Blind Guardian - The Tides Of War [Nightfall In Middle-Earth]

[@jamkikiki]

This song is such a banger. No one should miss this song. As for the lyrics… Finwëan family drama at its peak.

[@enmaranadomusnavacrunatus3788]

Real Housewives of Aman

[@gomongio]

This album is such a treasure for us all fans of the Bard and The Silmarillion ❤

[@Gyrosmeister]

Best thing about this song is that you have 3 perspectives. Feanor, Maedhros and the Host of Fingolfin

[@Esmaeili-FreePalestine]

This is UNDERRATED! "They shall be free, they'll be released, they can't get over the sea" What beautiful yet heartbreaking lyrics! Have never read anywhere else Maedhros' feelings after what Feanor said being put better!

[@joedredd1168]

Amazon can only dream of making something this epic, Hail Blind Guardian! Hail Tolkien!

[@christ616]

The only reason can fathom as to why this wasn't included in the main album, was the song 'Curse of Feanor' replaced it as the 'Feanor song' which is fair enough, I love that song. But seriously, this song is too good to be a hidden gem. It's one of the strongest choruses Blind Guardian have ever done.

[@LastRedStar]

It wasn't ready at the time. This and Doom weren't completed in the original or the remastered 2007 version. It was however brought in in the 2018 version which was only released as a CD.

[@epajarjestys9981]

Sounds a bit over the top, like most their newer stuff, which I'm not a fan of.

[@Lucrei.]

@@epajarjestys9981 to me it sounds like a piece in between NiM and NatO

[@eslwgpg1226]

⁠@@LastRedStarI have the 2018 version on vinyl so I’m not sure where you got that it was only released on CD. In fact all of the 2018 versions were released on both vinyl and CD

[@chrislevack405]

Holy shit... im just hearing this for the first time tonight. I bought this album in the US when it first came out. Wow.

[@stardestroyerism]

Like many on here, this is the first I've seen this song, and it's amazing, of course. It covers a very critical, pivotal, and often glossed over moment of the Silmarillion. It's also amazing because of the perspective. At first I thought it was a bit like the song "Curse of Feanor." But it proved to be even better, because for one, this isn't just the perspective of Feanor- it's the perspective of Fingolfin, Fingon and their hosts as they realize they have been betrayed, and still dare the Helcaraxe. The lines about having been "betrayed by the insane Feanor," are especially beautiful to me- even as in the past, I've found his dauntless courage in the face of Melkor to be inspiring. This song, paints him to have lost his mind in his hate- which I think it's fair to say, the burning of the Teleri ships at Losgar prooves.

[@luinnoc]

I agree. I love this song because it has the perspective of Fëanor (the beginning) and later Fingolfin (and maybe Fingon/Maedhros). It's a dialogue between characters. But I still think Fëanor's decision to be (at least a little) inspiring. Obviously it was corrupted with madness and hate, but I honestly believe that wanting to face and fight the Enemy is a move for good (despite many bad reasons and many hideous acts done after it).

[@84bazyl]

Damn i tried to comment your comment like 5 times and deleted all attempts-yours is just so good i lack words...

[@LordVader1094]

A fan of the Silmarillion AND the Star Wars EU? (judging by your pfp at least) Truly, a man of culture.

[@iivin4233]

Imagine being one of those humans hiking, marching, crawling out of your prehistory, chased by monsters, and encountering your better selves in the flesh. In fact, one sneaks into your dreams and you awaken to it strumming your simple instrument better than you. And it doesn't hate you, it loves you. Wouldn't you want to serve that civilization of that being to its end? For someone who hated allegory Tolkien sure did write a lot of things that capture the psychology of cultural exchange.

[@iivin4233]

@@luinnoc The Vala have two problems: 1. They live through unfathomable years. They cannot relate to the immediacy of loss the way mortals have to. 2. They do not comprehend the broken mind of Melkor. They can't understand a being that would destroy something in order to control it. Féanor can understand it, though. He's crossed the line of sin himself.

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

I love how the final bridge goes down In key at the end, rather than going up like in most songs.

[@davorborovec6346]

Holy Manwë, can't believe this is the first time I'm hearing this. How come it wasn't included in the original release, for heaven's sake? The music, the lyrics, the atmosphere... it fits perfectly with the rest of the album. Perfectly! I'm feeling like that silly kid from the '90's again. I was a kid of 10-11, and I discovered both Tolkien AND metal music just a couple of months ago, and that feeling od childlike excitement I had when I found out (which wasn't so easy back in the days) that there is actually a metal band that sings about all those stuff I read about just a few months earlier (which - again - seemed like a long, long time back then) was priceless. And then actually hearing for the first time in my life that energetic beginning of 'Into the Storm'. The raw power, the energy, the passion... oh gods, I would honestly give 5 years of my life for just one chance to experience that day one more time. Just for that one hour.

