Rhapsody-POWER OF THE DRAGONFLAME

I was strolling throught the CD store, when this baby caught my eye. I was shocked as hell and pleased to be able to find this one on the shelf. I have always been a fan of Rhapsody's symphonic Hollywood metal style. I have always been impressed with their music writing skills and I have always commended them for using only real instruments, not synthesized sounds. This creates a more authentic sound. Rhapsody's latest was no disappointment. They still have the same intensity and power they have always had. They have also made a few improvements. On this album you can truely see how talented that band is. Luca Turilli does a lot more impressive riffs through out the album. He makes use sweep picking argegio's and other lead techniques, similar to Yngwie Malmsteen, not just power chords and palm muting to back up the orchestra arrangements. Fabio Lione's vocals have also improved. On past albums I felt his voice was a little to polished and pretty on the new album he uses his old, polished voice, as well as more agressive and gritty tones at times. This creates more of a variety of vocal styles. The album follows the same format that all the other albums follow. It starts with a short orchestra intro (In Tenebris) that leads into the second track (knightrider of Doom) which is a fast paced track to get you into the feel of the album. Most of the tracks are fast tempoed on the album, with the exception of The March of the Swordmaster, which is mid-tempoed steady beat, and Lamenlo Eroico, which is the ballad of the album. Like other Rhapsody albums, this album ends with a lengthy epic, the 19 minutes plus, Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness. Which starts with an acoustic intro then goes through many different phases and uses the first track In Tenebris as a theme. Rhapsody fans will be pleased with the latest release.

By FireDragon= November 2002