Of Wars in Osyrhia

Fairyland | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (August 28, 2007)
• Original Release Date: 2007
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Napalm
• ASIN: B000JUB9ZG
• Also Available in: Audio CD  |  MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.5 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #41,433 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Editorial Reviews

On their debut album, Fairyland demonstrate their unique mix of Symphonic and Speed Metal, showcasing a collection of tracks that are epic, arresting, and discerning. Swift as arrows, guitar riffs duel with virtuoso keyboards, while monumental string arrangements and heroic choirs add the powerful yet melodic finishing touch. A must-have for fans of Blind Guardian and Rhapsody, though the members of Fairyland undoubtedly follow their own musical path.

This re-release of French Symphonic Metal band Fairyland's debut is a heroic collection of crushing Power Metal and bombastic epic passages that is technically superb, yet easy to follow.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Don't know where they came from, but they can play!, April 23, 2004

By 

Matt Stoessel (Tolland, CT USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Of Wars in Osyrhia (Audio CD)

First of all, I want to clear up that this is a pretty good CD. For those of you wanting something to listen to other than your favorite CDs, this one will do for you. Sure, Fairyland sounds like a clone of Rhapsody, but that's a good thing, isn't it? More exactly, I find this album to be more like Rhapsody's older material, particularly Symphony of Enchanted Lands. The folk sounds are identical to something that Rhapsody would do, the choirs are the same, and the fast bass sounds are identical. So for anybody wondering, this does not sound anything like Elvenking - a band often said to be folk metal. Elvenking doesn't sound like Rhapsody at all. Its just that they play folk metal. If you didn't already know, the singer is from Dark Moor - Elisa. ...that's a girl's name, by the way.

This CD is only a year old. The production will make you shiver. If you like a band such as Edguy just because of the production, you'll love this CD. If you can't find a picture of the cover art, I'll tell you: Its not atmospheric, but it is very well done and sets the scene for happy metal. Also, the title track is an epic (11 minutes) and there is only 1 track (the intro) that is very short. The album is about an hour long. There's also a ballad, but the lyrics aren't about losing a lost love or anything. Its like Lamento Eroico and The Sound of the Blade.

So if you're not familiar with Rhapsody, how do you classify their sound? Take Dark Moor and throw in Heavenly's speed. Secret Sphere would substitute for Heavenly if you haven't heard of them. Its hard to describe the sound without saying that they're like Rhapsody. Its really a unique sound. Overall, I recommend this album to any metal fan. True metal, of course.

If you get the time, go read some of my other reviews and say if they were helpful to you or not. Thanks for reading!

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars One of the best CDs I have ever bought, if not the best, November 6, 2009

By 

Starry (USA) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Of Wars in Osyrhia (Audio CD)

I listened to a lot of European melodic/symphonic/folk metal before I found Fairyland and bought this CD. At first, I was feeling a little strange about the very unique way that Fairyland uses minor keys on this album, and how they switch between major and minor keys. If you are not familiar with the technical side of music, major keys are the ones that sound fitting and happy and minor ones sound at odds and "negative" I guess...

Fairyland has a VERY unique take on the way that they use and switch between major and minor keys, and they sometimes do it pretty rapidly in succession. At first, I didn't know what to think of this even though I was already wowed by the fantastic symphonic qualities of this album. For me, this album has just become better and better each time I listen to it. It is AMAZING.

The symphonic metal tendancies are *phenomenal* and reinforced by the absolutely riveting and fantastic chorus vocals (group/choir vocals). Fairyland's lead female vocalist is amazing, with her own unique range. She delivers the wonderfully-crafted fantasy lyrics excellently and the "power-zone" of her voice falls in an absolutely unique and wonderful range.

I always hate when I have to turn this CD off and I will buy each and every other Fairyland CD that is ever produced. This band has almost created their own genre out of a few existing ones, and has done a spectacular job at doing so. The sound of this band is VERY unique, even for a person familiar with all of the related genres. The music and lyric writing is unique, thoughtful, and excellent.

I have only great things to say about this album, and of the band in general. They are AMAZING.

2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Must have for power metal fans!!!, December 12, 2004

By 

Robin F. Smith (wareham, ma United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Of Wars in Osyrhia (Audio CD)

First off, let me say that I rarely take the time to review a cd, but this one is worth it! Fairyland is a virtual blueprint for melodic, symphonic power metal. Excellent production, powerfull choruses and great songwriting. This cd reminds me very much of the first Rhapsody cd. It has the singer from Dark Moor, and sounds very similar too dark moor, with more (early)Rhapsody influences. Even if you can't find this cd for a lower price than Amazon, its well worth it!!