Product Description Sensational sales figures, almost a cult status amongst their fans all over the world, sold-out shows, high chart positions and thrilling performances at almost every important European metal Festival: The Italian formation Rhapsody, with their three previously released albums, Legendary Tales (1997), Symphony Of Enchanted Lands (1998) and Dawn Of Victory (2000) as well as the speciallly priced Album, Rain Of A Thousand Flames released last Autumn, has been able to create a totally new and unique style called 'Hollywood Metal' and to fascinate fans all over the world with it. Power Of The Dragonflame, their fourth full length album is another episode of the exciting Emerald Sword saga and one which brings the saga to an end. Power Of The Dragonflame took form in familiar surroundings, namely in the Wolfsburg 'Gate Studios` with Sascha Paeth and Miro, themselves experienced musicians (Heavens Gate, Virgo etc) and who have been closely tied to the success of the Italian band since the beginning of Rhapsody's career. Similar to their previous releases, the musicians Luca Turilli (guitar), Alessandro Staropoli (keyboards), Fabio Lione (vocals) and Alex Holzwarth (drums) let off a spectacular firework display of ideas, showing themselves not only as heavy, fast and aggressive, but also epic and orchestral. After the sensitive intro, 'In Tenebris' and exciting tracks such as 'Knightrider Of Doom`, 'The March Of The Swordmaster' and 'Steelgods Of The Last Apocalypse' the album culminates in the closing, over 19 minute long 'Gargoyles, Angels Of Darkness', which begins with a calm acoustic guitar prologue, accelerates in typical Rhapsody fashion and which includes the expressive, unusually theatrical voice of singer Fabio Lione. 'Gargoyles, Angels Of Darkness' combines all of the band's strengths: their rhythmic finesse, their epic basic structures and the hymn-like vocals. From the Artist As previously mentioned, Power Of The Dragonflame ends the Emerald Sword saga. "As far as the style goes, it's like drawing a section through all our previous releases, right from our 1997 debut," Luca Turilli characterizes the new opus. "We were able to use ideas from a huge amount of inspiration, that's why it's turned out so long, being over 60 minutes." On a special note, Rhapsody also present a classical choir, a classic ensemble with violins, flutes etc. as well as a song sung entirely in Italian. "The song, "Lamento Eroico" is a very poetic piece with words that we can only express in our native language." Turilli described this, one of the highlights of the album. The brilliance of the album is again underlined by cover artwork by Marc Klinnert, who was also responsible for the artwork on the two previous albums. P.when('A').execute(function(A) { A.on('a:expander:toggle_description:toggle:collapse', function(data) { window.scroll(0, data.expander.$expander[0].offsetTop-100); }); }); About the Artist Since 1997 and the opening sounds of their debut album, Rhapsody have been a unique phenomena of the current metal scene and one for which there has never been a comparison. Metal fans from all over the world have an incredible reception to Rhapsody's album, Legendary Tales, with which the band, together with Hammerfall, became leading representatives of a new generation of forward-looking metal bands almost over night. Just two years after Legendary Tales, the follow-up album, Symphony Of Enchanted Lands was released and promptly climbed to 54th in the German album charts, 41st in Finland and as high as 22nd in Italy and Holland. The international press were again thrilled with the band's release. The southern German metal magazine, "Heavy oder was!?", the Dutch "Aardschok" and the Belgian mag, "Mindview" all voted Symphony Of Enchanted Lands Album of the Month. In numerous other magazines in France, Norway, Greece, Rumania and Italy Rhapsody was featured on the cover. Between early April and the end of May 2000 Rhapsody joined Stratovarius on a successful European tour before releasing their third long player, Dawn Of Victory later in the year. The album did even better than the huge success of its predecessors and was placed high in the charts of many countries. Besides reaching 32nd in Germany, Dawn Of Victory attained similarly high positions in Italy, France, Sweden and Finland, in Japan it entered the charts at 24th, whilst in the Dutch Indie-Charts it went as high as 4th. Early summer 2001 saw the band travelling to South America for the first time where they left a fabulous impression behind them, before returning to Europe to headline at several European open air festivals. To the joy of their fans, Rhapsody will be beginning their first own headliner tour from April1st 2002. The band, which will include new bass player Patrice Guers and guitarist Dominique Leurquin, will not only be playing in Germany, France, Italy, Spain, Holland, Belgium and Switzerland, but will also be travelling to Japan for the first time, where their fans can hardly wait to see them at the four shows planned for Osaka, Nagoya and Tokyo (2 shows). Angel Dust and At Vance will be supporting Rhapsody in Europe, whilst in Japan the name of the "Special Guest" is still being kept a secret. The dragon flame along with all of Rhapsody's energy will therefore burn brightly from the beginning of April 2002 until mid-May and then again in Summer when the band will be performing at a few selected Festivals. Turilli can already promise one thing: "Our fan won't get to see just another metal show, but something very special - something you can only get from Rhapsody." See more
H**R
another great album
I was greatly impressed with this album, more so with the beginning than the end. Rhapsody never ceases to amaze me as they create soaring and memorable choruses, Malmsteen-esque solos, and "epic" song writing. It seems that they never run out of ideas, and this album proves it. However, it failed to captivate my interest as long as their previous releases had. This is still a great album that's worthy of the praise it receives.
