Moonlight Haze “Beyond”

 

    The Italian symphonic power metal act, Moonlight Haze, once again conjures up an epic sounding journey across bombastic musical landscapes accompanied by plenty of awe-inspiring vocals and utterly catchy sounding riffs. For their fourth full-length album, “Beyond,” which will be released May 23rd through Scarlet Records, the band continues to enhance their overall sound which allows them to further explore their extremely deep and meaningful lyrical content. 

    Personally, I am very particular about symphonic power metal with a majority of the modern acts not really appealing to me given the lack of substance along with the repetitive sounding formula that has been beaten to death within the sub-genre. Also, I feel a lot of acts tend to put too much focus putting on their Renaissance Faire attire and they end up writing some very forgettable sounding songs. Such is not the case with Moonlight Haze, and after hearing their 2021 release, “Animus,” I could tell that they took their craft seriously and put effort into writing some profoundly passionate pieces of music. “Beyond,” isn’t just another step forward for the band, as I really feel as though they are taking a massive leap forward with this new material. 

    One of the areas on this new album that I noticed right away were the heavier elements added to their sound, thus injecting a more old school metallic edge at times. Also, vocalist Chiara Tricarico delivers another outstanding performance by showing off here magnificent range that confidently soars over the melodic instrumental arrangements. The guitar playing on this release is on point and the leads are fluid yet never over crowd the soundscape to where you find yourself bogged down by endless amounts of pointless shredding. Guitarists Marco Falanga and Alberto Melinato are talented players that come-up with some catchy sounding riffs that can deliver a more fiery flare when needed by throwing into some blazing solos, or an extra dose of heavy crushing riff sections. 

    The album’s opening song, “Beyond,” is a very calming introducing featuring a soothing piano arrangement accompanied by Chiara’s captivating vocals. I thought the intro’s ethereal overall tone was a perfect way to begin the album, especially considering the shift in terms of heaviness that can be heard on the album’s second track, “Tame the Storm.” I would say that, “Tame the Storm,” is definitely a more dynamically intense track and one that takes on a more fearsome old school power metal sound. Also, I was impressed by how Chiara’s vocals seem to naturally adapt to the music when the band transitions from a melodic section to a heavier sounding part. The same can be said on the song, “Chase the Light,” where the opening rhythm is utterly crushing, which I would attribute to drummer Giulio Capone’s monstrous drumming from behind the kit. From the energetic melodic lead guitar playing to vibrant chorus sections, the music just flows with such a graceful synergy. 

    Now, as much as I enjoyed the album’s heavier moments, I must admit that the calmer and more uplifting tracks are not to be ignored. One of the most deep and meaningful song’s off the album is, “L'eco Del Silenzio.” At first Chiara sings in English over a somber acoustic arrangement, but then she transitions into singing into Italian which I thought really strengthened the track’s bewitching sound. Another song that caught my attention was, “D.N.A. (Do Not Apologize),” with its scorching riffs and epic chorus where Chiara delivers a strong vocal performance. The final two songs on the album, "Time to Go," and "Awakening," are also very well recorded tracks featuring more brilliant symphonic power metal compositions as well as these truly electrifying chorus sections. 

    Overall, the “Beyond” is probably Moonlight Haze’s most sonically and lyrically impressive albums to date. The production on this album is extreme solid and I can tell that having the assistance of the highly skilled music producer Sascha Paeth made a significant impact on the final mix. If you happen to be a fan who enjoy symphonic power metal then I would highly recommend checking out Moonlight Haze. The band seems to really be pushing themselves in terms of their songwriting skills and musical abilities, which I could definitely hear loud and clear on this new album.  

Checkout the video for the song "Chase the Light" below:

Moonlight Haze website:

https://www.moonlighthaze.com/

Artch "Another Return" 2023 Re-Issue

    Most metal fans tend to view Norway as the country where black metal reigns supreme, however there is one band from Norway that back in the late 80’s put out a spectacular power/speed metal album. The debut full-length release from Artch, “Another Return,” is true heavy metal hidden gem featuring some skillful musicianship, excellent songwriting talents and all around solid production. Fans will have the opportunity to get their hands on a remastered/re-issued copy of the album via Hammerheart Records with a release date set for March 17th of this year. 