[@fourcrippledhorses]

my theory besides run length of the album is that these songs were too name-drop heavy. a few songs on Nightfall do use names from The Silmarillion, but this one is far more laden with them; and Blind Guardian's strength has always been doing these songs about books that aren't just To Tame A Land - where the lyrics are essentially a list of things that happen in the book. Nightfall distinguishes itself by being a truly "original" work despite it being a concept album about The Silmarillion. they retell the story, even the framing is different. it starts at the War of Wrath and ends with the Nirnaeth. I don't think being iterative is bad at all; in fact, Summoning is the other side of the coin for me - rearranging Tolkien's own words to a wonderful effect is just as stimulating as the Bards. but if I had to say why this and Doom were left off, that would be my guess.

[@davorborovec6346]

@@fourcrippledhorses Yes, I know exactly what you mean. For example, I also always liked their tendency to tell the story through the eyes of the antagonist (the proverbial 'bad guy') so well and believable. Maeglin, Mordred, Fëanor, etc. Mind you, not in the form of justification of their misdeeds, but simply to present their perspectives on the matter. That impressed me a lot when I was kid, listening to their music for the first time. As for Summoning, I love them very, very much. They are, indeed, special for me. What I love about them is not only what you described, meaning using Tolkiens words to summon the atmosphere and spirit of that world, but also their incorruptibility. Their purity, for lack of the better word. Also, the fact that they are able to use poems written by other poets, which are in no way connected to Tolkien's work (except in spiritual similarity of romanticism), and make it work in the context of Middle-earth stories. Emerson's 'Good-bye' immediately springs to mind as a good example of that.

[@iivin4233]

The elves in the Silmarillion are the best and the worst of what we are. That is why I love them.

[@Swordsapphic]

Late to commenting but I absolutely agree and even the worst ones are portrayed in a way that while you know what they did was wrong you also understand what led to the poor decisions

[@Adahleni]

I wonder why Nightfall of Middle Earth album still hadn’t be updated with this song on official platforms, by the time it’s odd

[@LastRedStar]

Real.

[@dmitryshkolnik5233]

Somehow I've been missing this masterpiece for years, I just don't know why.. now I'm obsessed with tis one, can't get enough of it. Hidden gems from NIME, what possibly could be better

[@ladyofthesith1943]

Quite fitting considering the Silmarillion is all about hidden gems.

[@dmitryshkolnik5233]

@@ladyofthesith1943 I see what you did there ;)

[@zachlandreth8500]

The reason you’ve missed this one is because it was unreleased for years until last year

[@alvedonaren]

@@zachlandreth8500 Actually it was realeased in 2018.

[@MultiverseofMcfly]

I could have sworn I've listened to this full album a bazillion times but not sure how I overlooked this track. Feels like I heard it for the first time today. It's incredible!

[@HiHi-lt1cb]

This is CRAZY, thank you for uploading!!

[@Nightcrawl7]

1:38 to 2:46 is honestly my favorite minute in music history, i just get absolute goosebumps every time and just have to absolutely headbang to it, it's so intense edit: came back a year later and i still get goosebumps

[@stefanospapavasileiou9676]

Same

[@maligod2439]

True fact

[@enmaranadomusnavacrunatus3788]

Then Feanor laughed as one fey, and he cried: "None and none! What I have left behind I count now no loss; needless baggage on the road it has proved. Let those that cursed my name, curse me still, and whine their way back to the cages of the Valar! Let the ships burn!” Then Maedhros alone stood aside, but Feanor caused fire to be set to the white ships of the Teleri.

[@FaintsmileTeresa]

I swear the first time I heard 1:57 I ascended to heaven. Thank you good person for uploading this!

[@Adahleni]

This is my favorite song from Blind Guardian

[@Nightcrawl7]

mine too, too bad it's not on spotify lmao

[@trezalkapeliskova2121]

Since nobody commented on this so far, I'll have to say it first: This is AWESOME!

[@rameshthapa5202]

It was created during NITME era

[@w-james9277]

If only Feanor didn’t have an anger problem

[@BlindBosnian]

The only wrong he did was burning the ships on Losgar. The kinslaying in Alqualonde was a crime, but without it Morgoth never would've been defeated and men would end up under Morgoth's tyranny

[@SaintSullys]

I think this is one of the best songs on the album after listening to it 100 times

[@andreabicego6923]

Arguably in my top 3 of BG songs. This track is a miracle. NIME itself is a miracle indeed, so it makes full circle ❄

[@yunusemresahin6430]

I love how underrated this is, only real fans are aware of it which makes listening this a much better experience.

