There has to be Dragons. There’s always Dragons. Occasionally Goblins, Dwarves, Trolls, Knights and Unicorns – sometimes all at the same time (which can really stain the carpet), hopefully there are Damsels, Princesses and at the very least Wenches, but as a rule, if there is a Rhapsody Of Fire album looming, there’s going to be Dragons…and Swords…and Wizards! There’s usually a Wizard reeking havoc in their Enchanted Land somewhere (I suppose there’s only so much beard grooming, cloak decorating and pointy hat making one can do). Well this is a double live CD, so it’s time for these particular Italian Fantasy Power Metal wizards (seamless eh…?) to prove themselves on the live stage…once more.
I say “once more” because I thought we’d had a double live offering from them fairly recently, but I’m informed that was in 2005. This is the first one with their two-pronged guitar attack and without founding guitarist Luca Turilli (who of course now has Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody…obviously…keep up), so ROF are now clearly wanting to showcase how much they don’t miss him live. In truth, there’s so much going on within ROF’s sound live that I couldn’t say whether they miss him or not – their sound is just as full as that on their last live offering.
Many dilemmas must face ROF when planning a live set list – not least that every major studio release in their back catalogue has included an epic intro – so which one do you choose!? Decisions, decisions… Obviously, the answer is why not squeeze in as many as whenever possible? Good thinking – let’s have TWO intros to start with then (They paid for Christopher Lee’s narration – so get your money’s worth guys!), then bung one in at track 6 (‘The Dark Secret’), and another at track 11 (‘Dark Reign of Fire’), just before the drum solo that I’m sure however dull they are on a recording was thrilling if you were there…or very useful as a toilet/bar break for the band/crowd (and I say this as a drummer myself…I once nodded off during my OWN drum solo – I was rather drunk at the time, but luckily the audience were too…). We also get “treated” to a bass solo too, loosely based around ‘Toccata’…what fun…
They crowbar another epic intro in at track 21 (‘Epicus Furor’), so plenty of time for the band to take a break within the set. I know they really shouldn’t need it, but vocally and musically ROF never really let up on the speed and technicality. You just know the rider for this gig leaned more towards Red Bull than Stella Artois, but you have to admire the tightness and power of this band live. I can just imagine the Dark Riders, Wizards and Dragons (for they MUST be there – just listen to how bombastic and epic it all is!) battling and marauding around the stage while the band perform their soundtrack! I think a live album should make you wish you were there and listening to ROF classics like ‘Holy Thunderforce’, ‘Knightrider Of Doom’, ‘Land Of Immortals’ and ‘Emerald Sword’, this album certainly evokes that (I’ve also spotted 4 places in the set that I could get to the bar and back, so it’s win win!). The obvious problems of treading in Unicorn crap – not to mention Dragon secretions from either end overhead – would probably just add to the whole atmosphere. Unfortunately, I know that in reality, it will be me surrounded by sweaty Euro Metalheads watching 6 blokes and guests ponce around on a crappy little stage with Christopher Lee popping up on a big screen at the back for no apparent reason (let me know how close my description is when the DVD comes out…). No Dragons. No Unicorns. Plastic swords and a disappointing lack of wenches. That’s the problem with Fantasy Metal…it’s better with your eyes shut…which ironically, does make this live album a fine addition to your already bulging Rhapsody (+ Of Fire/Luca Turilli’s…) collection, or a great introduction to a band that can recapture their studio performances in the live arena.
Equally guffawed-at and revered throughout the European Metal scene, Rhapsody Of Fire are an Italian Metal national treasure, a legend in Fantasy Power Metal and a genre within themselves. Let’s be honest, if you are stuck in a Fantasy Realm, sporting an ill-fitting loin cloth and faced with all of the above, then ROF with their unrelenting energy, epic storytelling, technical ability and pure uplifting ability is the least you deserve. It also helps if you are mad as a balloon too of course…
(7/10 – Andy Barker)
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