Customer Reviews

Symphony of Enchanted Lands

5 star:		(30)
4 star:		(13)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(5)

 

 

This is the second album of a band that really deserves to be well-known. Some melodic metal performers are often blamed because they just try to impress people with their outstanding ability to play fast while they forget composition and feelings. With Rhapsdoy you get both ingredients, and at their best level. This is very good heavy metal with a strong classical influence. The instruments are incredibly diverse (violins, viola, cello, piano, accoustic and electric guitars, contra bass, harp, flute...) and finely orchestrated. While one heavy song and its powerful rythm will get you going, the other one will enchant your ear with its delicate medieval melodies. In my opinion the only small fly in the ointment lies in lyrics, which are a bit simple (dragons everywhere, holy swords, elves, magical keys...). But let's face it anyway, they fit to this kind of music ! I highly recommend this album (as well as Legendary Tales, the first one which is also a masterpiece and I weigh my words) to anyone who likes metal and/or classical music. Pass on it only if you can't bare heavy guitars or the heroic fantasy universe.

How can a metal band compose such beautiful classical music? Rhapsody is truly awesome, both literally and figuratively. They merge their bombastic power metal with classical music in ways that blow the mind. The guitars are exhilarating and technical...Luca Turilli is really amazing. His solos and riffs are incredible, but don't concentrate solely on the guitar. You'll also want to lend an ear to the stunning classical interludes. What's great about these songs is that they can be fast and heavy at one moment, then shift fluidly into more florid moments, but it all coheres nicely. This fantasy story of heroism is delivered through Fabio Lione operatic vocals. Though the English is a little disjointed, it all sounds really good, so it never becomes a problem. The use of the choir adds to the power of the music.

In the end, this CD comes across with far more impact than the phenomenal Legendary Tales, and I can't wait for more of Rhapsody's albums.

Let me say first that I own all 3 of Rhapsody's albums. This is because in a day of garbage, corporate-packaged music that is beginning to infect even the metal underground, it is simply a wonderful thing when a band comes along that combines amazing musicianship with a real love for playing. Most of the reviews for this record have already mentioned the basics - power metal (i.e. heavy metal with operatic vocals) crossed with orchestrated passages. But I don't think they are getting to the meat of it. This is in my opinion, the best work Rhapsody has done to date. I love Legendary Tales, but this album just destroys it, and Dawn of Victory, while great, is a letdown. Firstly, the first track on all the albums is a sort of hymnal/classical intro, and this one has the best of the 3, easily. Alex Strapoli, the keyboardist/pianist/harpsichordist, does the arrangements, and he is superbly talented at it. Then of course we get to the first 2 over the top speedy songs. Both simply magnificent. One of the main things I love about this band is they way they incorporate the classical instruments WITH the metal instruments - case in point is "Emerald Sword" where the violins are soaring over the double bass drumming and background guitar. It works so well, it makes me wonder why it isn't more prevalent. Whoever said there isn't much variety is not listening to the entire album. "Eternal Glory" and "Wings of Destiny" are completely different from each other and from most of the rest of this CD. My favorite track, by far, is "The Dark Tower of Abyss" for its incredible classical intro and middle section, which coincide perfectly with the rest of the song; the main riff uses a trade off between guitar and strings in an increasing downward spiraling fashion that shows the complexity of the writing. This is not your average power chord band. If you download a song by this band, "Dark Tower" is the one to get. The vocalist is perfect. The ONLY drawback to this album are the spoken word intros on tracks 4 and 10, but they are less than 2 minutes total and hey, that's why there's a mute button. This album's greatest appeal is that anyone who can appreciate music will like it - it is universal. Not many bands can say that.

Rhapsody play neoclassical/symphonic power metal with lots of classical instrumentation. Apparently they compose their music in the classical style as well: on sheet music, rather than by trying out riffs and melodies on the guitar.

