by Franco Cerchiari
— Sr. Columnist —
Not to say that writing music in general is an easy task to complete, but a certain amount of true complexity comes when the decision is made to write a Symphonic Metal score. The use of classical musical structures, proper use of keyboards, strings, percussion, choral arrangements, the blend of both Symphonic and Metal and all of it must be meticulously scrutinized and heavily rehearsed. One of the best bands around to steadily release one strong Symphonic Metal album after another is Italy’s Rhapsody of Fire. For fans of Thy Majesty, Dragonland, Dreamtale, Fairyland, or Twilight Force, Rhapsody of Fire’s latest, The Eighth Mountain released on the AFM Records label is a must have.
Impossible to not wish one was hearing this score live, The Eighth Mountain is Rhapsody of Fire’s 12th studio release and the first to not feature long time vocal God Fabio Lione, and the first album not to have any input from Luca Turilli who left the band in 2011. Replacing Lione is Giacomo Voli (Into The Legend) who has a remarkable, operatic voice (as does Fabio Lione,) and Voli’s voice is a massive part of the overall sound that is Rhapsody of Fire.
The Eighth Mountain is a new venture for this long time Italian band, and is the first chapter of what will be Nephilim’s Empire Saga. Keyboard virtuoso Alex Staropoli who wrote the musical score for Rhapsody of Fire’s latest, again shows that he does indeed possess a true talent for writing multifaceted, tight, intricate arrangements, as the score for this release is as strong as any fan of Symphonic Metal could want, brought to life by musicians who have aptitude, desire and the patience and drive to aptly play true Symphonic Metal.
Rhapsody of Fire’s music is very visual, meaning that while hearing it one can see visions of battles fought, journeys taken to far away lands, maidens and warriors and it is that which keeps the interest high throughout the albums’ playing time. Each song tells of the continuation of a story, and for that reason, this is not an album to hear just one track at a time, then listen to another band’s release, but rather allow the CD to play out in its entirety in one sitting for the album to do what it is that it was intended to do.
Straropoli’s keyboards, De Micheli’s guitar, Lotter’s blisteringly fast drums, Sala’s bass and of course the vocals of Voli’s vocals are best when heard with headphones in place, and distractions kept to a minimum. Opening with the short introduction “Abyss of Pain” which flows directly into track two, “Seven Heroic Deeds,” tells the tale of a brave warrior about to undertake a perilous voyage. Listen as well to the gentle, but yet epic “White Wizard,” with its chugging guitar riffs and a soft underscore of synthesizers.
Insane drums and keyboards are what made “Rain of Fury” a must listened to track and Track 8, “March Against the Tyrant,” with its Led Zeppelin-esque “Stairway To Heaven” flute and acoustic guitar and “Warrior Heart,” were both excellent. However the CD highlight came with track 9, “Clash of Times” a soaring, larger-than-life, colossal, cathedral filling track with everything that is so great about Symphonic Metal coming through in perfect form. It was impossible to not reach for the volume knob when “Clash of Times” came around. For those who love the heroic sounds of Rhapsody of Fire, this is the song to latch on to, for this one was just superb. “The Legend Goes On,” with its huge, full choral arrangement was excellent, and closing this CD was “Tales Of A Hero,” with each musical bar filled to its capacity with every type and sound that each musical instrument has to offer. A certain amount of evil came through as well with guttural vocals and growls.
Rhapsody of Fire has been around for damn near 25 years since their initial formation as Thundercross, and fantasy and storytelling has been their trademark. Radio is utterly useless when it comes around to helping the unknowing become fans of great music like this, but the hell with radio as time and again they have proven they have little regard or desire to change. Despite legal issues with their band name, a revolving door of personnel, and label changes, Rhapsody of Fire has rightfully claimed their place as one of the premiere Symphonic Metal bands around, and with no signs of slowing down, we can know for a virtual certainty that the massive, Symphonic Metal sounds that Rhapsody of Fire is so excellent at composing will be around for hopefully years to come.
Genre: Symphonic Metal
Band Members:
Alex Staropoli – keyboards
Roby De Micheli – guitar
Alessandra Sala – bass
Giacomo Voli – vocals
Manu Lotter – drums
Track Listing:
Abyss of Pain
Seven Heroic Deeds
Master of Peace
Rain of Fury
White Wizard
Warrior Heart
The Courage To Forgive
Clash of Times
The Legend Goes On
The Wind, The Rain and the Moon
Tales of a Hero’s Fate
Label: AFM Records
Website: www.rhapsodyoffire.com
HRH Rating: 
(9 / 10)
