Have I got a treat for you. As some of my readership may know, I am totally into heavy metal right now. Some of my favorite bands include Iron Maiden, Dragonforce, Dark Moor, Nightwish, Hammerfall, and of course, Rhapsody of Fire. Not only is Rhapsody of Fire an Italian Symphonic Power Metal band, they pretty much invented the genre. These guys are big time fantasy nerds, and I love it. So what is symphonic power metal you ask? Well, its power metal that combines elements of baroque and classical music. On top of that awesomeness, their lyrics are focused on epic fantasy themes. It only gets better from here.
Every album that Rhapsody of Fire has released has been a rock opera. Their first five albums told a story called, "The Emerald Sword Saga." Each album released was a new chapter in the saga. The booklet included in each album started the chapter, but the lyrics and musical content of each song would further the story. The Emerald Sword Saga is an epic fantasy story filled with heroes, evil lords, dragons, monsters and wizards. The story is about the Warrior of Ice, a brave and fierce warrior who sets out on a magical quest to find the Emerald Sword. The only sword with the power to slay the evil dark lord.In 2004, they came out with the album, Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret. This is the album that I have. This album starts The Dark Secret Saga. It is the same idea as The Emerald Sword Saga except for that this saga holds an extra super special surprise. This time around, the narrator of the tale is none other than Count Duku himself, Christopher Lee. When I heard the first song, I said to myself, "that sounds like Saruman." I was of course correct. I have no idea how he got involved in this project. I am forced to assume that he also recognized the greatness in Rhapsody of Fire. In fact, he loved being part of the project so much that not only did he agree to be a part of the their latest album, the second album in the Dark Secret Saga, he also insisted that they allow him to sing back up lyrics on some of the tracks. I can't wait to hear it.
Just to give you a taste of their awesomeness, I've included a YouTube video of one of my favorite songs from Rhapsody, Unholy Warcry. The first part of the video features Christopher Lee as he begins the narration of the The Dark Secret Saga. It then transitions into the song. The clip is pretty long so you may want to FF through some of it. There is a sweet power metal guitar solo at about 7.5 minutes into it. Enjoy.
In case you need further proof of how awesome they are, check out the cover art from a few of their CDs.
7 comments:
HARGOR VORAN!! That guitar solo ran more valiant than the rivers of Orin!
Allison, the mighty guitars of Dark Moor lulled Eli to sleep last night.
Rumbler-
Well said. Truer words could not have beeen spoken by the Elvish Prince Norukan himslef.
These guys are truly awesome. Have you checked out their tour schedule? That would for sure be one of the coolest concerts ever. I will have to alert my friends over at the Quill & the Sword.
Ian-
The concert would be amazing. I bet they would serve meed and perhaps have a jousting competition. Its just too bad that they only plan on touring through Czech Republic and Germany.
Darth, what about some commentary on the Hadron Collider? Its not every day that scientists collide atoms in Switzerland in a way that could create a black hole that eventually swallows the earth or that opens up portals to new dimensions.
The artwork is truly amazing.
Okay, if you love Satan!
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