To hear it described that way makes it sound like something I would really like, and which would catch on like wildfire in the progressive metal community. But it hasn't caught on like wildfire, although Rhapsody is rather well-known now. The reason is that the classical elements are really fairly simple and soundtrack-ish. The music has great atmosphere but not enough complexity and seriousness. This lack of seriousness makes the music some of the most bombastically cheezy stuff imaginable. If Rhapsody had a bunch of great songs I wouldn't mind--Rage is also symphonic power metal that borders on cheese, but I love 'em, because all their songs are great. Rhapsody doesn't have that advantage. Don't get me wrong, there are some really catchy tunes here, but nothing that would count as "timeless" or a "product of genius" in my view. Luca Turilli's solo album has some of that, I would say. I don't think there's a Rhapsody song that matches "Ancient Forest of Elves." So for the metal generalist who is interested in the symphonic genres, I would recommend Luca Turilli, Rage, and Therion over Rhapsody. But for those like myself who are more enthralled in the neoclassical style, Rhapsody will be a worthy purchase. My 4 rating indicates just that: it is not for everyone, but it is a solid release for those with a special affection for the neoclassical style.

Another brilliant record from Rhapsody. SOEL is surely one of thier best records. I personally didn't enjoy this one as much as Power of the Dragonflame but it comes a very very close second.
Rhapsody takes a different approach with this album, they not only use the choirs, keyboards and speed metal sounds of their other albums but experimented very successfully with classical renaissance music. Lots of these songs break from speed metal power to these classical interludes a lot during SOEL, which in turn I would say makes this album to Rhapsody, as Orchid is to Opeth, thier most instrumental album. It is also their most upbeat, optimistic, "prettiest" sounding album so to speak.
The album kicks off great with Emerald Sword, the opening choirs just suck you in and take you on a journey to midevil lands you never once knew, it opens up the imagination incredibly. Then comes the classical parts, and I don't know any other way to describe them but beyond brilliant. Why? because they all work so well with the rest of the songs and just caress your ears so finely they force you to hit the repeat button over and over. An incredibly pleasing piece of music to listen to indeed. Their one ballad off the album is also amazing I must say; gorgeous romantic melodies entrance you in no time.
Now, why not the 5 star review? well, as much as I loved this album I couldn't help but feel that a song or 2 just seemed to get carried away with themselves towards the end, dragging a little. Then there's the voice actor. Oh, that Rhapsody voice actor. He's so cheesy he just sounds like someone they pulled off the street and paid 10 bucks to to read some lines and try to act. In one part he was crying in fear and hope and I couldn't help but start laughing. Please Rhapsody, if you're reading this, STOP THE VOICE ACTING, IT'S HORRIBLE! Also, I felt one of the tracks somewhat mediocre.
But that's all, otherwise this is a wonderfully beautiful album that no power metal fan should be without. It's not exactly 5 star material in my book but it comes very close. Most of the score just comes from successful creativity, I've honestly never heard anything like this, even from power metal. I wish Rhapsody would use that classical stuff on more of their albums, it works so well with this one it's staggering. Needless to say, a must buy.

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.

To all those critics of power metal i sincerely hope you die a horrible death. Sorry for that unsavoury attitude but i am just totally pissed at someone,a 'friend', who put me off power metal for a while until i regained my senses and came back to stand strong behind one of my favourite metal genres!

I'll quickly discuss my history with power metal. This album was actually the first power metal album i bought in my life. And i'll tell you straight off i loved every moment of it. Before listening to this i really never knew power metal i mean sure i'd heard of Stratovarius and Helloween but didn't really know them or their sound at all. I had very little concept of what power metal was. I was under the more British and American spell that heavy metal had to be as loud and aggressive as possible so i was mainly into metalcore-ish stuff, death metal and thrash, although i predominantly like thrash metal. To tell you the truth when i was listening to some of the stuff i was then, like Cannibal Corpse (who i slightly despise now) i didn't really like it that much, it was generic to me didn't stand out or nothing, unlike say Slayer or something. I wanted more melody, more clean singing but still maintaining that speed, heavy riffing and great solos. I basically wanted something that was new and progressive with refreshing tunes.

I bought this album and was amazed at the brilliant musicianship showcased by the guitarists notably Mr Luca Turilli, the vocals were beautiful thanks to Fabio Leone's soft touch and soaring abilities, the wonderful keyboard by Alex Strapoli, the drums were insanely fast bordering on blast beats in places due to Alex Holzwarth's precision skill and the orchestra, AN ORCHESTRA!! I NEVER KNEW THAT BANDS WERE COLLABORATING WITH ORCHESTRAS!! This was a great thing for me because one of my other loves is classical music of all sorts. Rhapsody are god damn amazing musically, structurally, lyrically and as people!! All the songs on this album are fantastic and build up to that hell of a finisher the title track epic of 13mins!!! This album helped me spawn quite a healthy power metal collection featuring bands like Primal Fear, Edguy, Sonata Arctica, Gamma Ray, Helloween, Strato and Nocturnal Rites oh and of course Rhapsody!My verdict on the album is that for a power metal fan or some one whole likes epic music this is a MUST HAVE!!SYMPHONY OF THE ENCHANTED LANDS!