    Originally released in 1988 through Active Records, the album has gained a strong cult following over the years. Even though Artch never really gained significant recognition amongst the mainstream metal audience, the band’s debut album has sort of kept their story alive by setting an example of how to create an all around powerful sounding heavy metal release. The first time I heard, “Another Return,” was probably about ten years ago and I could not believe how exceptional the album sounded from start to finish. Taking elements from power metal, speed metal and thrash metal, the band comes up with these dynamic sounding pieces of metal music that grabs your attention right from the start. 

    When listening to the album, you hear this mix of melodic sounding arrangements similar to that of Iron Maiden, along with the thunderous riff style to of Saxon and other NWOBHM groups. The song, "Another Return to Church Hill," is a truly amazing offering of triumphant sounding heavy metal that begins with an utterly bombastic sounding introduction composition. The creative lyrics, crushing guitar riffs and high soaring vocals provided by singer Eric Hawk, all come together perfectly in telling this epic heavy metal story. Throughout the album the guitar riffs sounded unbelievably HEAVY with tracks like, “Loaded,” “Promise Land,” and “Shoot to Kill,” being some of the most deafening tracks off of the album. 

    Even the band’s more ballad like track, “Where I Go,” conveys such raw and monumental emotion that captures your attention as you listen to Eric’s voice compliment the mesmerizing acoustic chord progressions. My favorite song off of the album is the final track, “Reincarnation,” because of the crazy lightening fast guitar riffs as well as the killer sounding bass playing. Plus, I liked how Eric’s vocals also took a more aggressive tone to match the more thrash like guitar arrangements. Again, this album can appeal to a wide variety of metal fans, and a song such as “Reincarnation,” really taps into that mixture of power metal and thrash metal. 

    In the end, I am thrilled to see Hammerheart Records working with Artch to bring back this album and make it available for fans to own on CD and vinyl. Without any doubt, “Another Return,” is an album that vividly captures the confident and relentless spirit of 80’s heavy metal music. Even though an artist like Harry Styles is winning awards right now for making horrendous music while wearing a dress, I highly doubt that his fans will be buying his albums years later. The dedication and passion that went into writing such a strong sounding album like, “Another Return,” is definitely why after so many years this album is being made available again for metal fans to purchase. No matter the trend, no matter what the mainstream critics say, bands such as Artch will continue to carry on just like how heavy metal has endured for so many years and continues to inspire new generations of diehard headbangers.  

Check out the song "Another Return to Church Hill" : 

Hammerheart Records website: 

https://www.hammerheart.com/

Moonlight Haze "Animus"

    I used to review a fair amount of power metal bands for this blog, but as of recent I have just not heard a band that has really grabbed me within the world of power metal. Most of the time when I receive a promo for a new power metal band I cannot make it through the first couple tracks without getting a headache from the gimmicky redundant sounding compositions. In the case of Moonlight Haze I can honestly say that this band really hooked me from the beginning and the overall quality of musicianship on their new album, “Animus,” is extremely impressive. 

    This group from Northern Italy really captures a lot of qualities that I tend to enjoy from iconic power metal and symphonic metal bands such as Helloween, Rhapsody, Blind Guardian, Epica and Nightwish. Also, I have to point out how the band does not get carried away with over the top compositions that sounded painfully over produced. For example, the lead guitar playing is extremely fluid sounding and the solos on this release really hooked me, because the lead guitarist never tries to go overboard with pointless shredding to where you feel like the music is being hijacked by some dude trying to show off. Plus, the vocals on this album are phenomenal and the band’s singer Chiara Tricarico has an amazing vocal range. 

