Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Vol. 2: The Dark Secret

Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Vol. 2: The Dark Secret

Editorial Reviews
Product Description
For the past seven years or, to be more precise, since the opening tones of their sensational debut album, Legendary Tales, Rhapsody have been one of the most unusual phenomena of the current metal scene. The huge range of their creativity, the number of legendary compositions that the Italian band, with their primary members guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboarder Alex Staropoli, have released so far reached the climax with the new album Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret. A new saga has been born, one that takes the listener on a musical adventure featuring epic, fast metal tracks and sonic landscapes with stirring narrative. It is the debut of a new style of Heavy Metal music created by Rhapsody known as Film Score Metal. The massive production, led by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli themselves was done in several studios throughout Europe; from England to Italy, from the Czech Republic and Belgium to Germany. Supported by appearances by more than a dozen international guest soloists and the entire Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic, a 50 piece choir as well as Christopher Lee - the grand seigneur of film and one of the most filmed actors in history, Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret will set the world of Symphonic Metal on fire.

Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Vol. 2: The Dark Secret,Rhapsody,Steamhammer Us [Spv],Heavy Metal,Pop,Prog-Rock/Art Rock,Progressive Metal,Rock

Average customer rating:

Perhaps too much of what I expected

Another amazing album from Rhapsody!!!

it wants what it wants and what it wants is metal

Exceptional Metal orchestration

Rhapsody + Christopher Lee + Orchestra = Great Metal!

Symphony of Enchanted Lands, Vol. 2: The Dark Secret
Rhapsody
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Alternative Rock | Styles | Music
General | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Rock | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
Progressive Metal | Progressive | Rock | Styles | Music
General | Hard Rock & Metal | Styles | Music
Pop Rock | Pop | Styles | Music
Similar Items:

Symphony of Enchanted Lands

Power of the Dragon Flame

Legendary Tales

Triumph Or Agony

Rain of a Thousand Flames

ASIN: B0002I7422
Release Date: 2004-10-04

Tracks:

The Dark Secret
Unholy Warcry
Never Forgotten Heroes
Elgard's Green Valleys
The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream
Erian's Mystical Rhymes
The Last Angel's Call
Dragonland's River
Sacred Power Of Raging Winds
Guardiani
Shadows Of Death
Nightfall On The Grey Mountains

Album Description

For the past seven years or, to be more precise, since the opening tones of their sensational debut album, Legendary Tales, Rhapsody have been one of the most unusual phenomena of the current metal scene. The huge range of their creativity, the number of legendary compositions that the Italian band, with their primary members guitarist Luca Turilli and keyboarder Alex Staropoli, have released so far reached the climax with the new album Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret. A new saga has been born, one that takes the listener on a musical adventure featuring epic, fast metal tracks and sonic landscapes with stirring narrative. It is the debut of a new style of Heavy Metal music created by Rhapsody known as Film Score Metal. The massive production, led by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli themselves was done in several studios throughout Europe; from England to Italy, from the Czech Republic and Belgium to Germany. Supported by appearances by more than a dozen international guest soloists and the entire Bohuslav Martinu Philharmonic Orchestra from the Czech Republic, a 50 piece choir as well as Christopher Lee - the grand seigneur of film and one of the most filmed actors in history, Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret will set the world of Symphonic Metal on fire.

Customer Reviews:

Perhaps too much of what I expected.......2007-04-04

I purchased the first Symphony of Enchanted Lands along with Unholy Warcry. I liked them enough that I decided to get what was at the time Rhapsody's latest offering. I knew full well what I was getting into: cheesy dialogue, over-the-top vocals, and fast guiter wankery.

Well, when I was able to give this album a listen, I was disappointed.

My main gripe with SoEL II is the amount of dialogue, which I guess isn't so bad, but I grew bored of it by my third listen to the album. I ended up ripping each track and creating my own CD with select songs from this album.

The music itself is enjoyable, especially if you're already a fan of Rhapsody. However, this album was just not to my liking.

