Being around since 1991, they released yet again another concept album. Previously known under its work title A Dark Winter's Tale it tells a medieval-themed story about a fictional land called Ithiria. The rather complex lyrics leave me puzzled what the exact narrative is about. Having listened to it a number of times I’m not really sure what it is about. As there was no accompanying bio, my guess is as good as anybody’s. But it is about music right? I’ve been trying to find out for years what Genesis is telling with their The Lamb Lies Down on Broadway album. So who cares about what they sing?

 

Needles to say, the music of this new disc is just simply good. How good? After the spoken intro ‘The Origin’ it starts off with title track ‘Tales of Ithiria’ and you immediately feel you have just entered a medieval church mass. With the operatic vocals sung in Latin you can almost smell the incense. Halfway through the song we are reminded that Haggard used to be a death metal band, when Asis Nasseri growls during a couple of verses.

Not only partly sung in Latin, German and English, it shows off a variety of singing styles throughout the album. I am positively surprised about the Mecano cover ‘Hijo de Luna’ , which is perfectly sung in the original Spanish language. Aside with some heavy guitars it is quite close to the original. ‘La Terra Santa’ really sounds medieval, and knows some superb piano work. For those who just are horrified by the word piano alone, I strongly recommend skipping this song. Also if you are repulsed by classical music in general you will find very little of your liking on this record. Anybody else…recommended listening.