Triumph or Agony

Infobox Album | Name = Triumph or Agony
Artist = Rhapsody of Fire
Type = studio


Released = 25th September 2006
Genre = Symphonic metal
Power metal
Length = 62:33
Label = SPV GmbH
Producer = Luca Turilli, Alex Staropoli, Sascha Paeth
Last album = ""
(2006)
This album = "Triumph or Agony"
(2006)
Next album = "Visions from the Enchanted Lands"
(2007)
Reviews =
*Allmusic Rating|3.5|5 [http://www.allmusic.com/cg/amg.dll?p=amg&sql=10:wcftxqtdldje link]
*Metal Rules Rating|2.5|5 [http://www.metal-rules.com/review/viewreview.php?band=rhapsody%20&album=&post_by=&rating=&month=&year=&pos=0 link]

Triumph or Agony is a Rhapsody of Fire album released in Europe on 25 September 2006.It is the first album that the band released after their name change. The album leaked on 8 August, and was released on the internet shortly after.

Triumph or Agony features a live 70 piece orchestra and choir and was again self-produced by guitarist/songwriter Luca Turilli and keyboardist/songwriter Alex Staropoli with assistance from co-producer Sascha Paeth. The album also features an array of guest narrators and character actors, including several recruits from the London theatre scene, actress Susannah York of the Superman film series and a return appearance by renowned actor Christopher Lee, as the all-knowing ‘Wizard King’.

The cover art is done by artist Jeff Easley, famous for his work on the Dungeons & Dragons line of products.

Track listing

# "Dar-Kunor – 3:13
#: I. "Echoes from the Elvish Woods"
#: II. "Fear of the Dungeons"
# "Triumph or Agony" – 5:02
# "Heart of the Darklands" – 4:10
# "Old Age of Wonders" – 4:35
# "The Myth of the Holy Sword" – 5:03
# "Il Canto del Vento" – 3:54
# "Silent Dream" – 3:50
# "Bloody Red Dungeons" – 5:10
# "Son of Pain" – 4:43
# "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demon Knight" – 16:26
#: I. "A New Saga Begins"
#: II. "Through the Portals of Agony"
#: III. "The Black Order"
#: IV. "Nekron's Bloody Rhymes"
#: V. "Escape From Horror"
# "Dark Reign of Fire – 6:26
#: I. "Winter Dawn's Theme"

Bonus tracks

# "Defenders of Gaia" – 4:35
# "A New Saga Begins (radio edit)" – 4:20
# "Son of Pain (Italian version)" – 4:47:*"Son of Pain (french version)" – 4:47 (Available on the French limited edition)

Concept

"The Myth of the Holy Sword" presents the history of the Emerald Sword in the Emerald Sword Saga. During the third Elvish war in the battle for Galfor's mines, the warrior Naimur was captured by Atlon (referred to as "Hell's Fury"). Atlon tortured Naimur using an emerald stone to drain his energy and eventually killed him. After the battle, Loinir, Naimur's brother, took the stone used to torture Naimur and forged the Emerald Sword. Loinir asked the angels to bless the sword, filling it with their holy might.

Some years later, the Elves launched a new attack against Atlon and his forces, giving Loinir the chance to avenge his brother. "just a strike of the sword, [was] hell's last breath". Loinir felt as though the blade was too powerful, and thus he gave it to the wizards to examine. The wizards determined that the sword had indeed been enchanted with holy powers and that it could be dangerous if it fell into the wrong hands. They therefore hid the sword beyond the Ivory Gates.

Credits

* Luca Turilli - Guitars
* Fabio Lione - Vocals
* Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
* Patrice Guers - Bass
* Alex Holzwarth - Drums
* Christopher Lee - Album Narrator
* Jeff Easley - Cover art

External links

*it [http://www.rockline.it/modules.php?name=Reviews&rop=showcontent&id=1255 "Triumph or Agony" Album Review]