The Summary Judgment Reviews:

	Title: Power of the Dragonflame Artist: Rhapsody Label: Limb Music Release Date: 6/11/02 Rating: 5 Skulls
Read the Reviews of Dawn of Victory Read the Reviews of Rhapsody's 2002 Tour Official Web Site for This Artist Discuss on the Metal Judgment Web Board Submit/Read Reader Reviews of this Album

Reviewed by Equinox (7/10/02):
The darlings of epic fantasy power metal, Rhapsody follow up their decidedly more straight-forward Dawn of Victory album with their newest gem, entitled Power of the Dragonflame. Fusing together the finest elements of their first three full-length releases; the baroque style of Legendary Tales, the classical influence of Symphony of Enchanted Lands and the in-your-face speed metal sound of Dawn of Victory, this album truly displays all of the good things that this amazing band has to offer, and brings to an end the Algalord Chronicles, the storyline of all the Rhapsody full-lengths so far.
The ninety second intro is a prerequisite for any power metal album, and Rhapsody have made this one of their trademarks. "In Tenebris" starts things off this time, another splendid, powerful and classically-influenced piece full of raging choirs and crashing cymbals. This serves as a fitting introduction to the opening track, "Knightrider of Doom", a super high-speed affair with blazing solos, intricate keyboard sections and relentless, screaming double bass drumming. "Power of the Dragonflame" chimes in next, uplifting, inspiring, and well worthy of being the title track. This song is simply sensational, giving the listener the effect of watching 'Conan the Barbarian,' 'Braveheart' and 'Gladiator' simultaneously.
If there was ever a song I'd expect to hear upon entering a medieval traveler's inn, "The March of the Swordmaster" is that song. This waltzy rousing tune is the perfect drinking song, and it is hard not to hold your stein up high and sway it back and forth in the air. A fine little ditty to celebrate the afternoon's victory. In contrast, "When Demons Awake" is more on the straight-up speed/heavy metal tip. This is a menacing, dark, ominous song that even boasts a rarely-heard Fabio Lione growl! Great keyboard work from Alex Staropoli here as well, especially in his solos and the spooky "haunted house" intro and outro.
"Agony is my Name" is another speed metal standout, and a showcase for Luca Turilli's guitar sweeps. This song comes complete with lots of Epic Choir and nice medieval baroque recorder breaks. Luca is putting on a power metal clinic here, and his style and technique are both flawless. Following is the slow, heartfelt "Lamento Eroico," sung entirely in Fabio's native Italian. This song soothes the ears, allowing for a nice rest from the high-speed affairs before it, but is powerful at the same time, with lots of piano and Rock Ballad 101 drumming.
A snare drum march leads next into "Steelgods of the Last Apocalypse," a Mega Man style tune with catchy guitar riffs which are impossible not to bob your head along to. Smoothly soaring through the cloudy skies, this song is another winner. Lione is great here as well, with his soft delicate vocals giving way to the classic Fabio vox, and a troop-rallying vocal refrain following shortly thereafter. "The Pride of the Tyrant", another fluid composition, is next up, with yet another great chorus and a very powerful (yes, I am using the word "powerful" a lot, but this IS power metal, right?) overall feel, enhanced by the always fantastic drumming of Alex Holzwarth.
"Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" ends the affair, a nineteen minute, three part track of epic proportions (pardon the pun). The first segment, "Angeli di Pietra Mistica", opens with several minutes of demure acoustic guitar, then evolves into an ethereal guitar/keys/choir part. Secondly is "Warlord's Last Challenge", an instrumental piece penned by Turilli, chock full of blazing solos. The last part "...and the Legend ends...", is a long, highly dramatic narrative by longtime Rhapsody friend and supporter Aresius of Elgard, which brings the Emerald Sword saga to a close.
Albums like this are the reason that Rhapsody sit atop the power metal heap. Outstanding musicianship, impeccable songwriting and endearing storylines have made the band the best of their kind. Power of the Dragonflame is a masterful work, the best Rhapsody album since Symphony of Enchanted Lands, and maybe, taken as a whole, even better. This one has "Album of the Year" written all over it.

[- Metal Judgment Home -] [- Email Metal Judgment -]
©1999 Metal Judgment. All rights reserved.