Power/heavy metal band from Krefeld, Nordrhein Westfalen (Germany).
Blind Guardian formed in 1984 as Lucifer's Heritage, then changed the name to Blind Guardian in 1986.
Their first two albums were essentially speed metal records with some power and thrash influences. Starting from their third album they started to add a much more melodic and "epic" feeling, with usage of choir and classical music influence.
Current line-up:
Hansi Kürsch - vocals (1986-present), bass (1986-1995)
André Olbrich - lead guitar (1986-present)
Marcus Siepen - rhythm guitar (1987-present)
Frederik Ehmke - drums (2005-present)
Johan van Stratum - bass (2021-present)
Former members:
Thomas Stauch - drums (1987-2005)
Session/live members:
Thomas Hackmann (studio) – backing vocals (1990–present)
Billy King (studio) – backing vocals (1992–present)
Olaf Senkbeil (studio) – backing vocals (1997–present)
Michael Schüren (live+studio) – keyboards, piano (1997–present)
Matthias Ulmer (studio) – keyboards, piano (2007–present)
Barend Courbois (live+studio) – bass (2012–present)
Oliver Holzwarth – bass (1997–2011)
Mathias Wiesner (studio) – keyboards, effects (1989–2002), bass (1992)
Rolf Köhler (studio) – backing vocals (1990–2007)
Alex Holzwarth (live) – drums (2002–2003)
Pat Bender (studio) – keyboards, effects (2002–2006)
Oliver Holzwarth has never been added as a full time member so Hansi Kursch has the option of picking up bass duties again. Same thing for Barend Courbois.
Thomen Stauch left in 2005 after 20 years claiming dissatisfaction with the direction the band had taken on their, then, two most recent releases.
2025
Not On Label
File, AAC, EP
2025
2024
2024
Metal Hammer, MPS Hanseatic GmbH
7", EP
2024
2022
Nuclear Blast
File, AAC, Single
2022
2022
2022
2021
2020
Nuclear Blast
File, AAC, Single, 256
2020
2020
2020
Metal Hammer
CD, Comp, Promo
2019
Till Your Death Records
2xCD, Comp
2019
2019
Eclipsed
CD, Comp, Smplr
2019
Not On Label
LP, Comp
2018
RockHard
CD, Comp
2018
2018
Rock It! (2)
CD, Comp
2017
2017
RockHard
CD, Comp, Promo
2017
Metal Hammer
CD, Comp, Promo
2017
Close-Up Magazine
CD, Comp, Promo
2017
RockHard
DVD-V, Comp
2017
Rock It! (2)
CD, Comp
2017
Rock Tribune Magazine
CD, Comp, Promo
2017
Close-Up Magazine
CD, Comp, Promo
2017
Universal Music Group, Polystar (3)
2xCD, Comp
2017
2016
Not On Label (Burning Shadows Self-released)
CDr, EP
2015
2015
Metal Hammer
CD, Comp, Promo
2015
RockHard
CD, Comp
2015
RockHard
CD, Comp, Promo
2015
Rock It! (2)
CD, Comp
2015
EMP (4), Nuclear Blast
CD, Comp, Smplr, Car
2015
Metal Hammer
CD, Comp
2015
RockHard
CD, Comp, Promo
2015
Nuclear Blast
CD, Comp
2015
Golden Core
CD, Comp
2015
Nuclear Blast
CD, Comp, Promo
2014
2014
Not On Label (Fenris (5) Self-released)
CDr
2013
2013
2012
2011
SFH Records
Cass, EP, Ltd
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
December 19, 2025
Kulturfabrik
Krefeld, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Lost in the Twilight Hall
4. Majesty
5. Lord of the Rings
6. Mirror Mirror
7. Barbara Ann(The Regents cover)
December 13, 2025
Wiltern Theatre
Los Angeles, California, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Majesty
Not written on the setlist, played due to crowd chants4. Mirror Mirror
December 12, 2025
The UC Theatre Taube Family Music Hall
Berkeley, California, United StatesFirst Show In Berkeley
1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. And the Story Ends
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
December 10, 2025
Roseland Theater
Portland, Oregon, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
December 9, 2025
Showbox
Seattle, Washington, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Lost in the Twilight Hall
2. Valhalla
3. Majesty
4. Mirror Mirror
December 7, 2025
The Depot
Salt Lake City, Utah, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. And the Story Ends
2. Valhalla
with extended outro from crowd singing3. Mirror Mirror
December 5, 2025
Gothic Theatre
Englewood, Colorado, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. And the Story Ends
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
December 3, 2025
Varsity Theater
Minneapolis, Minnesota, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Lost in the Twilight Hall
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
December 2, 2025
Vic Theatre
Chicago, Illinois, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. And the Story Ends
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
November 30, 2025
Agora
Cleveland, Ohio, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
4. Sacred Worlds
November 29, 2025
Queen Elizabeth Theatre
Toronto, Ontario, CanadaLord of the Rings and Lost in the Twilight Hall were not on the printed setlist.
1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Majesty
2. Lord of the Rings
3. Valhalla
4. Mirror Mirror
5. Lost in the Twilight Hall
6. Sacred Worlds
November 28, 2025
MTELUS
Montreal, Quebec, Canada1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Majesty
2. Lord of the Rings
3. Valhalla
4. Mirror Mirror
5. Lost in the Twilight Hall
November 26, 2025
The Palladium
Worcester, Massachusetts, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Lost in the Twilight Hall
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
4. Sacred Worlds
November 25, 2025
Irving Plaza
New York, New York, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
November 24, 2025
The Fillmore Silver Spring
Silver Spring, Maryland, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Sacred Worlds
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
November 22, 2025
The Underground
Charlotte, North Carolina, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. And the Story Ends
2. Valhalla
3. Mirror Mirror
November 21, 2025
Heaven @ The Masquerade
Atlanta, Georgia, United States1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Lost in the Twilight Hall
2. A Past and Future Secret
3. Valhalla
4. Mirror Mirror
November 20, 2025
The Orpheum
Tampa, Florida, United States1. War of wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Blood of the Elves
4. Nightfall
5. Violent Shadows
6. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Lost in the Twilight Hall
2. A Past and Future Secret
3. Valhalla
4. Mirror Mirror
November 19, 2025
Revolution Live
Fort Lauderdale, Florida, United States1. Time What Is Time
2. Journey Through the Dark
3. Black Chamber
4. Theatre of Pain
5. The Quest for Tanelorn
6. Ashes to Ashes
7. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
8. The Bard's Song - The Hobbit
9. The Piper's Calling
10. Somewhere Far Beyond
1. Nightfall
2. Blood of the Elves
3. Lost in the Twilight Hall
4. A Past and Future Secret
5. Valhalla
1. War of Wrath
2. Into the Storm
3. Violent Shadows
4. Mirror Mirror
September 29, 2025
Moni Lazariston
Thessaloniki, Central Macedonia, Greece1. The Ninth Wave
2. Blood of the Elves
3. Nightfall
4. Tanelorn (Into the Void)
5. Time Stands Still (At the Iron Hill)
6. Violent Shadows
7. A Past and Future Secret
8. Into the Storm
9. Secrets of the American Gods
10. Majesty
11. And Then There Was Silence
12. The Bard's Song - In the Forest
1. Valhalla
2. Mirror Mirror
3. Lord of the Rings
4. And the Story Ends