    Out of the album’s eleven tracks, I found myself listening with great interest on each song and I believe that fans of power metal and symphonic metal will really be impressed by the band’s tight sound. The first track on the album, “The Nothing,” is a solid opening piece of music and contains a very calming yet uplifting main driving rhythm. The band hammers out some catchy guitar riffs while injecting epic sounding vocal parts to create a very cinematic sounding environment. The second track, “It’s Insane,” is probably the primary reason why this band peaked my interest after I first listened to the album. The chorus section is truly inspiring and Chiara’s vocal delivery adds such fiery and passionate emotion into the track. Also, the guitar solo during the song is a great example of how a player is able to take you away for a bit by exploring some mesmerizing scales, and is then able skillfully return to the main riff.

    As the album progresses from song to song you start to notice how the band is able to lay down some crushing riffs, yet they are always able to transition so smoothly to these mighty melodic chorus sections. On the song,“Kintsugi,” I was impressed by how the arrangements complimented Chiara’s vocals, especially how the music flowed with this graceful synergy. Songs like, “Animus” and “The Thief and the Moon,” glide through these grandiose sounding musical landscapes featuring a fair amount of inspiring lyrics that I believe listeners can relate to, especially during these difficult times in our world. 

    Very similar to the band Rhapsody, one of my all time favorite power/symphonic metal bands, Moonlight Haze pays great attention to detail on each composition and one can tell that the band takes pride in their craft. The song, “We’ll Be Free,” was another epic sounding song that captures one’s imagination as Chiara completely unleashes a mighty rush of emotion during the chorus section. Plus, the drumming is very tight sounding and establishes a thunderous rhythmic backbone for the guitars to come screaming in like mighty eagles soaring over majestic misty mountains. 

    Moonlight Haze, “Animus,” is a modern power and symphonic metal gem that I really hope people check out once it is released through Scarlett Records on March 18th, 2022. The band is able to write such powerful sounding music, while also not getting carried away with ridiculously sloppy instrumental arrangements that end up turning into a saturated symphonic sounding mess. I believe balance and consistency is what separates Moonlight Haze from a fair amount of other up and coming power metal bands. In the end, Moonlight Haze displays a certain level of confidence which can be heard throughout their music, so if you are fan of this type of music and you don’t listen to this album, then you must be insane. Definitely an album you don't want to miss! 

Check out the video for the song "It's Insane" below : 

Moonlight Haze FB Page:

https://www.facebook.com/Moonlighthazeband/

Moonlight Haze Bandcamp:

https://moonlighthaze.bandcamp.com/

Review: Traveler "Self-Titled Release"

    Screaming through the galaxy with a classic metal vengeance of super sonic metallic force, Canada’s Traveler offers a scorching full-length debut release looking to consume the heavy metal universe with glorious sounding riffs and triumphant sounding vocals.

    Speed metal and power metal fans will be rather pleased with this release, as the band demonstrates strong songwriting skills and skillful musicianship. The band’s singer, Jean-Pierre Abboud, also known for his work in the band Gatekeeper, does a tremendous job presenting the lyrics with a high soaring vocal delivery. Along with Jean-Pierre’s amazing vocal abilities, the twin guitar attack of Matt Ries and Toryin Schadlich proves to be a lightening fast force of riff making fury. I also thought the rhythm section comprising of bassist Dave Arnold and drummer Chad Vallier, packed a mighty punch on each track to help establish a bold and bombastic sound.

    The album’s production and overall sound is full of relentless heavy metal energy which is very consistent on each song. You know you’re in for a ripping heavy metal experience when the opening track, “Starbreaker,” bursts out of your speakers like a starship screaming through the cosmos fueled by an atomic sounding main guitar riff. The vocals add an extra emphasis of epic heavy metal attitude and Jean-Pierre has an unbelievable range that does not sound forced and seems to come natural when he hits those high notes. After the opening track ended I liked the transition into the next song, “Street Machine,” because the music maintained such a passionate and fierce edge. Traveler does a great job not settling for generic and simplistic riffs and comes up with these arrangements that convey a high level of profound energy.

