Rhapsody

Symphony Of Enchanted Lands

The right side of the precipice between splendour & nonsense

Review Score:

(8/10)
The self-styled "grand masters of Symphonic Epic Holywood Metal" return with this, the follow-up to 1997's "Legendary Tales". Rhapsody walk a precarious line between the epic and the parodic and there are moments when you're sure that they're taking the mick. I mean, when you hear some bloke almost in tears, as he relates how "The tears soon covered the warrior's face and Tharos, the beloved dragon, spread his wings for the last time", you're entitled to wonder. If, however, you can suspend your cynicism for fifty five minutes, what you'll find here is a rich and wonderful feast of power metal. This will sell by the bucketload in Europe. The influences are obvious: Helloween, Manowar and Blind Guardian leap immediately to mind (although in their more mellow moments, hints of Jethro Tull and even, remarkably, Clannad can be detected), but what separates this Italian quintet from so many of their rivals in an over-saturated market is their musical dexterity and ear for a chorus, most evident in "Emerald Sword" and "Eternal Glory". OTT though the swords and sorcery imagery may become at times, there is no denying that Rhapsody are an extremely accomplished bunch of musicians and songwriters. Ultimately, if you're a fan of European power metal, you will fall in love with Rhapsody. If not, avoid at all costs.

More Reviews: