Greetings Metal maniacs, (or in this case, rocking nuts) I'm here to present to you... CRIMSON CHRYSALIS. The first Symphonic Rock band to grace South Africa. And I have to tell you, this is a first for me. Being a nut for mostly Rock and Metal, I never would have expected to be reviewing a band as "important" feeling as CRIMSON CHRYSALIS feel; not just important, but the Symphonic Rock side of music on top.

But that's what Metal Temple diverse in, if you have the instrumental essentials to create a band: you're in. The reason I was so shocked by this new discovery was simply because of the sound this band produce; it's totally diverse, open-minded, dramatic and musically a fine and easy listen. To think the owner, Rene van den Berg, had the musical integrity to create a fine and well-respected musical masterpiece that is: "Enraptured".

Now, this totally isn't for me per say, but after listening to it in full, I've come to respect the music I've listened to and; while it isn't my thing entirely, it still sounds very good musically. I'm someone who likes to keep an open mind on many things and I can positively say that  "Enraptured" is most definitely worth at least one listen, even for us Metalhead nut cases.

In a short sense, "Enraptured" is a dramatic venture with an atmospheric vibe but includes some fine rocking riffs from Mauritz Lotz and Cobus Schutte which will get you jamming I guarantee. This is definitely most evident in the song "Raven" which was one of my favorites on the album:
an enjoyable, but groovy track. "Enraptured" has some fine moments if you can open your mind to a fine, classy album. Rene van den Berg has some particularly fine vocal talent I must say.

While the beginning with "Soul Stalker" may have jammed me a little, most of the album wasn't particularly "moving", but I have to keep in mind that this isn't a full-blown Rock and Metal album. This is most definitely evident when "Virgin Death" and "Grace" come in. To me, "Enraptured"
feels more like a concept album...think of JUDAS PRIEST's "Nostradamus" and MANOWAR's "Gods Of War". But, they got me moving, that's the difference here, not entirely "thrash about" moving... But it was still at least "moving".

Bottom line... Musically, we have ourselves a calming and epic Symphonic Rock album that Symphonic Rock fans will love; it's interesting; engaging (when it wants to be) and musically fantastic. Surprisingly enough! I didn't realize that the final track "Poison" was the ALICE COOPER signature song. I honestly thought it was CRIMSON CHRYSALIS' own, new song. But an actual cover song of his classic. And wow. They did a fantastic bloody job with that! While this was interesting and a new discovery for me, "Enraptured" is actually a stunning rocker.

Perhaps not for me but I thoroughly enjoyed what I listened to. Engaging tracks for me were "Soul Stalker", "Raven", and "Poison". But to be honest, the entire album was a thrill to listen to; if you are new to the table as well as I was, do yourself a favor and listen to some classy rock and be inspired by Ron van den Berg's musical talent, I know I was.