    Track three off of the album, “Behind the Iron,” is a very Maiden-esque type song that utilizes the two guitar attack extremely well. The way that the vocals compliment the melodic guitar compositions is perfectly executed and keeps delivering until the song ends. Other songs worth mentioning are, “Fallen Heroes,” “Mindless Maze” and “Speed Queen” with probably “Mindless Maze” being my overall favorite song off of the album. From the soothing intro guitar arrangement to the epic chorus section to the mind being lead guitar parts, I felt like the song was extremely well written from start to finish. Traveler combined all the elements needed to write a stellar heavy metal song that does not disappoint in the least bit, or sounds poorly slapped together like what you hear from most classic metal worship bands who spend more time on their album artwork than their songwriting skills.

    Traveler is yet another great example of a band paying homage to classic heavy metal, while forging their own path by writing some exciting and powerful pieces of music. The band’s self-titled debut release is a recommended listen for fans of classic heavy metal, speed metal, power metal or people who want something to bang their head along to while raising their fists in the air. Better not pass this release up, because the way Traveler is going right now, these guys are going to be coming at the heavy metal world faster than the speed of light and you don’t want to miss out!



Traveler "Behind the Iron" :

Traveler Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/travelerheavymetal/

Kaledon "Chapter IV: Twilight of the Gods"

    For anyone looking to hear Game of Thrones type lyrics and epic power metal music, I found another band besides Rhapsody of Fire that can make your metal dreams come true. Italy’s Kaledon offers listeners intense melodic pieces of power metal music with their album, “Chapter IV: Twilight of the Gods.”
    Originally recorded in 2006 by Giuseppe Orlando, the album has been remastered by Mr. Orlando and features a couple re-recorded tracks by Kaledon’s current line-up. Scarlet Records is releasing the new version and there is even some new album artwork for the updated release.
    Now, just because the album is remastered and there is some new art work doesn’t mean the songs have changed much. This was the first time I have ever heard any music from the band, so for me as a new listener, it was like listening to something brand new. First off, the band definitely goes for that epic speed/power metal vibe that you hear from bands like Rhapsody of Fire or Blind Guardian. The album starts out with a brief dialogue between a knight talking to his lord about going into battle which seems to play into the album’s whole medieval fantasy based theme.
    I found the opening track, “The Holy Water,” to be a creative and very epic sounding song. The melodic lead guitar parts are skillfully pieced out throughout the track and the band’s singer has a fairly strong voice. Compared to some power metal singer’s I felt Kaledon’s vocalist didn’t force the high notes as often. Still, there are those falsetto screams that then make way for some blistering guitar and keyboard leads.
    The album continues the power metal siege with the songs, “Hell on Earth” and “War Plans.” Before each song starts out, you hear the sounds of soldiers moving around and horses making noise. I found the incorporation of those brief sounds to strengthen the albums battle like concept. You feel as if you are listening to a battle being fought with the narration being epic heavy metal music. The keyboard player in the band is very virtuosic and seems to really know how to inject some technical symphonic moments into the songs.
    As much as this band can write intense power metal tracks, they do slow down and create really beautiful sounding recordings. “Goodbye My Friend,” is one track that stood out because of the song’s strong emotional tone. The whole musical landscape flows and serves as a pleasant break from the rapid fire tracks. “Into the Fog,” is another one of my favorite tracks on this album. The recording is quite impressive and has a bombastic cinematic tone.
    Overall, the album remains fairly consistent towards the end. You have plenty more fast galloping power metal riffs and grand melodic choruses. “Out of the Ground,” was a suitable closing song since the music embodied what this band had to offer throughout the album.
    I believe this was a strong sounding album, but I do feel their brand of power metal was nothing different from some of the power metal bands I heard before. To become a highly recognized power metal band there is an important emphasis on captivating listener’s imaginations both musically and lyrically. I think Kaledon is a talented group who can possibly become more noticed in the genre if they keep working hard and continue to create impressive musical tales.

