Listening Experience of the Month (February 2000) - Luca Turilli 'King of the Nordic Twilight'

It's really difficult to 'say just words' about this album. I've always hated to describe music in words, and this is one of those cases where I feel especially bitter about my inability to transmit majesty of this piece of art in my review. Yes, it is a piece of art and a complete package too as far as I am concerned. It is when holding in my hands CDs like this one, I start laughing at people being afraid of MP3s taking over the world and kicking CDs ass. How can you even think about comparing some intangible sound file with a gorgeous glossy digibook with lots of illustrations, photos and comments (yes, I got Limited Edition!)??? On the other hand, how could ugly tapes almost completely take over vinyl pride? So you never know... Anyway, this is first album in a three-chapter saga from Rhapsody guitarist/main composer Luca Turilli where he is joined by a session singer Olaf Hayer and some other reputable musicians. Musically, it does not bear a lot of differences from Rhapsody, but I must say that it's much stronger than Rhapsody's second opus 'Symphony of Enchanted Land'. This album also reminds me of Bal-Sagoth, but without any rough vocals or blast beats, or less

classically oriented and more metallic Therion. As far as fantasy power metal goes, I would say that the only album I can think of that transcends this one in melodies and catchiness is Blind Guardian's 'Nightfall in Middle Earth'; however, I think that it will be extremely difficult for Blind Guardian themselves to record something better than or even of equal strength to 'Nightfall'. Album includes 10 songs (plus 1 hidden composition) with just the right mixture of bombastic and quieter tracks. There is not a single stinker here, but I would especially like to mention 'Legend of Steel', 'The Ancient Forest of Elves' (single), and 'Kings of the Nordic Twilight'. Lyrically this album is a little bit too simplistic (think Rhapsody again), but I still like its somewhat inornate storyline. Production is simply mind-blowing, giving each instrument some space to breath, but at the same time making strong emphasis on keyboards. However, unlike other bands that rely heavily on synthesizers (Bal-Sagoth, Crematory), Luca and Co. mixed their album in such a way, that keyboards, although dominating, don't bury everything else below them. In the end, I have to say that every power metal fan as well as people interested in fantasy oriented stuff ala Tolkien should AT LEAST give this album a chance. Trust me - you will not be disappointed! Andy. P.S. If this review still does not make any sense, please visit Rhapsody/Luca Turilli webpage (see our LINKS section) and see for yourself.