The Bard Song (In the Forest)

The Bard Song (In the Forest)
Blind Guardian
Virgin Records
(B0000953T1)

The Bard Song (In The Forest) is a CD filled with various renditions of Blind Guardian's classic song, an acoustic piece that lyrically describes fantastical lands and adventures.

On this single, we are treated to a new version of the song, which differs little from the original, and three live versions. Although the new studio version is good, featuring a more nasal vocal approach and some added violin strings, it is the live tracks that are most commendable, as each provides a slightly different approach to the song.

First up is the band's performance of the song in Milan, Italy. Here, the song is divided between Hansi Kursch, whose voice can be heard soaring over the acoustic work of Andre Olbrich and Marcus Siepen, despite the fact that the audience is loudly singing along with the tune as well. The band's performance in Munich, Germany, is well performed but unfortunately, the audience drowns out much of the vocals and music. Finally, the live performance in Madrid, Spain, is punctuated with enthusiastic chanting from the audience and thus, sounds more participatory than the other tracts.

The album's cover art is also nicely executed. If you love Blind Guardia's The Bard Song, you will love this single.

— Daniel Michael Dees