FROZEN TEARS OF ANGELS

It's very obvious that very little people pay attention about this band as this new album has been released couple of months ago but no one has reviewed it. This proves that the band is much more suitable categorized under metal band instead of prog band. Well, whatever the reason, I still love the band especially this nwe album demonstrates their mastery of making great music, combining the speed nature of power metal and symphonic style with abundant orchestral arrangements throughout the album.

I knew the band from my metal colleague who introduced me to "Dawn of Victory" that blew me away at first spin. It's probably because I love the combination of rock (or metal) music with orchestral arrangements especially when the melody runs beautifully across the album. With its tradition of opening an album using narration, this is the case with this album where the opening track is a great narration "Dark Frozen World" followed wonderfully with melodic power symphonic metal musc "Sea Of Fate". From these two tracks I can imagine what would happen with the other tracks that follow. In fact my prediction was right as the third one "Crystal Moonlight" runs similarly with the second track. It has fast bass guitar solo in the middle followed by beautiful guitar solo.

"Reign Of Terror" opens in an ambient mode with pastoral organ work followed with riffs and power metal music in relatively fast tempo. There is part which has a very fast riff and vocal scream. Even though this is the kind of track that favor me, put it in the middle of the album, it provides excellent variation of the music. "Danza Di Fuoco E Ghiaccio" starts with a low register notes narration backed with acoustic guitar work followed with traditional music which runs beautifully and .. I like it very much! It's actually quite weird a power metal band sings this kind of tune but it enriches the album from the musical variety perspective.

"Raging Starfire" brings back the music into a power metal style with fast speed riffs but the guitar solo is quite melodic and it makes the overall music is enjoyable. "Lost In Cold Dreams" is a wonderfully crafted ballad composed with acoustic guitar work as background. The strength of the song is at its memorable melody. Wether or not you like metal you must like this tune because the melody is really great! I bet you will replay this tune when you spin it. "On The Way To Ainor" brings the music back into speed and melody. "The Frozen Tears Of Angels" opens with narration as an album closing. This concluding track is composed like an epic with slow or mellow part followed with metal music and symphony. I enjoy the riffs as well as the overall composition.

I have Bonus Tracks "Labyrinth Of Madness" and "Sea Of Fate (Orchestral Version)" that are both of them are excellent composition.

Overall, this is another wonderfully crafted album released by Rhapsody of Fire. I believe this album would satisfy those who like the original work of the band in the past. It's a four-star PLUS rating. Keep on proggin' !

Peace on earth and mercy mild - GW