"Live In Canada..." was recorded on June 14th, 2005, at the Metropolis in Montréal during the first leg of the band's tour with Manowar. It includes 14 songs, both new and old, with a total duration of an hour. The limited edition also comes with a short bonus DVD, a taste of what is to come later this year or early in 2007 in the shape of the band's debut DVD. The recording was produced by the band in alliance with long-time friend and producer Sascha Paeth, a man who knows by now what the band is supposed to sound like. Producing a live album is a delicate science and very often today the sound quality does not differ much at all compared to the studio albums which is quite a shame because it makes live albums more similar to compilations than actual live albums and that is also the case with this one. Nonetheless, some of the live atmosphere is still to be found inbetween songs where Fabio Lione practices his skills in the French language to the joy of the Canadian crowd.

Witnessing Rhapsody live must be an extraordinary experience today and I will be sure to catch them on stage when they visit Sweden in late Spring this year. Generally not fond of live recordings I still rate this one very high because there is one pronounced difference between this album and a strict compilation or a Rhapsody studio album - the vocals of Fabio Lione. You may not believe this but he sounds even better live, perhaps he finds it easier to let go on stage and is swept away with the unique atmosphere that surrounds a live show. Every fan of the band should definitely own this one or perhaps await the new studio album and DVD depending on the weight of your wallet.

written by Vincent Eldefors

Playing time: 60.09