Rhapsody
Legendary Tales

THE REVIEW

The 1997 was a crucial year for Epic/Power Metal: Manowar was practically down, coming off two albums like the giant with feet of clay "The Triumph Of Steel" and the disappointing "Louder Than Hell". In that very year, two bands debuted who aspired to the throne of Kings Of Metal: Hammerfall with "Glory To The Brave" from Sweden and indeed Rhapsody with "Legendary Tales" from Italy, led by His Majesty Luca Turilli, a virtuoso guitarist and songwriter with a vivid imagination. In 1997, the lineup also included keyboardist Alex Staropoli, excellent drummer Daniele Carbonera, and divine vocalist Fabio Lione from Pisa, while the bass parts were entrusted to producer Sascha Paeth.

"Legendary Tales" already presented all the well-developed trademarks of Rhapsody's unmistakable sound, but the symphonic element, although already largely present, is not yet predominant as in "Symphony of Enchanted Lands". Here, Turilli's guitar skills and Staropoli's keyboard skills are more clearly noticeable.

The Emerald Sword Saga, of which this album represents the beginning, opens with the beautiful intro "Ira Tenax", 1 minute and 13 seconds well-defined by Staropoli's keyboard, upon which a solemn Latin choir develops, followed by "Warrior Of Ice", which presents us the warrior protagonist of Rhapsody's albums up to "Power Of The Dragonflame". A great impactful song with a chanting chorus that represents a real cry of freedom "Mighty Warrior for the legend ride again, from the hills for peace and love to the sea of gold, my land must be free". "Rage Of The Winter" is the first Rhapsody song to describe the beauty of nature, specifically of a snowy winter landscape. A magnificent song characterized by a long instrumental section where Turilli and Staropoli give their best, producing captivating and majestic solos and melodies. A truly exciting chorus, listen to believe.

"Forest Of Unicorns" is a beautiful and relaxing medieval ballad for acoustic guitar and flute, which comes alive in the refrain, seemingly sung by a choir of elves. The text is also beautiful, describing a peaceful and isolated valley where unicorns run and freedom has its throne. "Flames Of Revenge" might be the album's least inspired point: it still remains a nice incendiary and combative song, especially live. After the brief and relaxing instrumental "Virgin Skies" we reach one of the most exhilarating and thrilling songs of the album: "Land Of Immortals", almost an "Emerald Sword" in its embryonic state: very fast tempos, exhilarating vocals and an overwhelmingly engaging chorus for this absolute masterpiece that asks nothing more than to be sung at the top of your lungs. "Echoes Of Tragedy" is an experiment that partially retraces "The Crown And The Ring" by Man O' War: instead of the organ, there is the piano here. Intense and suffering verses by Fabio Lione and a solemn and cadenced chorus sung by a tenor choir. Very beautiful (as always) is the text describing a landscape devastated by war. The last stunning power blast with "Lord Of The Thunder": powerful, majestic, catchy, and earthquaking, the last battle scenario before the wonderful title track that closes the first journey in the lands of Algalord: "Legendary Tales" begins with the quiet and fascinating interweaving of flute and mandolin, which transports us directly to an ancient medieval village, at sunset; the knights sleep, the elders watch the hearth, enjoying this moment of peace before new wars, and minstrels dance around a bonfire, singing of bloody battles and acts of heroes. This noble picture is interrupted by the solemn chorus, but peace then returns, until it fades in the peace of dawn "The old song is fading now, but my old dream carries on". The Legendary Tales end here, but the saga has just begun...

In conclusion, a magnificent debut for Rhapsody, of which I sincerely hope to have conveyed the poetry fully in this humble review, which I conclude by proposing "Rage Of The Winter" as the anthem for the next Winter Olympics.

"RAGE OF THE WINTER MOULD THE HORIZON

COVER THE MOUNTAINS, FOREST AND LAKES

RAGE OF THE WINTER MAGICAL WONDER

ENCHANTED FURY MAJESTIC FORCE"

Peace and Love for everyone!