R**H
Great CD from a Great Band
For all us metalheads, this is one of the best albums to indulge our need for speed and high intensity riffing. And, the singer sings (how I hate the visceral, snarlingly growled lyrics of "grindcore". I can't tell what they're saying). This is what metal was always meant to be.
A**R
Five Stars
excellent!
J**Y
beatiful
my English is poor but the disc is large, classical music of the 21st century, very very beautiful, with great performers
A**E
Excelente
o que dizer? muito bom ... Rhapsody é magnífico ... muito feliz por conseguir finalmente esse CD ... Obrigado ao vendedor ^^
L**P
Bigger and bigger and bigger and....
This stuff just keeps getting more huge. Can this band sound any more epic?? Rhapsody has followed a steady progression of making their music increasingly epic with every release, and Power of the Dragonflame just blows everything else away.Rhapsody is the cheesiest band in the world, but I don't care. They write great songs. We often hear people say that band X or Y is "symphonic" or "classically influenced." Those descriptions apply to Rhapsody more than anyone else. While the music waxes a bit soundtrack sounding, the classical elements are more prevalent than anywhere else in metal. The stratum of orchestral music on top of the ripping power metal is put to use like no one in the business. Rhapsody dishes out speedy power metal, bombastic symphonic keyboards, massive orchestral movements, stratospheric vocals, and epic choirs integrated into one over-the-top musical package.Rhapsodys heavy use of the "epic choir" dwarfs even Blind Guardian's latest (A Night at the Opera), and that's saying a lot. There's no comparison to army-like choir sound used to create this huge record. The choir-enhanced choruses of songs like the title track and "Steelgods of the Last Apocalypse" (how's that for an ostentatious title?) are so huge they eclipse even the mammoth vocals of "And Then There Was Silence" (the 14-minute epic of A Night at the Opera). I truly hate to compare these bands, and in _no way whatsoever_ to I wish to slight Blind Guardian -- they're a truly talented bunch. I merely wish to lend perspective to the enormous vocal sound here. (Truthfully, Blind Guardian and Rhapsody are not similar bands.)Honestly, the band's guitarist and principal composer Luca Turilli is one of the best songwriters I've heard. The way he puts all these ingredients together into his cauldron of symphonic metal magic, and adds reams of melodic hooks is so impressive. The album isn't as catchy as the mighty Symphony of Enchanted Lands, but it more effectively bridges that melodic element with the harder-hitting music of Dawn of Victory. And those choirs! Wow.Rhapsody has been telling a story all this time. The Saga of the Emerald Sword (or whatever) began with the debut, Legendary Tales, and comes to an end here. I wasn't sure it would ever be finished all the songs seemed to be about the same thing. Honestly, the story isn't that important to me, and insofar as fantasy stories go, this is beyond cheesy. Still, when you put it together with the music, the poorly written lyrics produce heroic images that can lift the spirits. It's inspiring, I guess. (And just so there's no confusion...no, I am not a pimply 14-year old who plays Dungeons & Dragons every Saturday.) BRING ME A SWORD, FOOLISH MORTAL.Rhapsody isn't a band to radically change their sound, but Power of the Dragonflame does demonstrate some new twists in the band's songs. Sure, it does begin with the requisite orchestral/choral intro, "In Tenebris", which kicks into a slashing metal cut "Knightrider of Doom". Yet, there are surprises throughout. "Lamento Eroico" is a great ballad powerfully sung in Italian, with vocalist Fabio Lione toning down his abuse of vibrato-heavy power metal singing...his performance is very "operatic." The music to this piece is full of minor key stuff (a bit gothic, even), and the choir during the chorus is very hefty. With just this song, I've gained a lot more respect for Lione's singing ability. "When Demons Awake" is probably the band's most aggressive song, where Lione tries some "black metal lite" vocals. It's a fairly harrowing track with female baroque vocals countering the ominous strings. On "The Steelgods of the Last Apocalypse", awesome melodic dynamics, elating string inflections, and a powerful chorus make for a positively intense listen.Some of the songs aren't so different, and just work with the standard formula very well. "The Pride of the Tyrant" has a transition to its heroic, choir-enhanced chorus that never fails to give me goose bumps. "Knightrider of Doom" and the title track work with the band's established formula very effectively, though they benefit from a more powerful choral presence. "The March of the Swordmaster" whips up some Irish folk melodies, which the band had done before on Dawn of Victory. Here, though, they add a more up-front metal guitar factor.The album's finest moment is the grand finale, amusingly titled "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness". Clocking in at about 20 minutes, this is a perfectly fitting conclusion to the epic story. It was the best way to go out, because nearly all the band's best songs (in my opinion) have been in this long epic format. It begins with a gorgeous classical guitar piece, then burns into a fast metal groove in a deranged time-signature. It's a playground for all the archetypal "Hollywood metal" elements, with aggressive operatic choirs, soundtrack-like orchestral movements, and even the band's cheesy narrator. "Let the mystic power of the dragonflame burn in your heart!" This music is embarrassing, and yet...there is no shame!I don't know what the band will do now that their Emerald Sword story is finished. As cheesy as Rhapsody is, I hope they continue to make music. This stuff is too good to be without.
