Band:	Haggard
Album:	Eppur Si Muove
Style:	Symphonic metal
Release date:	April 26, 2004
A review by:	Dream Taster

Disc I [CD]
01. All´inizio è La Morte
02. Menuetto In Fa-Minore
03. Per Aspera Ad Astra
04. Of A Might Divine
05. Gavotta In Si-Minore
06. Herr Mannelig
07. The Observer
08. Eppur Si Muove
09. Largetto / Epilogo Adagio
10. Herr Mannelig [short version]
11. De La Morte Noire [live] [limited edition]
12. Robin's Song [live] [limited edition]


Disc II [limited edition DVD]
01. Requiem
02. In A Pale Moon's Shadow
03. Cantus Firmus
04. De La Morte Noir
05. Lost (Robin)
+ In a Pale Moon's Shadow [video]

Symphonic elements in Metal is nowadays in fashion like never before. Bands like Therion made it largely popular and even way before neoclassical artists such as Ygnwie J. Malmsteen were amazing listeners with a blend of classical elements and Heavy Metal. But the German combo Haggard pushed this form of expression to a newer level with 2002's highly acclaimed "Awakening The Centuries". A full orchestra, a full choir and a very talented Metal base ranging from Heavy to Death Metal brought listeners to their knees. In this context, "Eppur Si Muove" surfaced in early 2004 and totally rocked my world.

A one-piece monument of orchestration and head-banging riffs is the simplest way to sum up what this album has to offer, but it doesn't even come close to describe its content. Real piano, violins, violas, oboes and other flutes make this record an unmatched experience. The wide choir is a revolution in Metal spheres and the grunts and growls of the guitar player/singer add a tremendous dose of power, rage and emotion to the vocal department. Alternating pure classical pieces and epic blends of aforementioned styles, "Eppur Si Muove" is one of the best albums ever written. Every single listener would find his own favorite song here as they all produce a different effect. The duo composed by operatic singer Florian and growling singer Asis really expresses more than could be written about it while guitar riffs are astoundingly commanding.

Not only is their music classical, it also carries a great deal of folkish aspects, medieval folk would be a better term in Haggard's case. 'Of A Might Divine' is the perfect example, with a imposing force that drives the melody from A to Z and let you totally speechless. 'Herr Mannelig' is another deep moment on the album with the purest voices I've ever heard and that male bass voice that makes you want to sing along although you know you cannot do it. It's a slow-paced piece but the guitars are so heavy that it's one of the catchiest song on the CD. 'The Observer' is another "epic picture", one can see visions unfold while listening to this one. Better than any movie one could see! The title track is one crazy composition, featuring splendid soprano female vocals on the chorus, but overall a terrific journey from which you'll never return. Once grabbed, there is no turning back.

All these tracks are pure art and no doubt that Haggard is going to be around for a long time, at least let's hope so. The distinctiveness of their brilliant music is too much to be overlooked. So, forget all you've worshipped before, Haggard is almost certainly the only thing you'll want to hear afterwards. "Eppur si Muove" is one of 2004's must-listens, and if you still feel like avoiding it, know that it should be considered a crime.