January 2026 Feature Release - The Guardians Edition

So just like that we find that a new month is upon us which of course means that we’ll be nominating a brand new monthly feature release for each clan. This essentially means that we’re asking you to rate, review & discuss our chosen features for no other reason than because we enjoy the process & banter. We’re really looking forward to hearing your thoughts on our chosen releases so don’t be shy.

This month's feature release for The Guardians, nominated by me (Shadowdoom9 (Andi)), is the 2022 12th album by German power metal legends Blind Guardian, The God Machine. There has been talk about this album being the band's return to form. While I can't really say the same, that doesn't stop me from bring it back to discussion. So let's give it some more attention, shall we?

https://metal.academy/releases/39470

I have never made any secret of my aversion to European Power Metal, but BG are one of the better exponents of the genre and I remember being fairly well-disposed to this upon its release, so I will endeavour to fit it in this month and hopefully provide a review at some point.