Rhapsody of Fire
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II


4.5
superb

Review

by Toondude USER (77 Reviews)
July 25th, 2014 | 21 replies


Release Date: 2004 | Tracklist

Review Summary: And thus, a new story is written...featuring Christopher Lee!

There’s always a point in a band’s career in which they just can’t seem to meet the expectations to their fans after an album that had audiences and critics praising over. The possible reason for this is simply put: a band’s so called “masterpiece” sets the bar so high as to what they can truly deliver that they end up slumping down afterwards. It’s not like they’re incredibly horrible all of a sudden at the moment the next record comes out, but people just look at it, say “it’s not as good as the last time” and then move on. Rhapsody was at this point in their careers in which they had to live up to the expectations of their previous album Power of the Dragonflame, which was as the pinnacle of their career. However, despite the odds, they managed to make not only another consistent, well-performed album, but they managed to jump the awful slump that always trapped bands for years, with Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret.

While The Dark Secret may not be as climactic as Power of the Dragonflame, it still holds up as it brings the heavily powerful elements that were present last time. The pounding drums, the strong guitar riffs the blast at a hundred miles an hour, the background orchestral elements and choir that back up the music so well, Fabio’s fabulous vocals, it’s all there, and once again it works incredibly well. Even the instrumentals never feel pointless like they were in many of Rhapsody’s previous albums. They have a sense of purpose that’s powerful as they add an extra layer of atmosphere and help create the world that is portrayed in The Dark Secret. Christopher Lee’s narration is an ingenious idea for this record, and for the remainder of most of the bands albums. There’s just something in his voice that sets the mood for this so perfectly for a band like this. He keeps the audience focused and interested as he sets up the rather cheesy plot very clearly, especially in his introduction “The Ancient Prophecy/Ira Divina.”

Once again, Rhapsody sells this record with its epic, two ten minute tracks, “The White Dragon’s Order” and “Sacred Power of Raging Winds.” Much like “Angels of Darkness,” both of these tracks are a journey unto themselves as the variations of the orchestra and guitars create a roller coaster ride of solos that are well-performed throughout. And of course most of the other songs absolutely bring out the best in Rhapsody, such as in “Unholy Warcry” and “The Last Angel’s Call,” with their fast-paced tempo and heavy style while “The Magic of the Wizards Dream” and “Dragonland’s Rivers” help the record slow down and take it’s time in a soothing and beautiful manner.

If there is one thing to pick at, it’s the song “Guardiani del Destino” as to why they decided to sing it in Italian. It seems pointless to do so, even though the English version is in The Dark Secret EP. It’s not a bad song by any means, but unless you can translate the lyrics while you’re listening to it, then it kind of ruins the experience in a way.

It’s rare to find an excellent follow-up record to a bands greatest effort. But Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret manages to succeed with flying colors. It proves yet again that Rhapsody has the talent and quality to make a fantastic album. It may not be as impactful as last time, but it still delivers power, passion, and fun. For a genre that many people consider nothing more than cheesy, fast, tiring, and annoying, it’s incredible.



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user ratings (244)
3.9
excellent


Comments:Add a Comment 
Toondude10
July 25th 2014


15264 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Gonna take a little break from this series for a little while to focus on some other things.



Constructive criticism is appreciated as always.

Butkuiss
July 25th 2014


7770 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

I used to love this album aye.

ExplosiveOranges
July 25th 2014


4408 Comments


Christopher Lee is a total badass. m/

Toondude10
July 25th 2014


15264 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

That is so true

TheArkitecht
July 25th 2014


1673 Comments


Love this album when I'm in the mood for symphonic cheesy glory.

Mongi123
July 25th 2014


22093 Comments


However despite the odds,

Add a coma after the However.

Other than that good shit man. Pos.

Toondude10
July 25th 2014


15264 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Okay thanks. :-)

Butkuiss
July 26th 2014


7770 Comments

Album Rating: 2.5

Add a coma, or a comma?



A coma after the however is unintentionally hilarious.

treefingered2
July 26th 2014


221 Comments


omg I love this band but havent jammed in so long props for reviewing thiss

Mongi123
July 26th 2014


22093 Comments


Comma! Lol don't judge me, I'm known for hilarious typos :D

Toondude10
July 26th 2014


15264 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

Lol, never realized that XD

Toondude10
June 11th 2015


15264 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

RIP Christopher Lee DX

EvoHavok
June 11th 2015


8090 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

RIP... Metal until the end!

TheClansman95
February 9th 2016


2510 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

great album, I still prefer Power Of The Dragonflame however.

Weirdbeard
August 26th 2018


55 Comments

Album Rating: 1.5

The preceding 4 albums were incredible but I thought this was awful -- no surprise that Joey DiMaio of Manowar was involved with this. He lost his hearing long ago from playing in the "world's loudest band" and couldn't tell how crappy this sounds. The instruments and voices sound dry, distant, synthetic, like everything was performed with computer instrumentation and patched together with ProTools. No "presence" at all. The songs sound like rehashes of previous material. No surprise that RoF didn't last long with DiMaio's Magic Circle label, seems like every band that gets entangled with him has some sort of dispute.

TheClansman95
August 28th 2018


2510 Comments

Album Rating: 4.5

no man. just no

Thalassic
December 20th 2018


5740 Comments


This was rather unpleasant

Dedes
Contributing Reviewer
August 13th 2022


10578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

I have become completely absorbed into power metal cheese

Boy if these dudes aren't some of the best among them

Dedes
Contributing Reviewer
August 13th 2022


10578 Comments

Album Rating: 4.0

Also lmao 4 year bump

pizzamachine
August 13th 2022


27681 Comments

Album Rating: 5.0

Me too m/



Top tier power metal band



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