‘Unholy Warcry’ is the first taster of Rhapsody’s forth-coming Symphony Of Enchanted Lands Part 2 – The Dark Secret. And if you thought the title was overblown, it’s probably best you don’t try listening to it.

Beginning with a spoken word intro from Christopher Lee (as ‘The Wizard King’) this is what Lord Of The Rings would sound like if they’d chosen to combine Euro power-metal with a symphony orchestra instead of using Enya.  At first it’s not quite as cringe-worthy as you might expect, with an atmospheric build up leading into very fast guitar and orchestral crescendos.  In fact, I can even forgive the high-pitched shrieking vocals – but not lyrics about misty lakes, sacred journeys and dark caves.

It’s quite fun in a wholly silly tongue-in-cheek kind of way.  The main fault is they take it all too seriously, which is a problem when you’re basically singing about swords and sorcery. Remember Spinal Tap’s infamous ‘Stonehenge’, with the 18” monolith and dancing dwarfs? Enough said. It shouldn’t be encouraged.
(2½/5)

Release Date: 26 July 2004

The Dark Secret