says he looks like an IT manager haha
For Hansi's best recent vocal performance, Fiddler on the Green - Demons & Wizards (Live at Wacken 2019) is exceptional
Blind Guardian is amazing. Sacred Worlds, Mirror Mirror, Nightfall, and Time Stands Still, are all great songs! Any would be fun.
BG crowds always absolutely kill it
There is a version of the Valhalla song where the crowd just keeps on going and going and going, some say they still are singing:-)
Might be the same concert, this clip got cut off early lolz
Same place, 10 years before
It's from the DVD Imaginations through the looking glass. Much better version than this one.
Most of the time its on their own concerst
there are time restrictions for festivals like that, and they have to keep it
But man, when they are not on a festival the valhalla part can take ages!
I think that it's time to listen The Day That The World Breaks Down from Ayreon you will no regret.
Followed by Everybody Dies live, featuring Hansi more prominently.
The Bards song and Valhalla is always an easy day at the office for Hansi (not that it is different with their other songs). Everytime the audience is willing to help.😄
Hansi is phenomenal. I mean we're talking about nearly 40 years of experience, like all of them. They absolutely know how to keep the audience attention.
As a big Blind Guardian and Wacken fan, I enjoyed your analysis and interpretation of this great performance of band and audiance.
Great Song , another one is Warriors Of The World United from Feuerschwanz with a lot of Singers to react ?!
Saw BG play in 2015 in Orlando, FL, and it was one of the best concerts I have ever seen. They're outstanding live!!!
The Bards! A lot of people credit different bands for starting the power metal genre, but Blind Guardian has to be the best of them keeping it going.
I love the community on this channel, the participation in the chat was like Wacken crowd.
I would also like add a suggestion for future analysis, Ningen Isu - Heartless🙂
Pity I missed the live chat on this one. I’ve been a fan of Blind Guardian since about 1998, when I started to expand my metal knowledge beyond a few big bands like Metallica. These two songs in particular are very easy for BG fans to sing along with. We know every word.
there's like one song that embodies everything Blind Guardian is about and that is "And then there was Silence". It's an epic 14 minutes ride telling about the end of Troy. The song has powerful vocals, epic choirs and many changes of rhythm ranging from up-tempos to ballads parts.
Blind Gaurdian is amazing
Give Wintersun a try. A song called Sons of Winter and Stars
Julia reacts to 70,000 singers.... that's gonna be quite the video
This was an unexpected gift for the holidays. Thanks
Hansi Kürsch's singing voice is special. Everytime I think hes "yelling/screaming" in a song, hes actually just reaching this tone without what seems much effort. Id expect that to reach this loud, hed have his mouth full opened and his neck veins bulging but no ...he has this power that doesnt seem to need any effort from him. The first example is in the song "Children of the Smith" at 4:17, where clearly he seems to go for a powerful tone and yet, the vid shows him while recording and he seems to barely break a sweat.
And to think that the band never would have guessed that this ballad would become that popular. Having the crowd singing it through most of it everytime they play it at a concert...I only know of Sabaton with their "En Livstid I Krig" which reached that awesomeness.
With this reaction done, I would recommend Ayreon - The Day That The World Breaks Down - The Source (2017).
As well as Van Canto(an a capella metal band), they have a cover of The Bard's Song that is absolutely amazing.
Yeah that a capella version is great and fun to listen to
Take to the sky by van canto is great as well. And it has hansi in it too =D
Saw these guys back when I was in college in 2002, in a little rock/metal club (that has sadly since closed) in Alexandria, Virginia, in what was their 1st US tour, I believe. The crowd interaction was just as powerful, and they write pretty much all of their music woth that in mind.
I'm so happy you did this song (finally :P )
If you listen to Blind Guardian’s studio recordings, Hansi likes to track his voice maaaany times. Lots of harmonies and counterpoint. It’s actually rare to hear one Hansi at a time ha. You’d probably really enjoy it and find a lot to nerd out about! Try the 2007 remaster of Nightfall or the 2017 remaster of And Then There Was Silence. The latter is long, but also has him hitting a few low(er) notes without distortion. And cool orchestration, and more fantastic guitars. Precious Jerusalem is a great showcase too.
I like how you picked up on how… abruptly he can shift his pressure and phrasing and jump to notes. His tone is unique and not for everyone, but I love it. And he has really figured out how to use those different colors and changes to write songs where he’s playing many different parts, representing different people, telling stories involving multiple characters and viewpoints.
