Since Mr. Turilli departed the ranks of Rhapsody Of Fire, about a decade ago now, it is fair to say that the horde of fans they have amassed since their formation over two decades prior felt like a hammer blow because the said guitar maestro was the beating heart of the band. Hell, I have loved them since those early years and even drove to The Netherlands to see them supporting Stratovarius back in 2000 on two shows, such was my adulation for their epic music, back when they were simply called Rhapsody (I still find it difficult to actually call them Rhapsody Of Fire). Their first four or five albums are pretty much essential genre defining albums that spawned the whole cinematic symphonic power metal that scene we enjoy today. Added to that the band has been well known for conceptual sagas spanning multiple albums making Rhapsody or Rhapsody Of Fire unique in their field and rarely emulated to the expansive degree they have produced. It could be said the line-up has its own ingrained saga of which I will only add that the departure of long-term vocalist Fabio Lione in 2016 felt like a deathblow for the continuation of the band, as feelings ran high saying it was the death knell for them. But, not so, sole original member Alex Staropoli picked up the pieces and has released three excellent albums under this new incarnation recruiting Giacomo Voli, who had actually taken part in the 2014 version of Voice Of Italy and came second. He has polarised opinions within the fans worldwide fanbase, but his vocal abilities are in no doubt, though I would say his depth and charisma aren’t on the same level as Fabio Lione, but that’s a personal opinion, rather than fact. Giacomo’s name was potentially already familiar to fans as he was in the choir on the ‘Into The Legend’ album and for me I am happy to give any new band member the benefit of the doubt as ‘The Eighth Mountain’ was indeed a fine album, but I am ignoring the release that re-recorded a ton of classics from the bands catalogue as it was completely unnecessary.
So, history lesson completed and onto the band’s newest effort, which is their 13th album, lucky or not so lucky for some depending on how you view it. After the release of an EP ‘I’ll Be Your Hero’ the title track of which appears on the new album, my expectations for this album weren’t that high as the EP was terrible, containing the new tune which is cool, plus a re-recording, two live songs and four pointless versions of the same tune sung in different languages, which were probably to showcase the talents of Voli, but made for a dull listen. However, being the optimist, I dove into this new album with hope, some trepidation and an inkling that Rhapsody Of Fire is still the beating force it has always been. Fans won’t be disappointed, the trademark bombast and cinematic orchestral experience is fully intact on this second chapter in the The Nephilim’s Empire saga, that began on ‘The Eighth Mountain’, and opens with ‘Son Of Vengeance’ a tune you’d expect to possess blistering pace but instead is loaded with atmosphere, tuneful repartee as the new drummer Paolo Marchesich stamps his authority immediately. Catchy and anthem driven is a mark of the new album as the opener flows into true galloping material with ‘The Kingdom Of Ice’. Symphonic, powerful and immersed in impetus the tune is a catalyst for the rest of the release as noticeably the songs have increased their commerciality to some extent, think Battle Beast or Beast In Black but with the massive symphonics and choir vocals added to the mix. Is this a good change, I am not sure, but certainly the songs will be potent live as the title track adds its own blanketing melodiousness.
Bridging pieces are always on the menu as ‘Eternal Snow’ is the only one here complete with narration, before ‘Terial The Hawk’ coolly enters. There is no shortage of catchy numbers here, in fact the album is loaded with them as vocally Giacomo is faultless if a little clinical and lacking the edge of his predecessor. Nearly all albums by this band have ended with a double digit epic of some description but here it is embedded into the middle and comes in the shape of ‘Abyss Of Pain II’, the first part of which was the short instrumental opener to the last album, and like any Rhapsody epic it abounds with emotion and oozes a heavier styling I didn’t expect but wholly benefits from it. Layers upon layers are linked together, and whilst I’ve heard better epics it is no slouch by any means as the album returns to the normal hurtling song writing on ‘Infinitae Gloriae’, which I really enjoyed with its contrast after the epic.
As I said ‘I’ll Be Your Hero’ was on the EP, a tune typical of the band over the years it captures the essence of the song writing ability without trying too hard as ‘Chains Of Destiny’ notches up the speed and power again initially before reining it in, which was disappointing to be honest, as I wanted some symphonic terror at this point. That disappointment continues unfortunately with two versions of the same song, one in Italian, the other Spanish, with the former titled ‘Un Ode Per L Eroe’ and the latter called ‘La Esencia De Un Rey’ both are semi ballads and whilst saturated in passion vocally, it felt like the album petered away, dissolved as though wanting to get away quietly and without too much fuss.
The burning flame of Rhapsody Of Fire continues to burn, it may not be as bright and I am sure this album is going to create a raft of mixed reviews, but personally there are few acts to touch the band conceptually, in arrangements and sheer voluminous ability of all the musicians and vocalist, as I hope album number 13 isn’t their unlucky one in their extensive discography.
(8/10 Martin Harris)
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