Rhapsody Of Fire – The Eighth Mountain
Album Review By Rainer Kerber
Rhapsody of Fire are among the pioneers of Symphonic Metal. The band was founded by Lucca Turilli and Alex Staropoli in Trieste in 1993, then still under the name Thundercross. This was followed by a record deal with Limb Music Products (LMP) and renamed Rhapsody. Under the influence of well-known soundtrack composers, they continued to develop their self-titled “Film Score Metal” sound. In 2006, the band had to rename because of brand name disputes in Rhapsody of Fire. Since 2011 the band founders go their separate ways. After the “friendly split” Luca Turilli founded his own, named after him Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody. On the occasion of the 20th anniversary of Rhapsody (of Fire), 2017 saw a part-time reunion with a joint tour. But then both masterminds went their separate ways again. The only remaining member from the early days is keyboard player Alex Staropoli. His band is now submitting a new studio album in February. The former bandmates will follow in the summer. Let’s take a look at “The Eighth Mountain”.
Of course, Rhapsody of Fire put an intro at the beginning. And “Abyss Of Pain” introduces the first band-typical hit “Seven Heroic Deeds”. Here you can hear everything that makes the band’s sound, sprawling keyboards, epic choruses and orchestral passages, double bass, guitar solos, rhythmic bass playing. Exactly what the fan expects. Noteworthy is the rocking vocals of Giacomo Voli. In “Master Of Peace”, the Italians increase the speed. That’s high-speed metal. Somewhat quieter then is “White Wizard”. Here the singer can show his vocal range. For me, this symphonic metal anthem is one of the best songs on the album. Also, because she breaks something out of the standard sounds. This also applies to the terrific power-ballad “Warrior Heart”. Then follow quickly played songs such as “Clash Of Times”. Before closing, the second ballad “The Wind, The Rain And The Moon” is to hear. Quiet orchestral passages provide a lot of feeling. Here you should just close your eyes and dream. The finale is the 10-minute epic “Tales Of A Hero’s Fate”, a monumental work, with some melody changes, and then ends with spoken words and a powerful-sounding choir.
Rhapsody of Fire deliver exactly what they have perfected for years, epic symphonic metal with soundtrack character. Not more but also not less. Although the cast was almost completely renewed, the album is musically outstanding. Each song is a work of art in itself. The orchestral passages were recorded by a real orchestra and sound very natural. However, it lacks a bit of variety for my taste. Most act the songs that Rhapsody of Fire have the pace and bombast a little run down.
RHAPSODY OF FIRE – The Legend Goes On: https://youtu.be/tZe-vV-UKA0
Lineup:
Giacomo Voli – Vocals
Alex Staropoli – Keyboards
Roby De Micheli – Guitars
Alessandro Sala – Bass
Manu Lotter – Drums
Label: AFM Records
Out: February 22nd, 2019
Playing time: 01:04:38
Track list:
- Abyss Of Pain
- Seven Heroic Deeds
- Master Of Peace
- Rain Of Fury
- White Wizard
- Warrior Heart
- The Courage To Forgive
- March Against The Tyrant
- Clash Of Times
- The Legend Goes On
- The Wind, The Rain And The Moon
- Tales Of A Hero’s Fate
Rating : 8/10
MHF Magazine/Rainer Kerber
