Description
Demons & Wizards – III – Double Vinyl Records
A Long-Awaited Power Metal Reunion and the Final Chapter of a Legendary Collaboration
Released on February 21, 2020, through Century Media Records, III is the third and final studio album by Demons & Wizards, the collaborative power metal project formed by Jon Schaffer of Iced Earth and Hansi Kürsch of Blind Guardian. Arriving fifteen years after their sophomore record Touched by the Crimson King (2005), III was highly anticipated in the metal community, not only because of the long wait but also because both musicians brought with them decades of experience and reputation from their respective bands. The album serves as both a celebration of their unique creative chemistry and, given the project’s disbandment in 2021, the closing chapter in the Demons & Wizards story. With eleven tracks running just over an hour, III delivers an ambitious mix of epic power metal, dark atmospheres, and progressive song structures, capturing the grandeur that fans had come to expect while also experimenting with slower builds and more acoustic textures.
The album opens with “Diabolic,” an epic-length track that sets the tone for the record. It begins with ominous atmospherics and gradually escalates into a heavy, riff-driven powerhouse with Hansi Kürsch’s unmistakable vocals soaring over Jon Schaffer’s signature galloping guitar rhythms. Lyrically, the song delves into themes of temptation and moral struggle, hallmarks of the band’s dramatic style. From there, III shifts between crushing power metal anthems and more contemplative pieces. “Invincible” and “Wolves in Winter” are prime examples of the album’s aggressive edge, featuring hard-hitting riffs, commanding vocals, and memorable choruses that harken back to the strengths of both Iced Earth and Blind Guardian. In contrast, tracks like “Timeless Spirit” take a more progressive approach, stretching to nearly nine minutes with acoustic passages, gradual build-ups, and sweeping melodies that highlight the duo’s willingness to step outside traditional power metal formulas.
Other highlights include “Final Warning,” one of the tighter, more immediate tracks that shows the band at their most focused, and “Universal Truth,” a mid-tempo cut that balances melody with heavy riffing. “Children of Cain,” the album’s closing song, is a hauntingly beautiful piece that leans on acoustic instrumentation and reflective lyrics, making it a poignant finale for both the record and the Demons & Wizards project as a whole. Songs like “New Dawn” and “Midas Disease” provide variety, with the former carrying more traditional melodic power metal elements and the latter showcasing bluesy undertones, demonstrating the range of influences that Schaffer and Kürsch were willing to incorporate.
III explores existential struggles, inner darkness, redemption, and mythological themes, consistent with the fantasy-driven yet emotionally resonant approach both musicians are known for. Kürsch’s vocals are dynamic throughout, shifting from commanding power to softer, almost introspective tones, while Schaffer’s guitar work anchors the album with his trademark precision riffing, occasional acoustic layers, and driving rhythms. The production is polished, giving the album a modern clarity without sacrificing the heaviness and grit that fans expect from classic power metal.
III received mixed-to-positive reviews from critics and fans. Many praised the record for its ambitious scope, vocal performances, and ability to balance aggression with atmosphere. Tracks like “Diabolic” and “Children of Cain” were widely noted as standout moments, showing both the heaviness and the emotional depth of the collaboration. However, some critics felt that certain songs overstayed their welcome, with long run times that occasionally diluted their impact. Nevertheless, most agreed that the album successfully delivered on the immense expectations set by the band’s legacy, even if it didn’t surpass the cult classic status of their first two albums.
III performed well in the European metal market, charting in countries such as Germany and Austria, further underscoring the loyalty of the fanbase. For longtime followers of Blind Guardian and Iced Earth, the record was both a nostalgic reunion and an exploration of new ground, making it a rewarding listen for fans of epic and melodic heavy metal. Its timing also gave Demons & Wizards renewed visibility, leading to a world tour that would ultimately serve as the band’s swan song before disbanding in 2021 following Jon Schaffer’s political controversies.
III holds significant weight as not only a long-awaited reunion but also the final statement from Demons & Wizards. It captures two veteran musicians blending their distinctive styles into a cohesive whole—Schaffer’s riff-heavy, muscular guitar work and Kürsch’s soaring, dramatic vocal delivery. The record demonstrates that even after fifteen years apart, their synergy remained intact, capable of producing music that resonates with both old fans and newcomers. For power metal enthusiasts, III is essential listening: a testament to the longevity of the genre, the versatility of its creators, and the enduring appeal of epic, narrative-driven metal.
Demons & Wizards – III (2020) is a powerful, ambitious, and emotionally resonant album that closes the book on one of power metal’s most celebrated side projects. With highlights such as “Diabolic,” “Wolves in Winter,” “Timeless Spirit,” and “Children of Cain,” the album balances classic power metal energy with progressive experimentation and reflective lyricism. While it may not replace the legacy of their earlier work, it stands as a fitting final chapter for Demons & Wizards and a must-hear record for fans of Blind Guardian, Iced Earth, and epic power metal in general.
2 x LPs with an etched D side housed in a gatefold sleeve. Including a 4-sided booklet with lyrics and credits.
Brand new, never played and still sealed in the factory plastic
Track Listing
Diabolic
Invincible
Wolves In Winter
Final Warning
Timeless Spirit
Dark Side Of Her Majesty
Midas Disease
New Dawn
Universal Truth
Split
Children Of Cain
