Rhapsody--Power of the Dragonflame
SPV/Limb 2002
When you're younger, before things get corrupted by things like scene politics, it's easy to get lost in the sheer grandeur of metal. Sometimes, as life rolls on, you long for those days when the music was so large it became mythological in your mind. Power of the Dragonflame by Rhapsody embodies all of the elements able to take you back to that place in time.
Rhapsody play some of the most brilliant operatic, symphonic power metal ever committed to tape. Their sound lies in the Iron Maiden and Helloween realm but takes things a step further with full symphonic accompaniment. Beyond this, the base musicianship is absolutely amazing--everyone in this band plays like a virtuoso. From the lightening fast guitar runs, to the shredding double-bass drum pounding, right through to the perfect operatic vocals, there is no doubt that Rhapsody are something special.
In true metal style, Rhapsody's songwriting ideology is one of "more is better." Lyrically, this has all of the classic metal themes. Largely fantasy-based lyrics, there is an emphasis on the struggle between good and evil, with lots of swords, dragons, demons, and gargoyles going on within that framework. The more over-the-top the songs get, the better this album becomes. Standout tracks include "Lamento Eroico"--an amazingly beautiful song which is more or less an opera piece with some metal guitar work incorporated. The vocals are so good and purely operatic on this song, it's unreal. Also, amongst the best of Power of the Dragonflame's tracks is the closing epic "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness." Delivered in three movements and clocking in at just over 19 minutes, this song is the epitome of glorious excess. It even contains some spoken passages to advance the storyline which recall moments from cetain Manowar outings.
That being said, some people will blow off Power of the Dragonflame and label it as "cheesy" because of these grandiose elements. However, for people who loved this style of music when they were younger, as well as those unjaded enough to suspend disbelief for a short while, Rhapsody have created a magnificent journey into a world of magic. An incredible album that serves to remind just how overwhelming metal can be. Right down to the cover artwork, featuring a wicked flame-spitting dragon, this is perfection.
Get more info on this CD directly from LIMB
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