The album sees the German classic metal act leave the path of human history for the first time since they got together in 1991 to devote themselves to the realm of fantasy. A reorientation and reclamation of virgin soil which doesn't come as a total surprise, seeing that all the great authors of the fantasy genre have a history background, finding their
inspiration in mankind's real past. And for Asis Nasseri, creative mastermind of this sizeable chamber orchestra which has come together under the name of Haggard, the journey into fictitious spheres is an expansion of his own horizons which allows plenty of room for new possibilities. "I have to admit that I left the field of real history with a heavy
heart," he recalls the early days of his work on "Tales Of Ithiria". "I'm very interested in history, and there was a variety of themes that I would like to have written about – but this history thing has become almost normal for Haggard, and I consciously wanted to leave that familiar path."

Expressive multi-faceted music, excellent songwriting between complexity and sensitive melodic arches and harmonious arrangements have always been among Haggard's strengths and have reached truly fantastic new levels on "Tales Of Ithiria". So it should come as no surprise when the melancholy legend "Hijo De La Luna" from Iberia shines in a sensitive and at the same time dark metallic outfit, emphasised by operatic magic, in line with the traditional songs which Haggard have recorded in the past, such as the old Swedish ballad "Herr Mannelig". And once more this experiment blends harmoniously into Haggard's sonic realm, into a dreamy cosmos full of enigmatic characters, such as Edris, Hammar, Sveldja, Wiese, Grimmbart and Alar, who battle over virtues such as courage, gallantry, honour, mercy
and tolerance.

So enter the halls of the king and allow yourselves to be enchanted by the stories of Ithiria! Released on Artoffact and available December 4th, 2009.