Rhapsody

Symphony Of Enchanted Lands

THE SYMPHONIC WARRIORS RETURN

Review Score:

(10/10)
With this band's second magnum opus, we once again explore the lands of dragons and scorcery. Never a fan of the corporate slop being passed on as metal nowadays, I was instantly drawn to Rhapsody the moment I heard their first album, Legendary Tales. They literally blew me away. How could anyone sound this good and this unique?! Well, I actually like Symphony of Enchanted Lands even better than LT!

The formidable quintet from Italy once again take us on a journey where fantasy meets modern day, and where metal meets classical. Some may say this over-the-top 'Hollywood Epic Metal' (to use the band's own self label) adds a cheese factor that takes away any hope of being taken seriously. Those are merely the words of those numbed by corporate pop and the rap-metal fusion popular in the US. One simply cannot ignore the sheer talent and musicianship of this band. They weave the velocity and precision of speed metal with the beauty and emotion of classical and renaissance music. From the first breakneck chords of 'Emerald Sword' to the final epic breath of the title track, they grab you and take you to places both musically and narratively, that you never thought possible.

The aforementioned 'Emerald Sword' and its successor, 'Wisdom of the Kings', are both four and a half minute speed demons (interlaced with quick classical interludes) that start the album off to a great momentum and leave your heart soaring with incredible choruses. The rest of the album continues the onslaught, though at a more serious and technical pace. The one drawback (a very slight aberration in my opinion) is the male narrator that pops up in two or three songs - potential fodder for the 'cheese' argument? Look for two wonderful highlights to the thirteen-minute title track that closes the album: first, a heavenly female voice that touches your soul, and second, not one but two different recurring melodies that almost make you want to get up and dance. Any fan of non-commercial, symphonic, progressive speed metal from Europe will instantly love this band and this album. Hail all followers of TRUE metal!! Your album collection will be forever enriched with the inclusion of SOEL.

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