Rhapsody Of Fire have promptly returned with another album in 2010, The Cold Embrace Of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony is that release, but unlike The Frozen Tears Of Angels, this is a mini CD. The legendary Christopher Lee once again narrates in his role of The Wizard King, plus other characters join in creating a movie like feel without the visuals, as "The Dark Saga Secret" continues on this seven part mini CD.
With all the customary Rhapsody Of Fire ingredients plus some on The Cold Embrace Of Fear, of these seven parts there are only three songs with vocals and the others are a mixture of narration and orchestral music. All are cleverly done I must add as the story is being told. The highlight is the longest act "Act III - The Ancient Fires Of Har-Kuun", I was pleased when the metal on this one kicked in, though this isn't quite your typical Rhapsody Of Fire tune but it's pleasing to hear the band doing different things musically.
I was quite enthusiastic about The Cold Embrace Of Fear, as I remember being very impressed when they released another mini CD Rain Of A Thousand Flames many years ago, thanks greatly to a fantastic song called "Queen Of The Dark Horizons". Unlike that memorable release this one isn't a good value for your money, as The Cold Embrace Of Fear cost more than the new Helloween and that had fourteen full length tracks not just a few on offer. This may vary between retailers, but if I had done my research beforehand I probably would have passed.
The Cold Embrace Of Fear isn't an essential buy nor does it compare to The Frozen Tears Of Angels, but then they are different kinds of releases. Rhapsody Of Fire fanatics will purchase this for sure, but for others I wouldn't rush in.
Track list:
1. Act I - The Pass of Nair-Kaan
2. Act II - Dark Mystic Vision
3. Act III - The Ancient Fires of Har-Kuun
4. Act IV - The Betrayal
5. Act V - Neve Rosso Sangue
6. Act VI - Erian's Lost Secrets
7. Act VII - The Angels' Dark Revelation
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