The metal community will no doubt already be aware of Sir Christopher Lee's affinity with the genre through his Rhapsody of Fire and Manowar collaborations during the past few years. However, 'Charlemagne - By the Sword and the Cross' signifies his first venture into metal territory independent of an established band. I say independent as this is being marketed as a 'Christopher Lee' album, but a quick glance at the press release reveals a great ensemble effort at work here. The music has been composed by one Marco Sabiu (renowned for collaborations with Kylie Minogue, Take That, and legendary film composer Ennio Morricone) and is performed by a 100-piece orchestra, two metal bands, and a choir, together with several guest vocalists who both sing and narrate alongside Lee himself. Intrigued? I most certainly was, and the listening experience proves 'Charlemagne...' a fairly innovative cross-genre musical hybrid. Part film score; part history l...