Melodic speed metal merchants Rhapsody release their mini album The Dark Secret later this month as a showcase to a later as yet untitled release. This track opens in a very gothic fashion with atmosphere and a spoken intro from THE Christopher Lee. Mix operatic vocals, a full choir and machine gun drums, and you get a great metal track. The guitar’s hot and fast too. In places they could be influenced by Freedom Call or Mob Rules, only more so. In places cliché or derivative, but as a track on it’s own it’s great and a thoroughly enjoyable listen.

Think a cross between Magnum and Manowar. And with Joey DeMaio involved with the production it’s a full solid sound.

You should look forward to the album, as a taster if nothing else.

*****

Review by Joe Geesin

***** Out of this world | **** Pretty damn fine |
*** OK, approach with caution unless you are a fan |
** Instant bargain bin fodder | * Ugly. Just ugly