Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: BLIND GUARDIAN; signed via Nuclear Blast Records, hailing from the glory of Germany - performing Power Metal, on their 12th full-length studio album entitled: "The God Machine" (released September 2nd, 2022). Since formation in 1984 (as LUCIFER'S HERITAGE until 1987); the quartet in question has 3 demos, 3 splits, 4 EPs, 4 compilations, 4 live albums, 1 video, 2 boxed sets and 12 full-length studio albums in their discography so far... having been introduced to the band, I'm excited to review the newest offering from BLIND GUARDIAN's massive vault - their 12th full-length studio album entitled: "The God Machine". 9 tracks ranging around 51:08; BLIND GUARDIAN arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Power Metal developments.

Opening up with this rampantly rompy rhythm of other-worldly divinity; a glorified adrenaline amplifies high with sturdy thuds & punchline tightness of weighty synergy within "Deliver Us From Evil". Hansi Kürsch on vocals showcases this operatic approach in high-pitched throatiness that soars with sublime yells amongst a shouty rawness that's somewhat rough while synthetically harmonious for good measure, this symphonic melody revels with riveting rumbles on reverberating melody & revving euphony in mellifluous tones that slab with solid seamlessness on sonic rollicks that frolics into a galloping barrage frenzy in chugging bounciness. Boisterous calamity executes at a flamboyant conundrum in empowering firepower expertise that ramifies with organic substance & profusely robust thrills on sulphurous songwriting musicianship that manifests with monolithic tempo, whilst an impulsing but concrete grittiness of momentous songwriting musicianship strikes amongst a hybrid force in impactful volatility of experimental finesse that's thunderously meaty, especially in "Damnation".

Prodigious yet twinning maelstrom flexibilities from guitar duo André Olbrich (on lead, acoustic, and rhythm) & Marcus Siepen (on rhythm/acoustic) both articulate at a prestigious outre on blistering grinds that supply a dexterously dynamic virtuosity on quintessential snappiness & rapidly nimble stability, while piledriving speakers with thumpy tonality which provides uniquely versatile vehemence for good measure. "Secrets Of The American Gods" merges tremoring bass audibility with rambunctious slams from hammering drummer Frederik Ehmke, while remedial transgression rips through with stompy mobility & creative complexity in which remains radically wicked while profusely robust, musically speaking. Venomous speed bulldozes eardrums with wildly rushing sharpness on razor-shredding laceration within "Violent Shadows"; forging a catchy crunch in chunky but hymnal infectious of which injects a rifting pursuit on groovy distinction that's most immersive and meticulously salubrious to boot.

With that providence on memorable zeal; this tremoring perseverance utilises persistent eclat and intriguing elements in implementing monumental musical grandeur in which relishes with progressively technical integrity, fundamental craftsmanship density belts a clobbering but immense foundation in borderline instrumental wizardry - profound in "Life Beyond The Spheres". "Architects Of Doom" demonstrates a beatdown ferocity while that rhythmical dulcet flourishes with strident choppiness in which offers a healthy dose in ballad-esque richness, which is also notable within "Let It Be No More". While the previous banger forges a distilled haste in anthemic furore, this latter one materialises more with that melodramatic carol in discordant shantiness - until bulldozing listeners with the penultimate rager: "Blood Of The Elves" which strifes through with more rampaging pierces on riffing majesty that's most splendidly performed with strong movements on an all guns blazing flair and a firing all cylinder's range that's wonderfully produced.

Overall concluding "The God Machine" with the finale epic: "Destiny" it continues to throttle and bludgeons heads with more motoring, skull-crushing bruisers while that Power Metal charm adapts an elegantly exquisite invention in distinguished but mountainous magnificence, where this supreme demiurge distributes an enjoyably entertaining listen for those who seek celestial boundary that's surely worth discovering in this record. ...bottom line, a brilliant experience in charismatic excellence and a good start should BLIND GUARDIAN have not received your recognition just yet. This record may not win record of the year, yet it can be a high-profile mention within the rhapsodic take that's justifiably placed here... do check it out, worthy of spinning & re-playing a good bunch of times.