Yngvai X
Dark Emperor
I took a chance and bought Rhapsody's "Power of the Dragonflame" CD. My girlfriend loves them so I figured Id give one of their albums a propper listen. Honestly, the first thing I noticed was that they sound NOTHING like Blind Guardian, so I don't know why people insist on comparing them all the time (though Id imagine its because both bands have primarily fantasy based lyrics).
Musically, Rhapsody isnt that bad, in fact I quite liked a few sections of the CD, and I think Fabio Lione is a really good singer. Unfortunately, they have him singing some of the most rediculous lyrics Ive ever heard. Some of the choruses, both musically and lyrically, were so cheesy I couldn't bear to listen to them anymore. And the last song I can't finish since that horrible narrator comes in and does such a laughable narration. I hate to make comparisons, but in contrast, when Blind Guardian used narrators on Nightfall in Middle Earth #1 they didn't put them in the middle of the songs, and #2 they actually hired real voice actors, so it sounded professional. I also think, besides the fact that I think Blind Guardian's lyrics are more well written, theres a difference between writing lyrics based on a classic peice of literature, albiet fantasy literature, and making up a fantasy story on your own. For some reason the latter seems a lot cheesier.
I do like the one song where they have a bit of black metal vocals tho, I thought that was an interesting touch.
Musically, Rhapsody isnt that bad, in fact I quite liked a few sections of the CD, and I think Fabio Lione is a really good singer. Unfortunately, they have him singing some of the most rediculous lyrics Ive ever heard. Some of the choruses, both musically and lyrically, were so cheesy I couldn't bear to listen to them anymore. And the last song I can't finish since that horrible narrator comes in and does such a laughable narration. I hate to make comparisons, but in contrast, when Blind Guardian used narrators on Nightfall in Middle Earth #1 they didn't put them in the middle of the songs, and #2 they actually hired real voice actors, so it sounded professional. I also think, besides the fact that I think Blind Guardian's lyrics are more well written, theres a difference between writing lyrics based on a classic peice of literature, albiet fantasy literature, and making up a fantasy story on your own. For some reason the latter seems a lot cheesier.
I do like the one song where they have a bit of black metal vocals tho, I thought that was an interesting touch.
I'm listening to Matos on "Angels Cry CD". Although his voice sometimes puts me on edge, I'm amazed at the control. (and his way with words, too 