I always enjoy watching educated people react to Blind Guardian, reminds me of the first time i listened to them, some 12-13 years ago - and they immediately became one of my favorites. The amount of talent and imagination these guys have always baffled me, and though it should be pretty obvious, people not used to rock or metal music might not pick that up straight away; the fact that you did earned yourself a sub. I strongly recommend you to l isten to more of their works, you won't be dissapointed.
About the crowd participation.. I can't imagine there are that many artists who can walk up the stage, nod to the crowd and have them sing basically your entire discography word for word. That's the devotion BG instills in their fans.
Translation for yo (sorry, my English is not that good):
Before the first song:
[German] We love to be here on Wacken. I'd like to let you shout a bit longer, but we don't have that much time left, wich we want to spend with music. I Think, most of you know what comes next. It have been legendary, not for the first time here. But I have the feeling, you will top it today, so let's sing "The Bard's Song: In the Forest"
Between te first and teh second Song:
[English] You're all fucking crazy! [German] Wacken, I Don't dare to say this, but you're much more awsome (he uses a German slang) then ever. We here on stage had always a good time. We always loved to come to Wacken, but sometime it's time to move on, but we will see us again somwhere else. [English] Let's get crazy for a last time! Let's lock up the Gates of "Valhalla"
During the last moments of "Valhalla" :
[German] Look's awsome! Sond's awsome! (again in German slang. "Geil" means "sexuyal excited" but is used as "This is so much more better, than good"). I think, Magnus (Guitar Player) worked hard enough, now It's time for Fredrick (Drummer), but for this you need to sing a litte bit louder! ... _unintelligible_ ... Give me all you have! MEGA (also "awsome", yet another slang). Now the last 3 times. And again. Sing, as you would be on stage. (Then he sings the last cours together with the croud)
At the end he says good bye in different languages (I heard, german, english, french and I think japanese, but could be wrong here)
Actually, the last thank you is in Portuguese: obrigado.
@@alx4ndrCool. Didn't know. I just geussed, because they like to perform in Japan.
Another wonderful reaction, Julia. Thank you.
when you go full australian with the "ol`right mate" you know something cool happened :D
I can´t judge these old BG songs objectivly. There´s too much nostalgia involved :)
Bard's Song is a goddamn metal anthem :)
Julia, if no one mentioned it, all the instrumentalists except Frederick, the drummer, are singing. They either double Hansi on the choruses or provide a call and response, depending on the song.
this is so great song love it!
This song "the bard song" was played and wished by us at our wedding... It is just awesome \o/
The band has done a very big musical evolution. They startet with raw speed and thrash metal stuff, went to very progressive things before mixing them and also do a full orchestra album. While this evolution Hansi's voice also changed a lot. Most people think that around 2005 to 2008 was his prime. But to be honest he damaged his voice back then. His performances went worse going into 2010. I saw them on every tour since 2011 and there was progress to watch when he regained his voice and found new colours, styles and details he never used before. It's the only band i know wich developed that much within 10 years. Hnsi is now singing better than in 2011 for sure, when even messed up the harder songs. Now he is close to perfection but also taking care about his voice and use the really stressing techniques only for highlights or on non stressing tours, like 2021 where there have been only 4 concerts.
I would recommend "Another Holy war" for very early stuff, "Mirror, Mirror" if you want to listen what ist part of most of the people think is Blind Guardian's best Album or "the ninth wave" if you want to listen to the actual status of development.
Another Holy War is at the tail end of their early career. Something from Tales From the Twilight World might be more representative. Last Candle, Traveler In Time, Lost in the Twilight Hall, etc.
@@LordBaktor imaginations from the other side is the apex of their career for me. In any case I agree it’s objectively false to caracterize the period as « early »; they had been playing for 10 years at the time!
i feel nostalgic watching this, I saw them in Wacken in 2011 and what an amazing moment!
Great reaction and, perhaps, the best analysis I heard about those songs 🙂👍
Love that reaction! You, Elizabeth and Tank are my most favourite reaction chanels, keep it going!!!
The song where Hansi shows his range in a wider way in The Eldar. Bloodtears is a good one too.
Love watching your analysis! I've been sending it to people who always say "metal is screaming and no talent"
Great reaction, as always!
You should totally check out Blind Guardian's "The Eldar". It's a stunningly beautiful song, in which Hansi goes pretty much through his full range. Including one verse of just three notes that go from low to very high. It's a vocal and musical, and lyrical masterpiece
High's... the.... FEEEEEEE!!!! Those three words?
