Definitely love the cover for the album. Still have to give this one a full listen though the usual sampling of tracks was done before coming to this review. Looking for the track or more that have that 'ear grab' that creates the desire to listen to the album again as soon as possible. Hoping the full listen brings those forward. Appreciate your including this album in the batch this week, Pete. Good to have a variety when so much is being reviewed in one week. Thanks, again.

Personally I really enjoyed this one, it's Rhapsody doing Rhapsody things in 2024. That album cover as well, I really dug it.

I was huge into Rhapsody 20 years ago when they released “Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret” (their 6th album). I bought it on a whim, after watching the video for “Unholy Warcry” and seeing the deluxe digibook packaging at my local store. They did a live album from Canada a few years later, but they never play close enough to me to see a show. Kinda lost track of them after they parted ways with Fabione and the “classic” line-up.

I think it's the best in the trilogy, it just gets better and better. Vanquished By Shadows is so good! I'm pretty sure Giacomo is providing the harsh vocals, they did after all re-record When Demons Awake for the Legendary Years compilation.

I'm not into any metal with the "symphonic" element. It's all done very well, and I understand why people like it so much, it's just not my thing. Thanks for another great review anyway, Pete!

I've been listening to it quite a bit. The Bloody pariah is probably my favorite.

Great review! I think this is a very fair and informative review from Pete - clearly if his tastes were made into a musical "pie chart" then the classic Metal like Sabbath and the prog would take up much bigger sections but there is always a little room for Power Metal like this even if it isn't an everyday listen. I'm the same way - my tolerance for the "super cheesy" end of Power Metal is a bit lower than it used to be but I still absolutely love this when I am in the right mood - and Rhapsody of Fire are one of the very best at it.

Love this album 🤘🤘🤘🤘💯💯💯

Awesome album!

I've skipped their last few releases, but maybe I'll get back onboard for this one. Is that Alberto Bravin from Big Big Train on BVs? Interesting!

Stunning new album. I'm in the minority but i actually like Giacomo Voli's vocals better than Fabio's.

Not my thing, but I could see why some people would like it.

I think this album sounds totally poppy and polished. i'm missing a big shovel full of dirt here. It could do the album good. Too modern, too polished for me. 🤘🤘🤘

I'm a huge fan of the band but I found myself not caring for this one actually. The guitars are getting progressively more buried in the mix as time goes on and we're almost to the point that the signature Rhapsody of Fire sound is gone altogether. Giacomo Voli is a champ and the best thing about "new Rhapsody". Unfortunately, all of the *power* of their seminal early albums is virtually gone, replaced by a more keyboard-driven band that sounds more like Twilight Force. 2.5/5

Too "cinematic" for me. I need more meat and less potatoes.

Very Broadway sounding. Only good in small doses. 2.5/5