Not the Bohemian variety.
Ah, the concept album. The art of telling a story through the medium of music has been fairly abundant over recent years, with notable efforts thrown our way by The Mars Volta and The Flaming Lips. Still, it’s looking to the operatic metal of Europe that often provides the most complex offerings. Step forward Rhapsody.
Following a substantial portfolio of complex metal operas, dating back as far as the mid-90s, Rhapsody have now released a truly epic concept CD, a direct sequel to 1998’s Symphony of Enchanted Lands. Their previous concept albums have all been based around the same fantasy story – which can be read on the band’s website – and each has followed a fairly intricate narrative. However, The Dark Secret takes this one step further. It’s narrated by Christopher Lee.
This certainly contributes to the mood that the Italian concept metallers were aiming for. It’s cheesy, yes – the musical equivalent of Dungeons and Dragons, even. But that’s the Rhapsody way, and something evidently intentional. It might seem a bit tacky, but it works surprisingly well.
For the uninitiated: musically, Rhapsody can be best described as Iron Maiden meets up with an orchestra. Fabio Lione’s vocals are astonishingly similar to old Mr Dickinson’s, and the overall feel of classic rock combined with power metal is also reminiscent of Maiden’s music. The effect of adding an orchestra to this is one of true soundtrack standards: this is the sort of music that could, in many places, easily be dropped over the top of a moving picture.
The thing with The Dark Secret is that it’s difficult to pick standout tracks. It’s more about how the CD works as a whole – as with any true concept album. And, as with any true concept album, it’s not something that will appeal to everyone. It’s going to be an acquired taste, that’s for sure.
But it’s a journalistic rule to review a CD on what it is, rather than what it isn’t. It’s not for everyone, but for its target audience, this is certainly a treat. Guitars are intricate, vocals are soaring, the metal sounds merge seamlessly with the classical, and the story unravels in an extremely satisfying manner. One criticism would be that the overall vibe is a little too Maiden at times. Another would be that it is painfully contrived. Both could be shunned by fans.
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret won’t go down in history as a groundbreaking classic, but for those into the genre, it’s certainly an essential purchase. Those the other way inclined may not be so interested, but the fact remains: this is a fine album, and one that deserves as much credit as it will undoubtedly receive.