You know how there are some songs that just get you pumped up and ready to take on whatever the world throws at you? That’s the way I feel about today’s song of the day, which was composed by Marty O’Donnell and Michael Salvatori.
This is just one of those compositions that goes straight to your heart and leaves you feeling like you can do anything! It’s perfect for Halo but it’s also perfect for waking up on Monday morning and knowing you’ve got another week ahead of you.
Marty O’Donnell is running for Congress this year, out in Nevada. I hope he makes it!
This is a song that I first heard when I first watched Palo Alto.
Ever since then, it’s a song that has randomly popped into my head at certain times, usually whenever I’m possessed by the melancholy spirit that always seems to follow me around this time of year. It’s a song that always makes me feel better, despite what happened in Palo Alto.
It was two years ago today that my Dad went into hospice care. The song below helped me get through a lot, both when my mom passed and now, with my Dad.
This was filmed in 2016. Not only do we have Harry Dean Stanton, Kris Kristofferson, and Johnny Depp but David Lynch puts in an appearance early on in the video as well.
I’ve starting my summer job of writing about Big Brother at Reality TV Chat Blog. In honor of that, today’s song of the day is the little-remembered theme song from the first season of Big Brother!
After listening to this, you’ll understand why they’ve gone with an instrumental theme song from season two on.
Okay, so you have to listen to Into the Storm by Blind Guardian. I know, I know, it’s easy to dismiss power metal as just another fantasy genre, but trust me on this one. This track is the perfect storm of aggression and melody, and it kicks off the Nightfall in Middle-Earth album with such incredible energy that you’ll be hooked from the first riff. It’s a furious, catchy, and surprisingly deep dive into the lore of The Silmarillion, capturing the raw desperation of Morgoth and Ungoliant squabbling over the Silmarils. But seriously, don’t let the subject matter intimidate you; just let the music do its thing and you’ll be chanting along to the chorus before you know it.
The track is a masterclass in how to build intensity, but the real reason I’m writing this is to talk about the guitar solo by André Olbrich. It is, without a doubt, one of the most underrated moments in their entire catalog. If you pull up the remastered version, the solo hits right at the 2:37 mark and doesn’t let up until about 3:07. It’s a short, sharp shock of pure melodic bliss. What makes it so special is that it completely eschews the typical speed-demon shredding you might expect. Instead, it’s a soaring, beautifully constructed lead that sounds like it’s carrying the entire weight of the song’s story on its shoulders. It perfectly mirrors Hansi Kürsch’s vocal style, acting as another voice in the track to carry you forward into the chaos.
André is often listed among the greatest metal guitarists for a reason, and this solo is a prime example of his genius. He’s not interested in showing off; he’s interested in serving the song and elevating the epic feel. During those 30 seconds, his guitar weeps and soars over the frantic rhythm section, creating this incredible feeling of hope and tragedy all at once. It’s a moment of pure clarity and emotion amidst the storm, and it’s the perfect payoff to the frantic energy that came before it. It’s a piece of music that gets stuck in your head for days, and it’s a big part of why this track is such a fan favorite.
So, if you consider yourself a fan of powerful, storytelling metal or just appreciate a killer guitar solo, do yourself a favor and cue up Into the Storm. Turn it up loud, wait for that solo to hit, and let yourself get swept away. It’s a gateway into one of the most epic albums ever written, and I promise you, that brief, beautiful guitar break will be the moment that makes you understand exactly what Blind Guardian is all about.
Into the Storm
Give it to me I must have it Precious treasure I deserve it
Where can I run How can I hide The Silmarils Gems of treelight Their life belongs to me Oh it’s sweet how the Darkness is floating around
We are following The will of the one Through the dark age And into the storm And we are following The will of the one Through the dark age And into the storm Lord I’m mean
(guitar solo @2:37)
Blackheart show me What you hold in hand I still hunger for more Release me From my pain Give it to me How I need it How I need it How I need it
I did my part Now it’s your turn And remember What you’ve promised
Through the Shattered Lens 