Rhapsody - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret SPV (SPV80000742) It was bound to happen sooner or later. When Rhapsody announced Christopher Lee would be playing the role of king and narrating the first installment of their new musical saga, it seemed a very obvious choice. Earlier on this year we were given a taster of what to expect with mini album The Dark Secret, fans and critics alike were eagerly awaiting the release of the new full length album from one of the world's best and most respected symphonic power metal bands. Is it worth the wait though?
The album begins with Lee briefing us on what this new saga is all about and what's actually going on. It could be me but although this seems to work, perhaps it could have been a tad shorter? Four minutes later we are led into the first proper song, 'Unholy Warcry'. This track is Rhapsody at their finest. Opening with a dark and eery introduction building up to a dramatic burst of pounding double bass drums, it's easy to see why Rhapsody are held in such high esteem. Fans, however, may already be feeling disappointed at this stage, as this song has already made an appearance this year as part of the Dark Secret EP.
That aside, the following track, 'Never Forgotten Heroes', shows exactly what Rhapsody are capable of. After a lengthy introduction (using a sixty piece orchestra no less!) the band begin to shine once more. Luca Turilli (guitars) and Alex Staropoli (keyboards) are in top form on this track, playing riffs and melodies in unison, and proving that Rhapsody are one of the tightest heavy metal bands on the planet today. This track does have a few familiar sounds for fans with occasional moments reminding us of classic Rhapsody tracks such as 'Dawn Of Victory' and 'Emerald Sword', particularly when the string orchestra is playing over the fast guitar riffs and pounding drums.
Rhapsody have taken to calling themselves 'Film Score Metal' in recent times and anyone who has had the pleasure of hearing previous albums like 'Rain Of A Thousand Flames' will know exactly where the band are coming from with this term. But if this is your first Rhapsody experience and have no idea what they're on about then 'Elgard's Green Valleys' from SOEL2 will surely put your mind at rest. This track - purely instrumental - kicks off with sounds of chirpring birds, galloping horses and a sinister voice muttering the words "Oh yes... follow me!" before rounding the track off with pipes, acoustic guitars and the sounds of a busy marketplace. Understand the 'film score metal' part now?
SOEL2 boasts perhaps the finest ballad Rhapsody have ever produced. The very medieval sounding 'Magic Of The Wizard's Dream' is a powerful track which makes good use of piano, pipes and strings (hey, if you're using a sixty piece orchestra you really have to milk it!). Fabio Lione's vocals sound great on this song; I don't think his voice has ever sounded as good! Ranging from a quiet whisper to the ability to carry on loud notes with good use of vibrato, he really does rival many of the top singers in music today.
One of the most memorable moments from this album is the incredibly catchy chorus to 'The Last Angel's Call'; there's nothing new in this song to seperate it from many of the older Rhapsody tracks, but it really is excellent and will remind fans exactly why they liked this band in the first place.
Christopher Lee's appearance on the album isn't used overly much which is a huge plus point. When I heard the Dark Secret EP I expected Rhapsody's music to be put on the backburner to make way for the prescence of this movie legend. Thankfully this is not the case. You can count how many times Mr. Lee speaks on one hand, remember he's only there to add to the atmosphere and not take the starring role on the band's new album!
All in all this is a very good album from Rhapsody. Fans won't think it's the best the band have produced, and a few old tricks return disguised as something new. For example the chorus from 'Dragonland's Rivers' is exactly the same as that of 'Forest Of Unicorns' from the Legendary Tales album. I'd recommend SOEL2 especially if this is your first time hearing Rhapsody as you will never have experienced anything like this before musically, or just for the fact you'll arm yourself with a million choruses to chant in the pub after you and your buds have had more than enough to drink (let's be honest now, this has always been a huge bonus of Rhapsody albums!). Keep your Emerald Sword sharp for battle!
'Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret' is out now on SPV. www.mightyrhapsody.com/
Written by Murray
Rhapsody - Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret 
