How Christopher Lee's Final Album Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013) Became A Metal Masterpiece
If you are a fan of metal music and legendary actors, you might have heard of Christopher Lee's final album Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013).zip. This album is the second and last part of Lee's metal opera project based on the life and deeds of his ancestor, the first Holy Roman Emperor Charlemagne.
Christopher Lee - Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013).zip
In this article, we will explore how this album was created, what it sounds like, and why it is a remarkable achievement for the iconic star who passed away in 2015 at the age of 93.
The Background Of The Project
Christopher Lee was not only a prolific and versatile actor who starred in over 200 films, but also a passionate singer and musician. He had a powerful bass voice that he used in various genres, from opera to musicals to heavy metal.
Lee was fascinated by his family history and traced his lineage back to Charlemagne, the king of the Franks who united most of Europe under his rule in the 8th and 9th centuries. Lee admired Charlemagne as a great leader, warrior, and reformer who shaped the modern world.
In 2010, Lee released his first metal album Charlemagne: By The Sword And The Cross, which narrated the story of Charlemagne's rise to power and his conflicts with the Saxons, the Lombards, and the Pope. The album featured symphonic metal arrangements by composer Marco Sabiu and guest vocals by several metal singers.
The album received positive reviews from critics and fans, and won a Spirit of Metal Award from Metal Hammer magazine. Lee was also awarded the title of "the oldest heavy metal performer" by the Guinness World Records.
The Making Of The Album
After the success of his first album, Lee decided to continue the saga with a sequel that would focus on the later years of Charlemagne's reign and his death. He wanted to make the second album heavier and darker than the first one, to reflect the mood of the story.
He collaborated with guitarist and producer Richie Faulkner, who later joined Judas Priest, to create the metal riffs and solos for the album. He also worked with Leopoldo Lopes, who mixed and mastered the album at Sound Pressure Studios in Portugal.
The album featured 10 tracks that spanned over 50 minutes of music. Lee sang all the parts of Charlemagne himself, using different vocal tones and expressions to convey his emotions. He also invited some guest vocalists to play other characters, such as Aaron Cloutier as Young Charlemagne, Vincent Ricciardi as Pope Hadrian I, and Lydia Salnikova as Hildegard.
The album was released on May 27th, 2013, coinciding with Lee's 91st birthday. It was available as a CD and a digital download from various platforms. It also had a limited edition vinyl release in orange and frosted clear colors.
The Sound And The Style Of The Album
Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013).zip is a true metal album that showcases Lee's impressive vocal range and delivery. The album has a symphonic metal base with elements of power metal, thrash metal, and doom metal.
The album opens with "The Portent", an instrumental track that sets the ominous tone for the rest of the album. It features a choir singing in Latin, followed by a thunderous riff and a soaring solo by Faulkner.
The next track is "Charles The Great", which introduces Charlemagne as an old man who reflects on his life and achievements. Lee sings with a deep and authoritative voice over a majestic orchestration and a catchy chorus.
"The Siege" is one of the heaviest tracks on the album, depicting the battle of Pavia where Charlemagne defeated the Lombards. It has a fast-paced tempo, aggressive riffs, and harsh vocals by Cloutier as Young Charlemagne.
"Massacre Of The Saxons" is another brutal track that narrates the infamous massacre of 4500 Saxons who refused to convert to Christianity. It has a doom metal vibe with slow and heavy riffs, sinister vocals by Lee, and a haunting chorus by Salnikova as Hildegard.
"Drawing Of A New Age" is a more melodic track that shows Charlemagne's vision of a unified Europe under his rule. It has a symphonic metal style with orchestral arrangements, harmonized vocals by Lee and Ricciardi as Pope Hadrian I, and a catchy chorus.
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The Reception And The Legacy Of The Album
Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013).zip received mixed reviews from critics and fans. Some praised Lee's vocal performance, Faulkner's arrangements, and Ramos' guitar work, while others criticized the album's production, songwriting, and coherence. Some also found the album amusing or ridiculous, given Lee's advanced age and acting background.
However, the album also gained respect and admiration from many metal musicians and fans, who recognized Lee's passion, talent, and courage to pursue his musical dreams. The album was a testament to Lee's versatility, creativity, and longevity as an artist.
The album was also a fitting farewell to Lee's musical career, as he died two years later on June 7th, 2015. He left behind a legacy of unforgettable roles in films such as Dracula, The Lord of the Rings, Star Wars, and The Wicker Man, as well as a unique and remarkable contribution to the metal genre.
The Conclusion
Charlemagne: The Omens Of Death (2013).zip is not a perfect album, but it is a remarkable one. It is the result of Christopher Lee's lifelong love for music and history, and his desire to share his story with the world. It is an album that showcases his powerful voice, his adventurous spirit, and his metal heart.
If you are looking for an epic metal opera that combines historical drama, symphonic orchestration, and heavy riffs, you should give this album a listen. You might be surprised by what you hear.
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