Kaledon Facebook Page

Helloween "My God Given Right"

    After 30 years of being one of power metal's top acts, Helloween unleashes their fifteenth studio album titled, “My God Given Right." All pumpkin heads rejoice!
    The German speed/power metal pioneering lords have gone through various line-up changes over the years with Michael Weikath and Markus Grosskopf being the only two original members. However, the line-up of Michael Weikath on guitar, Markus Grosskopf on bass, Sascha Gerstner on second guitar, Daniel Löble on drums and Andi Deris on vocals, has been going strong for sometime now. Their last album, “Straight Out of Hell,” came out in 2013 and received overall favorable opinions from listeners. I myself believed the album was one of the band’s strongest releases, especially given their nineties work that I am not exactly a huge fan of. Ever since the mid 2000s I noticed the band's albums getting stronger and returning to the more heavy power metal style. I honestly believe Helloween has found a way to move forward and at the same time take the classic sound and incorporate it into the new music.
    “My God Given Right,” is defiantly a continuation from where the last album left off. Though I would not call this new album the disregarded, or b-side tracks from, “Straight Out of Hell.” There are a couple of songs that sounded a bit similar to ones on the previous album, but for the most part, this new album is an adrenaline shot of pure triumphant power metal.
    Most of the lyrics featured on this album reflect the topic of war and the effects of living in a world that is constantly on the brink of snapping. I believe the musicians in Helloween write this music with deep sincerity because they grew up in Germany during the Cold War. There are also songs that deal with non-war related topics like, “If God Loves Rock and Roll” and “Lost in America.” I really enjoyed, “Lost in America,” because the song is based off of an experience the band had once while on tour in the states. You might say they had a Spinal Tap moment with their flight. Overall, the lyrics are well written and can present strong messages, especially during the catchy chorus sections.
    Musically, this album is an example of what it takes to be an accomplished metal band. The compositions are always full of heavy quick moving guitar riffs, catchy melodic leads, thunderous rhythm sections, and perfectly placed vocal parts to compliment the overall sound. Also, there are some really dark Sabbath like riffs such as on the track titled, “Living on the Edge.” Another great part about that song is the lead guitar playing. Each note is perfectly captured as the guitarist moves around the fret board. I thought the production for this album was solid and prefer it over the band’s last album. Again, I thought the last album was a good release, but this new one seems to really capture the band's powerful and distinctive sound. 
    Other songs that I was impressed by are, “Stay Crazy,” “The Swing of the Fallen World,” “Creatures in Heaven,” and “Claws.” The dual guitar attack that has always made Helloween one of my favorite bands is extremely noticeable on this album. Their are those moments like on, “Lost in America” and “Creatures in Heaven,” where you can hear some Keeper of the Seven Keys era influence.
    My only minor complaints are with the two bonus tracks, "Wish I Were There" and "Wicked Game," which I thought seemed to be b-sides and recycled ideas. They are not horrible tracks, but definitely seem out of place compared to the rest of the songs on this album. For thirteen tracks minus the two bonus tracks, I think the band did a great job offering exciting cuts of power metal music. Yeah, the music can be a bit cheesy like the lyrics in the song, “Stay Crazy,” but that is what I like about Helloween. They just destroy with their fast paced uplifting melodic and sometimes aggressive sound.
    I think, “My God Given Right,” was a strong release from a veteran band of 30 years. So many bands in the power metal genre owe Helloween a huge thanks for always waving the flag and consistently putting out releases. Even if you are not a fan of certain past albums, you cannot deny this band's work ethic over the years. Fifteen albums down and this latest one shows the band still has some kick ass ideas left.
    If you are a fan of Helloween or high quality power metal music, you need to get this new album! Of course if you are a stubborn Helloween fan who thinks, “Walls of Jericho,” is the only Helloween album to own...you need to stop being such a power metal punk elitist. This band is one of very few groups that has been able to put out solid sounding albums as they get older (The other being Accept, another iconic German metal band). After hearing this new Helloween album, I hope they have more music in store for all us crazy pumpkin heads!

