Rhapsody

Dawn Of Victory

Cheesy but brilliant

Review Score:

(8/10)
First thing's first, this is cheesy. From the band pictures to the poncy sounding melodies and lyrics, this is the epitome of all that is cheesy. But, to an extent, that is where the appeal is.

Ignore the cheesy stylings and you find a talented group of musicians. I'd like to hear the bass a bit more but Luca Turrilli and Alex Staropoli (guitarist and keyboardist repectively, also the heart of the band as songwriters) are very talented, and they definately prove it with this album. Also, I think Fabio Lionne is a good vocalist. Not brilliant admitedly, as he tends to lack the power and confrontational nature of some other vocalists, and sometimes he even sounds a bit shy, like he could be more powerful but is trying not to or something. But his voice suits the music very well. Having Hansi Kursch bellow over it may not achieve the desired effect. The drummer isn't the best I've ever heard. In fact, I find that with a lot of power and heavy metal drummers. Maybe they should take a tip from their thrash and death metal cousins and go more technical? Perhaps, although Iron Maiden and Helloween are halfway there. But again, it does suit the music well.

The music itself draws influence from the Celtic sounds of Ireland, Wales and Scotland, as well as Russia. There is also a strong neo-classical feel to it, as well as the 80s central European power metal sound.

If you like Blind Guardian, Helloween, Iron Maiden, Angra, Nightwish and Sonata Arctica and you are willing to take a risk with something much cheesier (OK, so Helloween are a bit cheesy as well but anyway) then this is for you. But if are not familar with power metal and 80s heavy metal you may be well advised to go for one of the above bands first. 4 stars and a good album... albeit cheesy.

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