Voto:
Visions and Land Of The Free, along with Angels Cry (three different masterpieces belonging to the genre), are the albums that have most contributed to ruining melodic power metal in the nineties. Let me explain. Since then, an endless number of bands have emerged, eager to recreate those records that had already drawn inspiration from the Keeper of the Seven Keys. From 1995 onwards, power metal literally exploded, and a growing number of bands emerged, ready to emphasize the more metallic side (Hammerfall), and now the more melodic and orchestral aspects of the aforementioned three albums. Common goal: airy choruses and captivating solos. 1997 wasn't just the year of Rhapsody and Hammerfall; there were also Nightwish and Edguy, if my memory serves me right. Then there were Labyrinth and Domine at home... With the release of Somewhere Out in Space, Better Than Raw, Destiny, Legendary Tales, it got out of hand, and I have been carefully managing my purchases... There is still something good out there, but you have to search for it, and the mule is helping me. This CD, the subject of the review, thrilled me at 16 like few others (I fully understand the writing), but now if I want to listen to power, I feel like Masterplan, Edguy, early Gamma Ray, Helloween, Rage, Running Wild, something from Sonata Arctica, Primal Fear or Kamelot... Rhapsody, Dragonforce, Dark Moor, all those super orchestral, super fast, and excessively flashy bands leave me quite indifferent. Regardless, putting Legendary Tales into context; in 1997, for better or worse, it was a fresh album that sparked a lot of conversation and showcased a cheerful, pompous, and theatrical metal that, in my opinion, had its reason for existence. Obscene production and the sound of the drums, but guys, Staropoli and Lione are true professionals, and when Land Of Immortals kicks in, I still get pumped... there’s a flashy side in each of us, and Rhapsody manages to bring it out. An unjustly mistreated band often criticized for their lyrics and covers, but I say that finding such exaggerated and baroque melodies and mixing them carefully and without forcing them with keyboards is not an easy feat. Certainly, they have thrived on this formula and contributed to the desiccation of power metal, but I repeat, in 1997, Legendary Tales was a revelation. The review obviously abounds with lofty adjectives, but in my opinion, it’s not poorly written, and the 1s given are a consequence of the album’s choice. Try to be a bit more detached in your judgment (I would give you a 2.5, but I’ll give you a 4 to balance things out with those who rated it 1-1 out of mere bias). P.S. From Giudicewoodcock (whom I admire and who often amuses me), I expected a more original comment. Best regards.