[@Nightcrawl7]

i've been a huge guardian fan since 2018 and this is easily my favorite song by them, when i heard it a few months ago i got chills, i have chills every time i listen to it, same as doom

[@yunusemresahin6430]

​@@Nightcrawl7My first ever concert was At the Edge of Time tour in 2011 when I was 15, travelled across the country to see them! I have discovered this song while finishing up the silmarillion, which was awesome!

[@Lucrei.]

Massive fan of the original release, which I have on CD and have listened to countless times. Just discovered this track. Absolutely brilliant!

[@tylercherneski1805]

Its one of their best songs

[@JackRackam]

I've been listening for 10 years and had no idea it existed! What an amazing treat to discover that Nightfall in Middle Earth had one more surprise for me

[@hazbojangles2681]

I love Blind Guardian! This song makes me feel like I'm at Losgar.

[@Fenrir077]

The tides of war We’ve come to face it in these lands

[@rafaelmantzakos6866]

That sound of Guardian with Thomen on the drums......!!! Jeeeeez....! Fred is good....but there is no comparison... I miss those days when a new album of Guardian was released and Thomen had overcome himself to create a masterpiece .....!

[@Soydrinker999]

this remix really needs putting on spotify, the guitars are much beefier than the thin original

[@juane2730]

They must play this song live

[@eufobiaarg7318]

How it´s possible that this song didn´t make it to the abum? It´s better than 2 or 3 which did

[@Ryan_Thompson_Guitarist]

They didn't have time to finish the song

[@fernandoseixas3482]

2 or 3? Thats like top 3 material for me...

[@WgtlCrstx]

Loving this song!!

[@marcelonogueira3400]

Clássico 👏👏👏👏👏 saudades de ouve um clássico desses blind Guardian abandonou terra média infelizmente

[@jkauevaz]

Dude, thank you so much!! This is awsome!

[@fairyphil]

The burning of the boats.

[@pedroantonelli2073]

This song is about the fraticide and the flight of the Noldor, I suppose

[@ElvesvsShinyRocks]

Just after that, I think. losgar, the burning of the ships, and nolofinwe deciding to continue over the helcaraxe rather than turn back.

[@pedroantonelli2073]

@@ElvesvsShinyRocks makes sense!

[@_metalhead_5066]

Phenomenal song🔥

[@josedavidmadridmadrid]

¡Amazing song! Thank you very much for the lyrics too.

[@sanin3213]

Thanks so much for the upload!

[@SysterYster]

So... this is some extra song on some version of this album, right? I haven't heard it before! Aaahhh!

[@jordantasevski2993]

this is on the 2018 remastered version, this song was originally written for this album and has the old drummer Thomen Stauch in it here's the version that appeared on a live EP kzbin.info/www/bejne/iKXYlYyGf9J2b7M&start_radio=1

[@SysterYster]

@@jordantasevski2993 Ooh, cool. Thanx! :)

[@hazbojangles2681]

"Then rightly you gave the name to the youngest of your children, and Umbarto 'the Fated' was its true form. Fell and fey are you become." Rip Telufinwë (Amrod)

[@KlaraL-_-]

How did I not know this song even existed??!!!??!!!!!! Morgoth must have cursed me!!!

[@readyplayer3318]

So..where in the album should this song happen? I assume it's supposed to be between Battle of Sudden Flame and Time Stands Still.

[@jessel3621]

I made a playlist of the songs. I put it right before the Curse of Feanor.

[@michamorgred9250]

IT should be before the curse of feanor

[@a.e.9821]

Fingolfin's flashback in "Noldor" takes place at the same time as this song. Chronologically, I think this song is in between the curse of Feanor and blood tears.

[@Painocus]

I always assumed it as taking place around the time of the Third Kinslaying. The events mentioned that happened earlier is talked about in a way that makes it seem to me like it is long in the past from when the song takes place. The way Fëanor is talked about makes it seem to me that this happens at-least after his death. And there is a finality to it that makes me think it's about the Third, not the Second, Kinslaying. Plus all the other songs that were cut from Nightfall happened after the Battle of Unnumbered Tears.

[@hazbojangles2681]

what piece of art is it that depicts someone looking across the sea?

[@jacksyme183]

fucking sick man

[@nerosefontaine9714]

Would be so kind as to provide the source for the image at 1:45? Love your work!

[@jessel3621]

It is by the artist Venlian.

