Search - Rhapsody :: Legendary Tales

You never listen to good music before

10/14/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"the music is a very good mix of classical music, medieval sound and heavy metal. this band has been voted best orchestration of metal music. Legendary tales is a concept album, the music is very melodic including a lot of unusual instruments like harpsicord or clavecin. The sound is really original and all the musicians are really good (vocals, guitar, keybords and drums and also guests playing special instruments). listen to this album is really like dreaming a knight story,the music leads your ears to heaven."

Warriors' Arrival

Justin Gaines | Northern Virginia | 01/25/2008

(4 out of 5 stars)

"1997's Legendary Tales marks the arrival of Italian metal warriors Rhapsody onto the metal scene, and while it's easy to write these guys off as cheesy Dungeons & Dragons throwback metal, you can't underestimate the impact they had on the (re)emerging power metal scene in the late 90's. It had been a long time since anyone had played such unabashedly earnest, fantasy-based power metal and those that did (I'm talking Malmsteen and Manowar here) never took it to the lengths that Rhapsody did.



Rhapsody started with the basic Helloween-invented power metal formula, added Malmsteen-esque virtuosity, and orchestrated the living bejesus out of it. The result was a symphonic power metal sound so dramatic and epic that you had to take notice of it. And I know you can argue that Blind Guardian was doing the same thing, but Rhapsody's unapologetic embrace of cheesy lyrics, melodramatic narration, and fantasy imagery (not to mention those ridiculous band photos with capes, crowns and swords) put them in an entirely different category of power metal.



There's a lot to make fun of here. I can admit that. But there's also a lot to love. Luca Turilli's blinding guitar work is mesmerizing, and while his lyrics leave much to be desired, his songwriting and arranging are outstanding. You can chuckle at a song like Warrior of Ice, but you know you want to raise your fist and shout along (as long as no one is watching, of course). Fabio Leone's vocals add a sense of drama and power to the album, even if he doesn't seem completely comfortable with the English lyrics. Top it off symphonic arrangements (via keyboards) and a first rate production job, and you've got a very solid power metal album, especially for a debut release.



Unlike Blind Guardian, who continued to progress and improve with each release, Rhapsody's run would not last very long. They released a string of high quality power metal albums, but after Power of the Dragonflame descended into repetition and self-parody. Still, their early albums are all worth owning if you're into power metal and don't mind a little cheese.

"

Magnificent music

kahzyohopee | Chicago, IL, USA | 08/29/2001

(5 out of 5 stars)

"It is obvious that these musicians are virtuosos. This album is unlike anything you can find out there commercially, an exceptional combination of metal and symphonic sounds. If you, like me, range from classical to death metal in your music tastes, you will find Rhapsody's music an interesting addition to your collection. This is the album that got me started with the group, and I can't get enough yet. I wish I was able to give it even more stars."