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Rhapsody - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II (2004)
Genre: Symphonic Power Metal
Length: 72:53
Size: 483MB (513MB w/ extras)
Format: FLAC
Track List:
1. The Dark Secret – Ira Divina
2. Unholy Warcry
3. Never Forgotten Heroes
4. Elgard´s Green Valleys
5. The Magic Of The Wizard’s Dream
6. Erian´s Mystical Rhymes – The White Dragon’s Order
7. The Last Angels Call
8. Dragonland´s Rivers
9. Sacred Power Of Raging Winds
10. Guardiani Del Destino
11. Shadows Of Death
12. Nightfall On The Grey Mountains
Review: Metal-Observer (9/10)
After a successful “Tour Of The Dragonflame”, RHAPSODY vanished into the background (I suspect they took a trip to their beloved Algalord hehe), satisfied with the closing of one chapter in their turbulent career. Things have changed a bit now that they’ve returned with “Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret” (rather long title isn’t it?), the second part of their epic “good vs. evil” saga. With a new label supporting them, a brave approach, burning ambition and new narrators, thank god for that, you’ll find that RHAPSODY made things bigger but didn’t betray the music that catapulted them into the spotlight in the first place.
The songs sound bigger and more authentic than ever. Most of you noticed “Dawn Of Victory” and the last album made use of a heavier and more direct style yes? Well, this album goes back to the classic sound of the band around the time when they started without loosing all the aggression and they’re letting the baroque and orchestral session members to really add everything they can to the songs. As this is movie inspired Metal, the songs first set the scene for the listener with ambient introductions, take awhile to get started so to say (not too long though), which is also why the album lasts for more than 70 minutes!
The genre description says “Film Score Metal” and why not? This is as close as you’ll get into a film without actually seeing it, which causes more magic to flow as it is you who has a part of control of the movie, scenery, landscapes, the whole visual element.
The album starts with a four minute prologue/intro with none other than Christopher Lee doing some great narration with his deep baritone voice, very epic. Mr. Lee has a few spots on the album, a fortunate catch for the band. There’s also a lot more dialogue from the characters in the saga, we get to hear foul demons and dark lords screaming and wise kings leading us through green plains and unveiling ancient threatening legacies, like said, it’s like a movie without seeing it on a screen but through your own imagination.
“Shadows Of Death”, “Erian´s Mystical Rhymes”, “Unholy Warcry” (the album’s preceding EP title track) and “Sacred Power Of Raging Winds” are the real Metal highlights for me, great trade off solos between Staropoli and Turilli, adventurous atmospheres and big production qualities, mark my words. “The Magic Of The Wizard’s Dream” and “Guardiani Del Destino” (I’m guessing that’s “Guardians Of Destiny” in English language) have a more dramatic opera feel that builds upon the success of “Lamento Erioco” from the last album, especially passionate vocalist Fabio Lione surprises with great performances on both tracks.
If you’re like me, you want the special edition with the bonus DVD. Among the contents in the DVD you’ll find three versions of the video for “Unholy Warcry” (plus a making of), let’s just say that it’s an improvement from prior RHAPSODY videos. The album documentary is a wake up call to those who still are sceptical about the band, I dare you, try find another Power Metal band able to compete and outwork RHAPSODY, I don’t think there are too many Metal bands who work this hard to achieve the best results.
In my opinion, RHAPSODY, in the year 2004, are inventors of a new genre. A bunch of people have already voiced their unsatisfied opinions about this CD, saying that nothing or much too little has changed since “Power Of The Dragonflame”. I have to admit I’m not too keen on their lyrics, though they were good on the debut and they didn’t change much of their “Hollywood Metal” sound, but the music has become more alive, epic, authentic and breathtaking, hence the “Film Score Metal” description earlier in the review.
If not for the music, just buy the album and look at the incredible packaging.
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