Another amazing album from Rhapsody!!!.......2007-03-12

Every single song on this album sent chills down my spine! Fabio Lione's voice and the musical prowess of the other bandmates, this album is by far one of the greats from them!! For anyone who loves epic metal, a true fantasy tale, this album will be a sure fire win!!

it wants what it wants and what it wants is metal.......2006-11-06

hello fellow metallians, i just have got to say that this album really grows on you over time. every album by rhapsody to me are all masterpieces in their own right, this cd continues the symphonic epic style that rhapsody has truly perfected and crafted into what is one of the most amazing styles of metal that i have ever heard. this album is truly epic in scope and full of memorable moments. i love the song never forgotten heros, it has some of the most beautiful intricate and delicatly slaying guitar work ever to emerge from the finger tips of luca turilli, this song is by far one of the best songs to ever be recorded by a symphonic band. fabio sings so perfectly on this album, never have i heard him put so much effort into his vocals as he has on this song(never forgotten heros) just listen to the main guitar solo. it will melt your mind. also the song unholy warcry is awesome, and typical rhapsody. from amazing power metal ballads to 10+minute epics, this cd keeps the rhapsody flame burning and shows that the future of rhapsody is to be as brilliant and majestic as their past. if you are new to the power metal scene and are interrested in hearing rhapsody and you wish to find out what all the hype about rhapsody is, or if you just want to hear for your self if they are truly as great as they are said to be then start out with the cd,(rhapsody-tales from the emerald sword saga) because it is a perfect way to get to know rhapsody. it has the best songs from their first 5 albums and is truly one of the greatest best of cd's ive ever heard. there are so many great power metal bands out today trying to keep the flame alive and i am so very thankfull for all of them. rhapsody are truly up there with the top 10 of the whole pack. so many bands are trying to immitate rhapsody and some of them are very good, but none of them can hope to compare with the masters of symphonic epic power metal RHAPSODY.
your friend and brother in metal, brandon whitson

Exceptional Metal orchestration.......2006-09-02

Ingenious orchestrations incorperating classical and electronic elements to create the optimum in "Epic Metal" composition.

"Rhapsody" contains the three primary elements which comprise Malefik Musick: I. Exceptional Orchestration, II. Application of Aesthetics / Theatrics, III. Imaginative Lyrickal content.

It takes quite a bit to impress Me from this genre anymore, preferring superior evocations to 'contemporary' fare, but these musicians, along with a scarce select few besides, receive the Draconian 'Seal of Approval'.

Yes, that is the legendary Christopher Lee narrating.

Rhapsody + Christopher Lee + Orchestra = Great Metal!.......2006-06-10

I could go on forever about how much I love this CD, but instead I will give a brief description of each song.

The Dark Secret- This is a very atmospheric intro; it really sets the tone with great narration by Christopher Lee ("The Wizard King.") 10/10

Unholy Warcry- Typical Rhapsody goodness, with a great instrumental section, and more great narration by Christopher Lee. I don't care much for the little guitar doodle towards the end- it gets a bit repetitive. 9/10

Never Forgotten Heroes- It starts off very similar to "Wisdom of the Kings" on SoEL1, and then goes on to a very catchy chorus. 10/10

Elgard's Green Valleys- This is a very weak transition piece. 5/10

The Magic of the Wizard's Dream- This is an amazing Ballad. You have to hear it to believe it. 10/10

Erian's Mystical Rhymes- Interesting Monster Noises at the beginning, although you can't understand them, and so I usually just fast forward through the first minute. The rest of this ten minute song is very interesting. 9/10

The Last Angel's Call- A more typical Rhapsody song; it has a great tune and reminds me more of Riding the Wings of Eternity from the First SoEL. It is very catchy. 10/10

Dragonland's Rivers- Some stream and grunting noises for a minute- supposed to sound like a Dragon drinking from a stream I guess. It is a short, but beautiful ballad. 9/10

Sacred Power Of Raging Winds - My favorite Rhapsody Song!! Picture this: A band of heroes are walking through the snow, Christopher Lee is calling upon the gods to help them on their quest. Then, a heavy guitar comes out of the fog. Then there is a very catchy main melody, and a very intense second verse. This is followed by a great dialogue between the Demon King and his son, Fabio Lione. Then, the song transitions into an amazing 4 minute instrumental solo, with some crazy syncopation. This song also revisits Elgard's green valleys, which creates the impression the travelers have returned to that same village in the heart of battle, furthering the "Film" aspect of the album. 200/10

Guardiani del Destino- This is an amazing ballad, full of energy. Unfortunately, I don't know Italian, but it is still enjoyable to listen to! 9/10

Shadows Of Death- A more typical Rhapsody song again, but it seems like Fabio tries too hard on the vocals. Overall, an interesting song, though. Good synthesizer and guitar solos. 9/10

Nightfall on the Grey Mountains- It builds up to the chorus, then falls back down in the same manner. It is kind of an odd ending to such an amazing CD. 7/10

OVERALL: Definitely recommended to all Rhapsody fans, Metal fans, Rock Fans, and Lord of the Rings fans! (As Christopher Lee plays a big part of the album)

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