Rhapsody - Legendary Tales (Limb Music Productions, '97)

Rating: 9/10
Tracks: Ira Tenax, Warrior of Ice, Rage of the Winter, Forest of Unicorns, Flames of Revenge, Virgin Skies, Land of Immortals, Echoes of Tragedy, Lord of the Thunder, Legendary Tales

This is gothic metal in its truest sense. Complete with flutes, harpsichord, cello and a choir... all live instruments, no samples. Soaring vocals, running guitar melodies with Maidenish harmonies. Epic arrangements, medieval instrumental breaks. This is truly a soundscape fit for a fantasy adventure film of the grandest proportions.

From my college days studying public relations, I remember being told that the ultimate compliment to a PR person is when the press release is quoted by the press itself. There is a passage in the liner notes of Legendary Tales that sums up Rhapsody perfectly:

"And so onward we march, into the eternal night as the sweeping harmonies, valiant fuges and noble tales of gallant knights and swords of fire accompany our journey. The mighty voice of RHAPSODY shall conquer with graceful power and blazing spirit, a call that rides the stormy winds of battle and the calming breeze of tranquility... the call that shall lead until peace prevails."

That says it all. I will not waste your time with futher words, other than to say that if you are in search of grandiose, epic, melodic gothic metal, this is the genuine article. - Al Kikuras

Vanden Plas - The God Thing (Limb Music Productions, '97)

Rating: 5/10
Tracks: Fire Blossom, Rainmaker, Garden Of Stones, In You: I believe, Day I Die, Crown Of Thorns, We're Not God, Salt In My Wounds, You Fly

As I started to listen to The God Thing, I came in my pants. I was listening to one of the most talented metal bands I have heard in a long time, Yeah!!! A new band that I can really get into!!! The first song, which is really an instrumental intro. to the album was wonderful. It had everything. It was heavy, it was tight, it was catchy, it was fun, it was true heavy metal, it was great. Then the second song came on and it too was wonderful music, I could hardly contain myself. Unfortunately that feeling didn't last. As soon as the lead singer began to sing, I wanted to throw up. The music lost almost off of it's fire, and I lost almost all interest. Music like this should have a kick ass lead singer. It should have a screamer like Eric Adams from Manowar or Bruce Dickinson from Iron Maiden. I really good singer with amazing high notes, but the lead singer had no power, no presence at all.

He sounds a lot like a crappy progressive singer from a band like Blind Guardian or Dream Theater. A singer that sings high, but like I said before with no energy. Kinda like he is afraid of really letting go. With the kind of music that Vanden Plas are making, they deserve, no must have a lead singer equal to or better then themselves. They need a lead singer that will take control of the music and carry it to new places. What they have now is a singer that says, "Please excuse me for interrupting the music".

FUCK!!! This album should be so good. What the fuck is it with bands nowadays? They just can't find any good singers I guess. A great singer is so important for metal music, and Vanden Plas just doesn't have one. I hope they can get rid of this guy and find a singer with more balls, and then I will dance in the streets touting the excellent music they make, but for now, I say skip it. - Piston Rod

Abraxas - Tomorrow's World ( (Limb Music Productions, '98)

Rating: 8.5/10
Tracks: Gates To Eden, Explorers, Tomorrow's World, dreamer's Island, Crusader's Prayer, Dream Dealer, Cry Of Nature, Signs, Euphoria, Place Without Mirrors, The Liaison Bonus tracks: Stolen Memories, Faded Photographs, Into The Light

Do you still listen to your old Iron Maiden albums? Are you still pissed that Helloween never made another good album after Keeper Of The Seven Key Pt.2? Did you cream when you heard the new Gamma Ray album? Yes, well then you might be suffering from Power Metal Withdrawal!! Remedy: Get Abraxas's new album, NOW!!!! This is some good god damn power metal!!! They are not as good as the bands mentioned above at their prime, but Abraxas can still kick some serious ass.

Like the new Gamma Ray album, Somewhere Out In Space, Tomorrow's World is power metal dripping, or rather tearing flesh with a futuristic, science fiction feel. They have catchy riffs, excellent ballads, and an overall feel that makes you want to get up and shout that as long as you are alive power metal will never die!

Abraxas have been around for a while. They formed in 1985, and have put out three demo tapes (Vampire 1988, Gates To Eden 1990, and Signs 1991), an EP (Shattered By A Terrible Prediction 89), and a CD in Japan (The Liaison 93). Abraxas has had a following in Japan for several years, and has received very good press in Japan and Germany. They have just been looking for the right label to bring their music to the rest of the world. Now they have put out Tomorrow's World (which is their The Liaison CD digitally remastered). I am looking for good things from this band and hoping beyond hope for the return of great power metal.

My favorite tracks on the CD are "Tomorrow's World", a very cold futuristic sounding song that has the feel of masters of German power metal at work, and "Dreamer's Island", a very cool ballad reminiscent of some really good old Helloween. The bonus tracks at the end are a little older and don't have the same polished feel that the other songs have, but I think they are good non the less.

I would encourage any fan of old school heavy metal and power metal to check out Abraxas. Catchy riffs, and good song wring make Tomorrow's World a must buy. If power metal becomes big again, I can see Abraxas leading the pack along with Gamma Ray and Rhapsody, another band on Limb Music's label. Support these guys, they are there for us. - Piston Rod