Released August 29, 2008 Artist Haggard Label Drakkar Entertainment | Length 43:03 Release date 29 August 2008 | |
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Genres Symphonic metal, Classical music, Gothic metal, Doom metal, Neoclassical metal, Death-doom, Neo-Medieval music Similar Haggard albums, Symphonic metal albums | ||
Tales of Ithiria is the fourth studio album by the German symphonic metal band Haggard. Previously known under its work title A Dark Winter's Tale, this album breaks the band's habit of writing about historical characters and events. Instead, it tells a fictional, medieval-themed story written by Haggard's songwriter Asis Nasseri. The album includes a cover version of the song "Hijo de la Luna" (Son of the Moon), originally written by José María Cano and performed by his own band, Spanish Pop group Mecano. However, his authorship of the song is not acknowledged in the CD's booklet, instead being referred to as "Traditional" music and lyrics.
Contents
The album was released on August 29, 2008. It peaked at positions 37 in the German Media Control Charts and 89 in the Swiss Music Charts.
11 chapter v the hidden sign tales of ithiria haggard
Track listing
All tracks written by Asis Nasseri except "Hijo de la Luna" by José María Cano.
Reception
Tales of Ithiria received favourable reviews from the critics. The German issue of Metal Hammer noted a perfect arrangement of instruments and vocalists but criticised the short net playtime of music on the album, which consists of frequent narrations between the tracks. The Dutch Lords of Metal webzine lauded the connection of classical music and extreme Metal and the transfer of the storyline into music. The German MetalGlory ezine highlighted the multiple voice parts of male grunts and classical male and female voices but criticised the short total time as well. The German Sonic Seducer magazine was critical though of the grunts which according to their review contrast the otherwise subtle mood of the songs. Sonic Seducer however lauded the work of drummer Mike Terrana as narrator and also the arrangement of the cover version of "Hijo de la Luna".
Songs
1The Origin1:57
2Chapter I: Tales of Ithiria8:07
3From Deep Within0:26