Track Review: “Prometheus” by Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody

    Luca Turilli offers another new cinematic power metal track that will be featured on his upcoming release, “Prometheus: Symphonia Ignis Divinus.” The album is out June 30th in North America and will be released a couple days earlier in Europe.
    This album is supposed to be a blockbuster. There is talk of a fancy orchestra and choral singers to add that epic feel to the album. To sum it up in DJ Rob “the metal guy” terms, this album is going to be like Rhapsody of Fire on steroids! I am a huge fan of the Rhapsody of Fire, especially the Emerald Sword Saga.
Now, this new track by Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody is called, “Prometheus,” and seems to give listeners more incite into the album’s lyrical content. So, I guess Luca Turilli is distancing himself from Lord of the Rings type fantasy and entering the world of Ridley Scott science fiction.
    I don’t mind the lyrical shift and welcome the idea of a more science fiction based story. However, I do not understand why Luca Turilli has diminished his amazing guitar shredding abilities. I felt like the orchestra was overwhelming and the heavy metal foundation of bass, drums and guitar was being drowned out. The singer featured on the track did a decent job and has that strong high pitched vocal range that suits the symphonic power metal sound well. Still, I just was not digging the bombastic sounding orchestra. Luca Turilli used to use his brilliant soloing abilities to offer excitement, and now has the volume turned down so I can here the violins.
    Maybe I am being too critical since I tend to be extremely picky with my power metal. Thrash metal I am less picky (don’t know why)...In the end I would have to say that this track was better than the previous single called, “Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross).” I shall wait until the entire album comes out and make a final opinion. I really hope Luca Turilli rips through more scales and shows off his signature guitar style. Needs to stop trying to be Beethoven and start shredding!

Click on this link to hear the song!

Mastercastle-"Enfer (De La Bibliothèque Nationale)"

    Italian Power Metal band, Mastercastle, opens the gates to epic metal sounding lands with their new album, “Enfer (De La Bibliothèque Nationale).” This is the band’s fifth release to date and the album continues to display the band’s neoclassical influenced power metal style.
    Italy of course has been the home of many great neoclassical power metal bands, such as Rhapsody of Fire and Labyrinth. Mastercastle is right up there with that technical grandiose epic sounding style, but this band is more straight forward hard rock at times too. Guitarist Pier Gonella knows when to use his special shredding talents while still creating simple solid heavy riffs. I find on this album Mastercastle does not overwhelm me with endless blazing technicality, but thoughtfully incorporates it when needed. Also, the compositions are very uplifting and of course, very symphonic. Lead singer Giorgia Gueglio definitely helps add to the band’s massive melodic symphonic sound. Her voice is magnificent as it glides over the ripping instrumental jams. She delivers the music with plenty of emotion that makes the words take on an even greater meaning.
     The opening track, “The Castle,” begins with a very Helloween like introduction. The main riff is really heavy and has a catchy groove to it. Giorgia comes in with her clear melodic voice and gives the song a pleasant quality, yet still rocking hard. The riffs on this album constantly maintain a heavy tone and allow for the other more technical parts to take shape. Songs like “Let Me Out” and “Naked,” are just pure crushing power metal songs. Plenty of heavy dynamic style riffs, precision drumming and powerful vocals that offer a pleasant contrast to the more aggressive riffs. One song that really stands out on this album is, “Pirates.” The song is very uplifting and emphasizes the band’s fierce melodic approach. Towards the end of the song there is a fluid guitar solo that is played with tremendous feel and emotion.
    The second half of the album really does not differ that much from the first half. I think Giorgia’s voice helps keep the music sounding very consistent. The lyrics are very moving and the words are thoughtfully presented. There is a certain harmonic quality that this album conveys. “Straight to the Bone” and “Throne of Time” are solid tracks with very triumphant choruses and fierce lead guitar parts. The final song on this album, “Coming Bach,” is yet another example of Mastercastle’s high level of musicianship. During this instrumental piece, the band dazzles with technical brilliance and the progressions are very fluid.
    In the end, Mastercastle’s, “Enfer (De La Bibliothèque Nationale),” is an album full of fantastic neoclassical power metal moments. Most of the time I find this style of music to lack simple hard rock and classic metal stylings, but Mastercastle finds a way to maintain a world of technicality and heavy enjoyable simplicity. I would recommend this album for fans of fierce melodic epic music, because the sound is heavy yet there is a soothing melodic side to this music too. Definitely music I have to be in a certain mood for, but when I want some epic neoclassical power metal, I will immediately consider Mastercastle. For those who are really interested in this album, be prepared to enter into a castle full of neoclassical power metal wonder that can be found around every turn.

