SYMPHONY OF ENCHANTED LANDS II - THE DARK SECRET

My true rating is 2,5 stars , this album is so-so. It was the weakest Rhapsody album I've ever known. It dissapointed me. I really don´t know the "greatness" people saw in this album. Surely some said it´s good just because it´s Rhapsody There was too much narration ( I suggest they did an opera instead, follow Edguy's Tobbias Sammet Avantasia's example), the introductions to the songs were too long and boring (here's the enticement). Only half of this album is good and acceptable. One half contains average , bold or boring tracks. I used to like the last track , but now I put it in the bad half. I realized it's not that wonder. The main metal element missed in quantity: guitar. Yes , he does some good solos. However,it happpens only in 4 songs (there are 12 overall) Here comes the worthy ones:

Unholy warcry ; Erian's Mystical rymes -> They have the best and beautiful chorus in the album.

The last angels call - > The riffs aren't so evident ,but the melody is interesting. Some harphiscord is used.

Shadows of death - > It contains the best keyboard / guitar work in the album. It 's not bad , but the song structure is a bit messy to me.

Never forgotten heroes - > It's the second piece where Alessandro Staropoli shows himself better virtuously in keyboards. It has some feminine chants . Luca Turilli plays a simple guitar solo here that doesn't call attention.

The magic of the wizard's dream is ok , but I say :metal what? Even a ballad in this genre must have the minimmun use of electric guitar (even calm) Guardiani del Destino is sung in italian and I reccomend you to skip it. Rhapsody forgot metal in here too. This song is pure garbage.

Tracks 4 has some violin and flute that fit with medieval era. . Track 8 is slow too with flute and harphiscord. These two previous tracks were unnecessary to me. Where is the metal? (again) Luca Turilli has good techniques, but he´s not a guitar hero for me. The variations of his solos aren´t as good Stratovarius´s Timo Tolkki.

Hear my advice: if you want to listen to a truly good Rhapsody album buy Dawn of Victory . 1000 times better. Let this 2004 release be the last in your listening list.