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SYMPHONY OF ENCHANTED LANDS
Written by Alban Schmid

After their incredible first release "Legendary Tales", Rhapsody faced the difficult challenge to meet the high expectations of their fans. They took the path to stay loyal to their style, even trying to improve it. Therefore, "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" is based on the same concept as the previous album, and is clearly its sequel. It narrates the "Chronicles of Algalord", a heroic fantasy world in cosmic danger, which is saved by a providential hero struggling against the evil. Musically, Rhapsody chose to elaborate and deepen their existing unique style: Baroque neo-classical metal. Hence, the emphasis in comparison to the previous release has been put on a more than ever prominent orchestration, featuring a string ensemble, several male and female choirs, etc. The resulting epic is a masterpiece of blending between baroque music and metal, at a level of achievement seldom reached yet. The concept also incorporates some unusual elements, as narrated parts and ambiance noises (whinnying horses, falling water, howling wolves, etc.) what partly gives the impression of a motion picture soundtrack (for example for a movie like "Willow"!). Besides, some compositions (particularly the amazing song "Beyond the Gates of Infinity") integrate progressive elements (i.e. frequent time changes and original harmonies), what broadens in an interesting manner Rhapsody's repertoire. The only disappointment: the voice of the narrator is not really suitable for that job, being to high and lacking the "tragic" tone required for such epic storytelling.

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