Album Recommendation: Rhapsody Live In Canada 2005 (The Dark Secret)

Band: Rhapsody
Album: Rhapsody Live In Canada 2005 (The Dark Secret)

    If there is any band who can release an electrifying live album that captures the concert experience, Rhapsody is the band who can do it. 
    Their epic sounding Symphonic Power Metal style is unmistakable and puts them at the top of Power Metal genre. Their first live album, recorded in Montreal, Canada during their 2005 Demons, Dragons and Warriors World Tour, is a great representation of the band’s cinematic metal musical style. This live release on CD and DVD, captures Rhapsody at the height of their career. Around this time the band had just released Symphony of Enchanted Lands 2: The Dark Secret, an album that marked a shift from the Emerald Sword Saga.
    For their set list, the band equally divides songs from the most recent album and classic Emerald Sword Saga epics like “Wisdom of Kings,” “Dawn of Victory” and “March of the Sword Master.” The opening track, “The Dark Secret,” features a recorded monologue done by the famous actor Christopher Lee, who also narrated some parts on Rhapsody’s Symphony of Enchanted Lands 2. After the monologue finishes, Rhapsody breaks right into the song, “Unholy Warcry.” The way that this album was recorded clearly captures the band’s high level of musicianship. Most live albums I find sound too rough and fail to clearly capture the instruments. Definitely not the case with this album. You can hear every note Luca Turilli plays, even the ones that he sweeps through really fast like Yngwie on steroids. 
    “Wisdom of the Kings” from the album, Symphony of Enchanted Lands, simply sounds great live. I was impressed by how Rhapsody was able to incorporate the older songs in with the new. Compared to some bands whose set lists are easily predictable, Rhapsody throws in some surprises. An example that comes to mind is the song, “ (The)Village of Dwarves.” This song continues the uplifting concert vibe with its catchy riffs, fluid classical instrumental arrangements and descriptive fantasy based lyrics narrated by lead singer Fabio Lione.
    You would think about halfway through the show Rhapsody would mellow out after all the exciting energy they poured into the first four songs. Well, that is just not the case. “Erian’s Mystical Rhymes” is a long epic piece of music that dives into the creative Rhapsody folklore with great passion. Just another example of this band’s great songwriting abilities. Once the song finishes Fabio quickly asks the crowd how they are doing and then screams out the title of the next song, “Dawn of Victory.” The triumphant trumpet introduction builds into a grand guitar and keyboard assault. I feel as though I am right their in the front row raising my fist!
    Song seven on this live album, “Lamento Eroico,” demonstrates Fabio’s dynamic vocal range, and the song is also a departure from the band’s fast paced epic themed style of songwriting. I never was really a huge fan of this song, but the live version is really captivating. The soft arrangement slowly crescendos to an epic earth shaking operatic chorus that is very emotionally moving. Returning to the Dark Secret Saga, Rhapsody offers the crowd, "Nightfall on the Grey Mountains." The slow thunderous composition creates this uplifting and huge cinematic sounding landscape.
    For their finale the band graciously plays two classic Emerald Sword Saga songs that draw a roaring crowd response when Fabio announces them. “The March of the Swordmaster” and “Emerald Sword” were definitely the best choices in my opinion to finish this epic concert. Especially the song, “Emerald Sword,” which is one of the band’s most triumphant virtuosic sounding songs. The violin and guitar exchange is spectacular and their are few bands who can make classical sounding arrangements sound heavy.
    Although I was the only one around when the CD finished, I started clapping for the band. This live CD really captures some of the hardest working metal musicians who truly take pride in their work. Rhapsody Live In Canada 2005 (The Dark Secret), is an album I highly recommend for any fan of Symphonic Power Metal. Also, I think those who are not exactly into this style of music might be impressed by the band’s live energy and incredible musicianship. Why go to the boring old movies anymore, when one can simply buy this Rhapsody album and be taken into a fantastic world of live Symphonic Power Metal?