This is the record Blind Guardian never recorded after “Tales from the Twilight World” and before “Somewhere Far Beyond”. Right from the opening track “Evil Eyes” to “Born Again by Night” this is full steam ahead old school Blind Guardian. Former Guardian drummer Thomen must have really missed this style the band once had as opposed to the more orchestrated symphonic sound they have developed into because it ' s almost uncanny when you listen to these arrangements.

Many dual guitar harmonies energized by fast double bass drums are a key part to each song. Think Blind Guardian songs like “Journey Through the Dark”, “Lost in the Twilight Hall”, and “Time What is Time”. Iron Savior singer/guitarist/producer Piet Sielck handles lead guitars and the Circus's singer with h is gritty tone at times sounds like Hansi (singer for Blind Guardian) both during the verses for the vocal harmonies.

There is a touch of the more majestic European sound for the dynamic “Beyond Reality”, very nice chorus. “When Hell Awakes” has some of Iron Savior's aggression and guitar riff styling, they really go for it on this one, soloing gallor.

This is a sound greatly missed by this long time Blind Guardian listener and it would be great if they could find a balance between their new and old way of writing. Its disappointing to know that these songs could have been on a Blind Guardian album.