29/04/02

RHAPSODY / POWER OF THE DRAGONFLAME

It's very difficult to be objective about a band you really like so I make no apologies for this review being a bit biased, and being a bit biased is like saying the Atilla The Hun was actually a really nice guy.

This Italian band have gone from strength to strength and the Emerald Sword Saga is a superb piece of Science Fantasy in it's own right and I would not be surprised if it was published in print either in Graphic or novel form in the not too distant future. The fact that Rhapsody have such a strong theme to pin their brand of over the top Power Metal to means that they are never short of inspiration and ideas.

This latest opus is in my opinion their best so far and as usual there is everything but the kitchen sink in there and for me that's what makes this so interesting, one minute it's the best Power Metal on the planet and then they will go into some choral piece, or classical overtones, folk, thrash, see what I mean. If they have any drawbacks, it is their diversity that could put people off, if however you give them a chance and listen with an open mind you will find them very rewarding. Watch out for the 19-minute epic last track, "Gargoyles, Angels Of Darkness" fantastic.

DOWNLOAD : "Knightrider Of Doom" from the above site

TOTAL PLAYING TIME = 61 mins + 10 Tracks