Rhapsody is a well known band for their Hollywood-like, orchestral, progressive, symphonic Power Metal. I've been following their career since their debut album Legendary Tales (1997) and I have to admit that this CD slim box single is probably one of the hardest reviews I have ever written. Here I stand, looking at my computer screen, trying to find a way to start this review properly and it seems to be... impossible.  I must have written these lines over 20 times and still I don't know what to write but time is passing by and I have a deadline to keep so it's time to move forward, into the musical content itself.
Rhapsody first met the legendary actor Christopher Lee in December 2003 during the recording of their current album Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret which is the band's biggest success to date up to now. Don't forget that the album was critically acclaimed by both the fans and the media, achieving fantastic chart positions throughout the world. In many reviews, the media and the fans had already chosen the song The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream as one of the best songs ever done by the band so they decided to re-record it, this time introducing Mr. Christopher Lee as a singer.
This time Joey DeMaio (Manowar) produced the song instead of Sascha Paeth and we have to give him credit for an amazing job. Mr. Lee proves to be a very talented singer possessing a rich bass/baritone voice which could easily make him an opera star. This CD slim box single contains 5 songs. Three different versions of the track  The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream, 1) an english version duet with Mr. Christopher Lee and Fabio Lione, 2) an Italian version duet with Mr. Christopher Lee and Fabio Lione and 3) the original album version. It also contains a brand new song called Lo Specchio D'Argento in Italian, and finally the fifth track is the original album version of Last Angels Call.
Producer Joey DeMaio used the help of a Cologne string orchestra and some other guest musicians. So far so good, but what's the result you may ask. Let me borrow the following phrase from the bands' website: It would not be an overstatement to call the new version of The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream a grand and epic piece of work in the style of Disney movies or world class sports events. This is definitely a song full of emotion and fantasy, heart and soul.  I totally agree. Only one thing: This is not Heavy Metal. Do not look for any Metal tone in this specific song. Yes, it's ass-kickin', it will totally blow you away but you have to hear it a couple of times first before making up your opinion. To me it sounds more like a classical, operatic, orchestral song rather than anything close to a Metal tune. That's not bad, not at all. After all there are a lot of people out there (including me) who believe classical music is the base of Heavy Metal.
Concerning the new song, Lo Specchio D'Argento, let's just say it didn't impress me much. I have no clue at all about the lyrics cause it's all in Italian and musically speaking, well let's just say it sounds more like a song that you could easily sing to any kid before it goes for sleep or it could be included in the soundtrack of a kiddy fairy-tale movie. Lot's of folk elements such as flute e.t.c. On a second thought this might sound better while watching a happy scene or party during a medieval movie, something like Robin Hood. Of course I might be all wrong since I can't understand the meaning of the lyrics but since I don't know Italian I can only speak about the music.
No need to review Last Angels Call as you've already heard this one. So, to sum it all up, allow me to say The Magic Of The Wizard's Dream  is an epic masterpiece that pays tribute to the grand masters of classical music. Mr. Lee sounds amazing. He isn't just opening and closing his mouth, he can really sing and he sings well. I would suggest this CD slim box single to all the devoted fans only or to everyone out there searching to hear something different. After all Heavy Metal isn't only screaming, yelling and headbanging but also about having fantasy, soul, heart and passion.
- Album Highlights: Mr. Christopher Lee of course.