By Brynn McKenna

It's obvious that a ton of work went into this ten-song epic, but I don't think it will be heard by many outside of Europe. Unless classical music becomes the next big worldwide music fad, which I seriously doubt. Rhapsody blends thrashy prog rock with symphony orchestra and opera; you hear plenty of powerful string, woodwind and piano passages. Much of it reminds me of Viking opera, Renaissance or 17th century Minuet. There are also some heavy, thrashy guitar-oriented metal passages with typical '80s-style vocalizations. Lyrically, you hear the usual prog-oriented warrior/dragon/sword storylines. Titles include "Epicus Furor," "Emerald Sword," "Wisdon Of The Kings," "Eternal Glory," "The Dark Tower Of Abyss" and "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands." Since there is such a huge emphasis on classical symphony here, it probably won't appeal to most rock or heavy music fans. Unfortunately, I don't have a contact address for Rhapsody, but I'm sure if someone wanted this CD badly enough, they could track it down. It's not my thing, but the quality is there.

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