Don't want to rant but i want to address the issue of people who criticise power metal. Power metal in my opinion is modern heavy metal that has progressed lightyears since the '80s. Power metal contains all the things about metal that metalheads love. Fast paced heavy riffing, brilliant wild solos, story or fantasy themed lyrics, double bass drumming, licks a plenty, dual guitars, talented singers with trademark voices and lots of energy! Please tell me what else heavy metal is about? It's not just about being loud, noisy and drunk, sure thats fun and there are plenty power metallers that advocate that eg Edguy lol. Power metal bands always and i mean ALWAYS cite the metal greats as their influences Priest, Maiden, Accept, Metallica, Queensryche, Fates Warning, Helloween etc and follow in their footsteps. I gurantee you every power metal band you listen to will make you think 'Boy that sounded like Maiden' or like with Primal Fear 'F*** this is Judas Priest man!!'.. Power metal has an uplifting spirit to it as well and a sense of being a metal community-- often inviting black metal singers,death metal singers and female vocalists to collaborate with them-- refer to Tobias Sammet's master piece the Metal Opera by Avantasia for a great example of this or Kamelot's the Black Halo. And so freakin what if they wear leather and clad and look like a bunch of sissy boys, metal kinda has a history of that if you look back on it Maiden, Priest, Manowar and KISS to name some-- for christ sake look at the back of Number of the Beast they don't look like fat muscle men do they??
My 'friend' as i spoke of earlier begged me to burn her a copy of my Rhapsody cd when i ranted and raved about it. Then when i did and met her again she's like it's really cheesy. Tell me wtf is cheesy about singing with a great voice about a story of Tolkien proportions using heavy metal and adding all these elements like orchestras, narration and SFX to enhance the experience?? NOTHING!! And here's the irony she listens to bands that 'aren't cheesy' like Greenday, Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Pink!!??? What a load of crap man i hate to tell that bitch but 'love' and 'heartache' are the most cheesy and overused cliches in the music industry!!

My final word: POWER METAL IS GREAT!! RHAPSODY ROCK!! And buy this CD no regrets believe me!

Hope that was helpful.

\m/

yeah, so they are a little cheesy (ok, a lot cheesy). and they dress up as medieval dragon slayers. but when you look past all of that, they are a very talented, very precise band which has some pure genius at composing. i am not a huge rhapsody fan, but respect them for efforts such as this, "Symphony of Enchanted Lands".
Although the vocals are good, the subject matter leaves something to be desired. wonderful orchestral arrangements abound, and create a gorgeous soundscape. definitely my favorite album from rhapsody, however thats because i have the ability to look past their image, unlike so many people today (the MTV generation) who look only for image. in the end, no matter what they look like or endorse or sing about, the music wins out. fans of this will like symphony x, blind guardian, sonata arctica, and shadow gallery. overall a recommended album, but only for those who appreciate well-constructed, melodious music. fans of self-indulging (if you aren't writing for yourself, then who are you writing for?), heavy instrumental music need not apply.

"Symphony of Enchanted Lands" is not your average power/symphonic metal album. There's textures and layers to be explored and appreciated, and it won't completely sink in on the first listen. Rhapsody's second album is not as "aggressive" as their first (although they've returned to that sound and then some on their third masterpiece "Dawn of Victory") but the combination of heavy metal riffs and classical orchestrations provided by this Italian band is unlike anything else I've heard. The first proper song on the album "Emerald Sword" will send you onto the nearest horse, sword held high, riding to save the queen or fight for the king. More of the same follows, as the album rises and falls with the feel of a Hollywood soundtrack (hence the label of "Hollywood metal" the band uses to describe its sound) until the final track sharing the name of the album, a beautiful and haunting conclusion to the story the album tells. A must for any fan of European metal!

Este es uno de los mejores discos que he escuchado, desde el gran incio con Epicus Furor hasta el inmejorable final con Symphony Of Enchanted Lands. Recomiendo este disco con mucha confianza de que a cualquier amante del metal melodico va a compartir mi opinion.