Rhapsody

Symphony Of Enchanted Lands

Best untill now by Rhapsody.

Review Score:

(10/10)
I was at school when a friend of mine stepped up and let me listen to this album. Immediatly after 'Epicus Furor' and 'Emerald sword' I was sold. Halfway during 'Wisdom of the kings' I knew I had to buy it directly after school. I was "born and raised" with bands like Helloween, Manowar, Kiss, Alice Cooper, Iron Maiden, Blind Guardian and so on. Most bands I listened didn't come from the USA I can tell you that. Too standard for my taste over there; nothing new. And that still hasn't changed a bit. I now own all Rhapsody (including the very limited edition of 'Rain of a thousand flames') and Luca Turilli albums and I think this one is best.
What I think is the best of this album is de 50% balance it has with metal and classical instruments. It goes from guitar to bagpipes and violins. Together with fantasy lyrics it is as epic as 'The Lord of the Rings', but then in it's own genre.
Another thing I hear people say is that the narator should be kept out. I beg to differ. It belongs to be in it, in the story. The only time I found him anoying is on the 'Rain of a Thousand Flames'-album, during 'Tears of a Dying Angel'.
It's really hard to explain what kind of music they make, for there is no other band I know off that comes even close.
Manowar, for example, sing battle hymns. Try to keep that in mind with Rhapsody, then put in a lot of fairytales, and and album full of celtic music (on speed ;)).
All in all I recommend this album to everyone, even if you do not like the lyrics, for the music alone is great also. This is the best album I have (even Blind-Guardian's 'Nightfall in Middle earth' (which is great also) isn't as good as this one to my taste.)

I know what I am going to say may sound illegal... but download or listen to it somewhere first... Emerald Sword or Wisdom of the Kings... It will prove it is worth your money. It was worth mine. I have bought every piece of Rhapsody and I will continue doing so. :) Have fun listening to it. :)

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