@@Tesserex Yep :D
This was the best react I've seen in a long time. And above all, it wasn't a stupid react, like in other reacts where people just nod their heads and so on. You know what I mean. You showed your enthusiasm and explained well why you are so enthusiastic. I really liked that. But what still annoys me is that 2016 I was very sick and couldn't go to Wacken Open Air. :/
You really need to react to Aryeon: The day the world breaks down". It will blow your mind.
Awesome reaction to an awesome band, Probably one of the most influential in power and speed metal. You are amazing and thank you from the bottom of my heart :) Also now you need to react to some Manowar for some excellent transitions between melodic and growl lyrics in the realm of Epic Rock. Lots of love from Greece stay safe and healthy.
Blind Guardian + Julia= ❤❤❤❤
Bard Song is one of the best pieces "Blind Guardian" ever created. I have to sing it every time I hear it.
For Julia really analyses Hansi's vocals she has to do something from the Tokyo Tales live in Tokyo Album. Hansi was in his prime. Totally an absurd
I woud recomend Journey Through the Dark from Tokyo Tales to an analyses.
@@nahadoth2087 Good point. I agree that Hansi would ruined his voice if he kept singing like that but it was awesome either way. I said as his prime cause he was young and powerfull even with a bad technique
I first heard this Song and the Album "Somewhere far beyond" only some 30 years ago, in a School Bus, in the early 90s, when a Friend brought his Discman, 2 Sets of Headsets and a new CD...the rest is silence🖤🖤🖤🖤🖤
At this point the audience is their greatest instrument.
Welcome to the addiction named Blind Guardian.
among all the reaction videos ever made to this song, and as a big BG fan, i can tell that you communicate the joy and the emotion by listening to this for the first time. just like us all, except that for me (and all the fans i presume) it's everytime :) thanks for this video
If you want to hear Hansi scream - watch Fiddler on the Green from Wacken, by his 2nd band - Demons&Wizards. :)
That's my favourite song and I think Hansi's best vocal performance.
Hey Julia! Love that you’ve started your Blind Guardian journey I have loved this band since the late 90’s!! They are very middle earth based in their songs and I think you’ll love that!
You should listen to The Eldar to be truly blown away with Hansi’s vocal abilities and also The Script For My Requiem is another brilliant song!!
Stay metal 🤘🤘
Another one I've been waiting for. Discovered blind guardian through a friend 25 years ago!
Love this band! Thanks for checking them out.
Its so fantastic to see your reaction that you are so impressed of Blind Guardian and even speechless.
Julia dear, to hear Hansi's shreak again, please listen to Ayreon/Age of Shadows (Live at Tilburg 2017).... loads of fun that one is.
You will love his backup singers, lol.
I recommend Blind Guardian’s Twilight Orchestra - This Storm so badly.
Hansi is easily the most underrated Metal singer ever!
To hear some more wonderful singing from Hansi, he has multiple performances from Ayreon's live show called Universe like River of Time, Star of Sirrah, Age of Shadows, Everybody Dies & The Eye of Ra. Many of those have high quality videos of them on TH-cam.
they just released a new song called "Deliver us from evil" it is fantastic and would love to see your react to it
Yeah! I was in a show from them in Brazil many years ago and same here...crowd singing all words! Really awesome.
It's an incredible experience to be within that crowd on The Bard Song. I was once in Warsaw and everybody just sat on the floor and sing along the whole thing. Awesome.
Tears in my eyes while watchin this Video, and also very educating ❤️
About bloody time Jules I've been waiting for you to react to Blind Guardian. Bloody ripper
After being a lukewarm fan of Blind Guardian for years and rediscovering them after going to my first Blind Guardian concert. Their music has influenced me to sing their songs. I hope to start a Blind Guardian cover band.
Such a quality analysis, thank you for this
Was there and have to come back every year to watch the video on youtube
Nice reaction. ;) Standing in this crowd and sing along with 80000 other metalheads was hilarious. I listen to Blind Guardian since the late 80´s. They can play the first tones of the Bard Song and the crowd can sing the song without Hansi Kürsch :) Bard Song and Valhalla are on almost every Setlist when they play a concert.
I'm stealing another comment by a BG fan which is the absolute truth: "Blind Guardian's concerts are the fans singing their songs, and the band coming to support on some of them." And as I've been to quite a few concerts I find that comment to be too accurate and true 😂🤣😂
The first time I saw them live, the crowd sang the outro for longer than the song itself. The band didn’t know how to stop the crowd. It consistently became enough of an issue that they had to figure out how to get people to stop singing it, like they did here.
Singing The Bard's Song with the band and the rest of the crowd live, will always be one of my favourite memories ever. A metal anthem!!! Chills!
Another great example of his range is The Fiddler On The Green that he did with Demons & Wizards