OneMetal.com NEWS:
Hammer House’s Christopher Lee brings us Symphonic Metal this March

The legend that is Christopher Lee has announced that he will be releasing an album called ‘Charlemagne: By the Sword and the Cross’. Famous for his involvement in the Hammer Horror series to the likes of Saruman in Lord of the Rings and Count Dooku in the Star Wars film, Lee is padding out his portfolio with what he calls Symphonic Metal.

It is worth noting that Christopher Lee is no stranger to the Metal genre having been involved with the single ‘Magic of the Wizard’s Dream’ by Italian Fantasy Rockers ‘Rhapsody of Fire’ as well as Inner Terrestrials and Manowar. His album, based on the exploits of the Charlemagne who I shouldn’t have to tell you was Charles the Great and King of the Franks, blends a traditional orchestral backing with ‘modern metal symphonies’ and singing / narration including Lee’s characteristic deep voice. Note: it must be said he does claim to be a ‘metal’ singer in this album.

From the press release, also collaborating and promoting this release is…

Composer Marco Sabiu, best known for his collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Take That, Pavarotti and Morricone, has created a truly epic canvas by introducing modern metal symphonies, in a style which resembles a movie score. Marie-Claire Calvet, a graduate from Bristol University, transports the listener into “The Dark Ages”, with a very powerful storyline and mesmerizing lyrics. A full orchestra, heavy metal musicians, choir and special guest vocalists bring the legend of Charlemagne to life.

It certainly is an interesting idea but I find myself struggling to fall in love with the idea of something that should be screaming appeal to me. What it does do is evoke a mashup of a poor movie soundtrack crossed with a concept album and a splash of William Shatner inspired singing. Ok -- that might be harsh and from the clips below I might be selling the album short of the potential impact and majesty that it may have; is anyone else interested in this?

Charlemagne will be released on the 15th of March 2010. For more information check out the MySpace page.

Source : www.charlemagneproductions.org