FROZEN TEARS OF ANGELS

Prior to the release of this album, Rhapsody were languishing in a contract dispute, and I rather think that it served them well. During the time off, Turilli and the band rediscovered their love for straight-forward guitar-driven power metal, and it has resulted in their best record ever. The silliness is heavily toned down, with no lengthy narrative sections and a focus on tight song-writing and kicking ass rather than faux-film music and cheesy fantasy. Hooks are everywhere on this album, even throughout the eleven minute final cut. The liner notes in the SE are good evidence of the amount of care and attention the song writing received here. The title track is for me Rhapsody's best ballads, and Sea of Fate their best opening song. In fact, all the tracks have very fine moments at the very least. Rhapsody return strongly to form. Essential for all fans of the genre.