As any power metal fan knows, everything Hansi Kursch touches turns to gold. The mighty and surpassed Blind Guardian are on yet another lengthy break between albums, making this collaboration with Iced Earth’s Jon Schaffer a necessary one. It is Kursch’s vocal histrionics and grandeur that make this album the success that it is, for Schaffer refuses to acknowledge any form of riffing other than triplets. What ultimately results from this affair is an obvious and expected album from two of metal’s biggest stars, one that tops their self-titled debut, which was released in 2000.

A dry, almost claustrophobic production job hinders matters a bit here. Almost the same exact production values are used here as they were on Iced Earth’s The Glorious Burden album. The only real difference between said album and Touched By The Crimson King is Kursch, who lights up typical Iced Earth numbers like ‘Terror Train’ and ‘Crimson King’ with his distinctive howl and smooth, charming grace. The only thing missing is Blind Guardian’s noted backup singers to lend that extra something to the choruses, but Kursch manages quite well without them.

Indeed there are triplets galore, as expected with Schaffer, but his melodic sensibilities and songwriting skills are still top-notch. The overall mood is bit relaxed, almost sullen at times. Slower, more elongated songs like album highlight ‘Beneath The Waves,’ ‘Seize The Day’ and ‘Down Where I Am’ showcase Schaffer’s melodic capabilities and force him to abandon his beloved riffing style for something less overbearing and simple.

Touched By The Crimson King is surely going to be a hit across the globe, and one can see why. With Schaffer’s imitable riffing style combined with Kursch’s voice of pure gold, the results fall somewhere in between good and exceptional. Tour dates remain a topic of debate, giving hope that the next Blind Guardian album is not too far away. In the meantime, Touched By The Crimson King will hold us over for the time being.

» spvusa.com