Bearing in mind this is the first time I have ever heard Rhapsody of Fire I must say I am impressed. I liken the music to something darker. It has a Cradle of Filth grandeur about it, but much more accessible and melodic. Taking nothing away from Cradle of course, but it just shows that genres are closer than people think. The musicianship here is excellent. The vocalist (Fabio Lione) reminds me of the vocalist from The Sanctuary (mirror black album) in many places. This is an album that can appeal if only listeners (obviously from other genres of metal) will venture from their comfort zone. I did and I don’t regret it.
“Tears of Pain” is a well written song and I particularly like the piano passage in it. The riffs are well written and performed as is everything on this album. Whilst it seems to be a melodic album there are many influences from Thrash and death from the fast guitar riffs and double kick drums in places. The songs are well structured and arranged. The lead guitar solos are great and guitarist Roby De Micheli loves an arpeggio sweep or two. “My Sacrifice” starts and builds well with an almost Dioesque lull close to the beginning. A guitar/ keyboard trade off takes you back to the Purple era all with a modern feel.
“Silver Lake of Tears” has a Maiden feel to the drive and vocal lines. “Custode di Pace” is a nice ballad sung in Italian. “Sad Mystic Moon” closes the album and starts as if it is going to build but doesn’t in my opinion and has the urgency I anticipated and therefore the album closes on a lull. Don’t let this put you off though as this band clearly know their stuff and if you want to listen to an album that is full of passion and musicianship then you should give this a chance.
If you like your metal epic and grandiose then I would say this band is for you. I’m not a massive fan of the vocal style of Fabio Lione (although Queensryche are a major like) but this is my personal taste and not a reflection on his very apparent talent for singing. I will definitely check this bands back catalogue out as I enjoyed this album.
Meathook Mike, HMS
Older reviews