A**R
The Ultimate Rhapsody album
My first impression of this album was a bit off. I didn't have Rain of a Thousand Flames in hand yet and the difference between this album and Dawn of Victory is HUGE ! Another reviewer here complained that the format is the same, well yeah, I can't argue that. ALL Rhapsody albums start with an instrumental intro and then rage into a powerful, in-your-face charge. That being a given, this album is far heavier than Dawn of Victory. If you did pick up the Rain of a Thousand Flames EP, it won't seem that heavy as Rain really bridges the two albums quite nicely. In my opinion Power of the Dragonflame combines the best of Dawn of Victory and Rain of a Thousand Flames and mixes them flawlessly. Dragonflame doesn't seem quite as rough as Rain was, the songs are much more fluid and focused. The songs also range from extremely heavy to soft ballads, a pace determined by, as well as complimentary to the story of the final chapter of The Emerald Sword Saga.If you are new to Rhapsody, and are considering this as your first album, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend it, however be aware this is by far their heaviest album. The final battles of the free world against all the forces of evil take place in the story on this album, meaning there are a lot of very intense songs. Compared to Symphony of Enchanted Lands, much of that albums harmonious melodies have been dropped for agression and power. This fits the story. I just want potential newcomers to be aware that this band has various albums ranging every area of metal.The intro "In Tenebris" is what you would expect from a Rhapsody intro, powerful and majestic."Knightrider of Doom" is a very fast and powerful song and one of my favorites on this album. This is one of the two really heavy songs that caught me off guard when I first heard this album."Power of the Dragonflame" is the other one. It starts like a death metal song, but once you hear the chorus, you realize you are listening to the most majestic Rhapsody song ever written. A very fitting tribute to the might of the Dragon."The March of the Swordmaster" is a classic Rhapsody song. Dungeons & Dragons in metal. I love the chorus of this song."When Demons Awake" is a slower, but very heavy song. In many ways this is a song that could have been on the first album if it wasn't so heavy, it has that kind of atmosphere to it."Agony is my Name" Ah yes, a no nonsense song that has all the makings of a great live tune. Strong and aggresive it has a great chorus with plenty of power to it."Lamento Eroico" In a surprising turn, Rhapsody recorded this song all in Italian. The music is beautiful and haunting and I definately love the song.....I just wish I knew what they were saying."Steelgods of the Last Apocalypse" While this song is a great song, if I had to pick a weak link on this album, this would be it. There's just not much to the song. It seems to lack purpose.The chorus is catchy but overall the song just doesn't live up to the rest of the album."The Pride of the Tyrant" Majestic and uplifting, this song portrays the spirit of those making their last stand in a hopeless battle perfectly. I get chills listening to the chorus."Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" I won't even try to describe this masterpiece. It is the crowning achievement of Rhapsody's legacy of great songs (so far). My absolute favorite song.One last note, if you can spare the extra cash, get the 2-disc/DVD combo version of this album, it has a bonus song called "Rise from the Sea of Flames" that is one of the five best songs on the album. If you're a fan, you'll kick yourself if you miss out on having that song.Every album is better than the last, and Power of the Dragonflame is no exception. I cannot recommend this album enough !!
O**S
vinyl
Excelente album.
G**I
Quick and safely arrived
Came in one piece thank you so much
M**O
Masterpiece!
Capolavoro assoluto di symphonic power metal, vinile arrivato nuovo e sigillato, in perfette condizioni. Chi ama i Rhapsody deve averlo nella sua collezione.
W**H
la puissance d'un style unique
Cet avis concerne :- Symphony of Enchanted Lands Part II : The Dark Secret -Legendary Tales -Symphony of Enchanted Lands -Power of the Dragonflame -King of the Nordic Twilight -Rain of a thousand flamesDe toutes les oeuvres de Luca Turilli et/ou Rhapsody, ces CDs sont à mon sens les meilleurs. Ils dégagent un style que je n'ai pas eu l'occasion d'entendre de la part d'autres groupes de métal. Il y a ce côté médiéval-fantasy, quelques inspirations du classique, et bien sûr l'idée de raconter une histoire tout au long de l'album. Toute cette combinaison donne un mélange unique qui fait voyager dans leur univers, inspire, voire même redynamise!Je n'ai pas ressenti cette originalité (bien faite) dans leurs autres CDs, qui me semblent d'un style plus courant.à chacun son avis après ça ;)
A**A
Ottimo acquisto
Ho acquistato questo CD perche sono un fan molto appassionato del genere e sono rimasto molto sopreso che anche fuori casa con Amazon music posso godere di questo CD.Tempistiche e metodi di consegna veramente ottimi,
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