RHAPSODY

RHAPSODY have delivered a new symphonic fantasy tale. I think that single sentence captures the essence of the entire album. We're ushered into the story by Christopher Lee, with his lengthy narration on the title track, sending the protagonist to far-off lands and seas -- the main thing being he's not sent somewhere unprintable. Incidentally, strange as it may seem, during his wanderings our brave hero encounters a dragon. Musically, we're greeted by symphonic power metal, with such an enormous symphonic component that at times you forget you're listening to a new metal album. You get the feeling that the player is spinning the soundtrack to the beloved "Lord of the Rings." Folk motifs please the ear here and there as well. Needless to say, each song runs longer than average (the whole tale stretches across 12 tracks and over 72 minutes), and every composition contains multiple themes. But all of this, unfortunately, does not make the work interesting. Pompous, boring...