[@FCTSXL]

This song has more metal than the foundations of chinese apartment buildings.

[@alvalvhjarta5466]

thank you araman

[@pedroantonelli2073]

Sounds like something from Beyond the Red Mirror 🤔

[@LumosX]

Like Doom, perhaps, another song that didn't make it into Nightfall? :)

[@CurryFeatures]

It's because the entire song bar the drums (which are original recordings from Thomen during the Nightfall sessions) have been re-recorded. So it sounds like it is from Beyond the Red Mirror because it's basically 2019 Blind Guardian re-recording the song but with a 1998 Thomen.

[@rameshthapa5202]

Actually, it was done by Thomen but I heard it was deleted and the new drummer did it again and became somewhat beyond the red mirror. It was recorded during the nightfall era.

[@Enwickote]

Nope

[@epajarjestys9981]

@@rameshthapa5202 It's a new song. Nothing of it sounds like Nightfall era. This is all like their newer garbage.

[@havanadaurcy1321]

Did Morgoth send corruption through Feanor?

[@mandroregil3441]

Mmmm supreme

[@NataliyaLuganskaya]

Well

[@felipenunez3540]

Noldors never curse Feanor, they dont even question the oath, because in the end of all, Feanor was right about Morgoth.

[@gabypeixer455]

Nopes.... Remember that: 1- some of the Noldor stayed behind and did question him; 2- some returned with Finarfin; 3- some were on that just because of Fingolfin (who himself questioned the oath but followed out of love for his brother). Also, I'm pretty sure some of the Middle-Earth's Noldor did curse the damn oath for all the bloodshed...

[@gabypeixer455]

Also, remembered something... Some of the Noldors did curse Feanor indeed! After he burned the boats!

[@felipenunez3540]

@@gabypeixer455 You have to read the pages 292-295 of the unfinished tales (cuentos inconclusos) to understand it, Galadriel oposes feanor, but She doesnt Like the prohibition to left aman imposed by the Valars, Finarfin stays in aman, but Many noldors wanted his freedom and follow feanor, even Galadriel and the rest of the noldor who fighted against feanor in alqualonde followed Him after but never cursed them, every noldor followed Him by his own Will."when valinors light sucumbed, forever, Like noldors predicted, she Joined the rebelión against Valars, who ordered no one leaves; and When she started to walk the exile path she dont step back, and she refuses the last message formato the valars, and the curse of mandos reach she." There is no references about noldors cursing feanor in this book, and you can read the 3 stories jrr tolkien write about the fight whit the teleris, instead of that, Galadriel oposes feanor but later Joined him, mistrust and a evil Galadriel feels for feanor, but no curse is mentioned. you can only find this: Feanor and Galadriel Was the greatest noldors. (you cant consider Someone the greatest and curse Him in the same time).

[@LordVader1094]

@@felipenunez3540 Morgoth was the greatest of the Valar, and was still cursed by many, so that's not really true.

[@CTFN-B2005]

THEY CAN'T GET OVER THE SEAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAEEEEEEEEEEAAAAAAAA

[@mortimerreed]

Nothing about this song seems to be in place with the rest of the album. Makes sense why it was cut from the initial release.

[@Enwickote]

Wtf you are wrong

[@mortimerreed]

@@Enwickote should listen to the album again bud 😏

[@HB-ph3ig]

Correct. It's a great song, but it does not hit the NFIM "vibe" at all. In fact it sounds quite more like "modern" Guardian song structure wise, which is strange to listen to. The strong use of palm mutings for example do not fit. The only thing, that is a 100% NFIM, are the solos. They could be on there exactly like this.

[@Lucrei.]

It sounds like something in between Nightfall and A Night at the Opera... personally I think it has DNA of both.

[@eclipseslayer98]

I'll have to listen to a few more of their songs, but everything else seems disappointing when compared to mirror mirror.

[@havior6617]

Mirror Mirror gets old pretty quickly. I suggest you check out some the full albums first before making a final judgement. Good place to start are Somewhere Far Beyond, Nightfall in Middle Earth and Imaginations from the other Side and go on from there.

[@eclipseslayer98]

@@havior6617 I guess I'm just a weirdo then, because Mirror Mirror hasn't gotten old yet.

[@Enwickote]

This songs is far better than mirror mirror

[@eclipseslayer98]

@@Enwickote Yeah well, you know that's just like uh, your opinion man.

[@sebastiancabrol2014]

this song definitely doesn´t belong to the nightfall album, nor in composition or sound (drums sound terrible) it lacks the spirituality and strong composition of that album. Not terrible but not even in the same league.

[@hazbojangles2681]

if you have read the Silmarillion it defo belongs