Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret cover

Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret

Rhapsody of Fire · 2004

72 min · 12 tracks · power metal · symphonic metal

Epic orchestral arrangements intertwine with soaring vocals and intricate guitar work to create a fantastical sonic landscape.

Why this album works

This album debuted at number one on the Italian charts and received significant acclaim for its ambitious composition and production quality. It is considered a landmark in symphonic metal and influenced many subsequent bands within the genre, contributing to the growing popularity of theatrical and narrative-driven metal music.
Career context
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret marked Rhapsody of Fire's fifth studio album, released in 2004, following their successful 2001 album, Power of the Dragonflame. At this point, the band had solidified their position in the power metal genre while further developing their cinematic soundscapes and elaborate storytelling techniques.

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 The Dark Secret: I. The Ancient Prophecy / II. Ira Divina 4:13
  • 2 Unholy Warcry Standout 5:53
  • 3 Never Forgotten Heroes 5:32
  • 4 Elgard's Green Valleys 2:19
  • 5 The Magic of the Wizard's Dream Standout 4:30
  • 6 Erian's Mystical Rhymes (The White Dragon's Order) Standout 10:31
  • 7 The Last Angels' Call 4:36
  • 8 Dragonland's Rivers 3:44
  • 9 Sacred Power of Raging Winds 10:06
  • 10 Guardiani del destino 5:51
  • 11 Shadows of Death 8:13
  • 12 Nightfall on the Grey Mountains 7:20

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata