Blind Guardian - Battalions Of Fear

After two demos under the name of Lucifer's Heritage, Blind Guardian, just signed on No Remorse Records, release their first album Battalions Of Fear. Some years after, Virgin Records reedit their release on a cd.
They were, with Helloween, actually the pioneers of Speed Metal. And, in fact, their sound was totally different than Helloween. Heavier sound, more direct sound, Blind Guardian hit with strength for their first album. From Majesty to the epic Battalions Of Fear, all the songs are very inspired and put the listener in a dark fantasy world. The cover is in fact caracteristic. The Guardian plays a chess game in a world where the music is the lines. Hansi Kürsch has on this album very harsh vocals which, supported by the Olbrich's and Siepen's speed guitars, create a real ambiance.
The only weakness of this release is, to my mind, instrumental tracks which are placed to its end. They destabilize the listener and unbalance the album. One would have been enough, but the reedition deals with a bonus track.