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Ritchie Blackmore became one of the world's most famous guitarists during his time with hard rock / heavy metal pioneers Deep Purple and Rainbow. Having left the metal world behind (at least for now) he concentrates on his new project Blackmore's Night under which name he has already released four full-length albums. The unique mix of rock music, traditional folk songs, medieval lyrics and the soft tender voice of Candice Night soon made chart successes and sold-out shows worldwide a fact. He may have left a whole lot of old fans behind on this journey but I frankly don't care much about that when he has offered us a whole different world with his new band. The collection "Beyond The Sunset - The Romantic Collection" consists of, as the title implies, a chosen set of love songs and ballads from the band's four albums. Opening up the album we are also given a brand new song called "Once In A Million Years" which is not exactly the best promoter of Blackmore's Night but at least a decent song.
There are two things that speak against this compilation in my book. First off, I hardly ever see the point of compilation albums like this one. Sure, it is a nice way to get to know the band but if that is your ambition you will probably download a few songs instead and if you are truely interested in the band you will surely buy their full-length albums instead. If the label wants to sell one new song (and a re-recorded version of "Ghost Of A Rose" from the most recent release) this way I sincerely hope that people will download that track instead. There is however one more gift for the fans that comes with this album. The limited version contains a bonus DVD with material from a show in Solingen, Germany. This will serve as an appetizer for an upcoming DVD. The second negative side to this release is that the chosen songs are some of the worst (or least good might be more appropriate in this case) Blackmore's Night songs. "Ghost Of A Rose" and "I Still Remember" are exceptions but other than that this collection lack the highlights of their career so far.
If you look upon this release just like any other album it is no doubt worth the money but taking into account that it is a Blackmore's Night album I don't see a single reason for acquiring a copy of it. It is obviously not much more than a promotion tool for the label, awaiting the upcoming DVD. I suggest that you wait for the DVD unless you simply must have every release from the band. Compilation albums is a sickness of major labels. Are you not dead tired of the best of Beatles and Deep Purple by now? Support the band by buying their "real" albums instead and go to their shows when they are in your area.
| Tracklist |
| 1. Once In A Million Years |
| 2. Be Mine Tonight |
| 3. Wish You Were Here |
| 4. Waiting Just For You |
| 5. Durch Den Wald Zum Bach Haus |
| 6. Ghost Of A Rose |
| 7. Spirit Of The Sea |
| 8. I Still Remember |
| 9. Castles And Dreams |
| 10. Beyond The Sunset |
| 11. Again Someday |
| 12. Diamons And Rust |
| 13. Now And Then |
| 14. All Because Of You |
| Bonus DVD: |
| 1. Written In The Stars |
| 2. Morning Star |
| 3. Play Minstrel Play |
| 4. Minstrel Hall |
| 5. Under A Violet Moon |
: 55.25
| Buy other Blackmore's Night albums |
