Rhapsody's second album continues the Emerald Sword saga, and, well, what can I say? This is the kind of rock music I've always dreamt of. Well, actually, I suppose I never really dreamt of it, since I hadn't ever imagined it, but if I could have, I would have. If that makes any sense.
Choirs, orchestras, fast guitars, expansive keyboards... and Fabio's melodramatic voice, which still doesn't do a heap for me. But it all comes together so incredibly well. One could say that it stutters now and then, like with "Beyond The Gates Of Infinity", but then, it is a dark part of the tale. But even in this case, repeated listens brings out more, and that's one of the beauties of this record - sometimes it is immediately catchy, like with "Emerald Sword" and "Eternal Glory", but in other places it is far more complex, not easy to like at first, but full of new discoveries each time it's explored.
And none of this is exemplified better than with the 13-minute title song which concludes it all. Medieval folk, heavy metal, balladry, and the choir. The choir. The chorus (if that's the right description here) is sung twice, and there is a part when the choir hits a high note which is absolutely breathtaking. Seriously, tears come to my eyes whenever I hear it.
Credit has to be given primarily to the two song writers, main man Luca Turilli, of course, but also keyboardist Alex Staropoli, who arranged the orchestra. They've done something wonderful here.
Reading through different reviews, I see "cheesey" being written more often than in a supermarket freezer aisle. Is it? Well, if so, then this is the best cheese I've ever tasted.
*****
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