FROM CHAOS TO ETERNITY

'From Chaos To Eternity' - Rhapsody (Of Fire) (7/10)

If there's anything that still surprises me about Rhapsody of Fire, it's that they manage to keep going steady without ever changing their style in any significant way. Since they started out with the debut 'Legendary Tales', Rhapsody's cinematic brand of 'swords and sorcery' power metal has been going strong, occasionally focusing one one aspect more than others on a given record, but essentially making the same music they were making when they first started out. Luckily for the band, Rhapsody executes this style incredibly well, and to date, there hasn't been the overbearing need for them to change who they are in order to stay fresh. 'From Chaos To Eternity' is Rhapsody's third album in two years, and while I would normally tend to expect a band's quality to plummet once they start becoming more prolific, Rhapsody's eighth album 'From Chaos To Eternity' has really impressed me. While there are not necessarily any standout tracks that tower above the others, I would be hard pressed to deny that the band has not released as consistent an album for quite some time.

Apparently wrapping up a massive conceptual saga of the band's that started with their debut, 'From Chaos To Eternity' is a big album for the band. Apart from their speed and epic film score-worthy sound, one of the tenants of Rhapsody Of Fire is their focus on Tolkien- offshoot high fantasy, with which they use to fuel their often narrative lyrics. Although Rhapsody is as sharp as they come when it comes to neoclassical or symphonic power metal, the lyrics have always been cheesy as all hell, and- true to their doctrine of never changing- 'From Chaos To Eternity' is wrapped up in lyrics about rather tired fantasy topics; some conclusion to a multiple-album concept piece that I find difficult to become even slightly interested in. Luckily, the lyrics are the weakest element for this talented Italian band. Musically, the band may never have sounded tighter. Fabio Leone's voice shows no signs of aging, sounding as powerful and soaring as it ever has. There is a focus on this album on the band's neoclassical metal elements, which barrels down to alot of sweeps and arpeggios, courtesy of guitarist virtuoso Luca Turelli. While there is shredding aplenty in the album, the rest of the band keeps up the speed, and the instrumental indulgences never go on too long before getting boring.

A very strong element to Rhapsody's sound here is that of the symphonic arrangements, which are often complex and mesh beautifully into the metal core of the sound. Were it not for the admittedly silly lyrical content, Rhapsody Of Fire could very well stir up some very intense dramatic feelings with their music. Maybe the only sound I hear here that is 'new' is the moderate use of harsh vocals, especially in the song 'Aeons Of Raging Darkness'. The music remains fairly upbeat throughout these parts however; instead of taking any dark route with the screams, Rhapsody ultimately ends of sounding like a counterpart to Wintersun.

Although there are no standout tracks here (this album tends to be relying more on its pleasant consistency than any particularly incredible tracks), the end of the album is graced with a twenty minute epic. Naturally, this made me very excited when I arrived at this part of the album, especially due to the incredible success of one of the band's earlier epics, being 'The Mystic Prophecy Of The Demonknight' from 2006's 'Triumph Or Agony'. Indeed, 'Heroes Of The Waterfalls' Kingdom' is a very powerful work featuring a myriad of changes and different feelings woven into it. While sporting some very strong moments in it though, the closing epic to this album does not feel as if it works as a cohesive composition, instead working better as a series of soundtrack snippets, each to suit a different part of whatever fictional fantasy film Rhapsody are attempting to score here.

And with a few more symphonic flourishes after the metal fury has long since ended, 'From Chaos To Eternity' ends, something of a fitting musical end to this long saga that Rhapsody Of Fire has conjured up for the power metal world since riding out of Italy in the 90's. A very good album overall, although it should be mentioned that there are very few surprises to be had here for anyone that has heard an album by this band before.

Rhapsody of Fire have established themselves among Italy's finest power metal exports throughout their long and illustrious career, and From Chaos to Eternity is yet another excellent addition to their shining catalog. Featuring Christopher Lee's legendary voice acting, as well as some of symphonic power metal's most bombastic compositions and top-notch musicianship, calling this album a winner would be an understatement. Although Rhapsody of Fire hasn't revolutionized their sound this time around and they still remain exceptionally close to their symphonic power metal roots, the fact that they manage to still keep their sound fresh and inventive is highly impressive. From Chaos of Eternity won't win over the haters, but anyone who enjoys an occasional burst of power metal on the more bombastic side should certainly take a look in this direction!

Anyone even passingly familiar with Rhapsody of Fire will recognize their blend of symphonic power metal from a mile away, and that also applies to From Chaos to Eternity. Expect symphonic power metal with lush keyboards, operatic vocals, voice narration courtesy of Christopher Lee, lyrics revolving around fantasy-related subjects, and of course plenty of the standard power metal trademarks (fast double-pedal patterns, shredding guitar solos, powerful lead vocals, etc.). Although this may sound extremely clichéd and cheesy (which, in a sense, it is), Rhapsody of Fire manages to deliver the sound in one of the most powerful, professional, and just plain enjoyable formats I've ever heard. Through a journey of well-composed songs, captivating lyrics, and impeccable musicianship, Rhapsody of Fire takes us on a voyage through some of symphonic power metal's finest offerings. The near-20 minute epic "Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom" especially highlights the band's captivating songwriting talents.

From Chaos to Eternity may not be terribly original, but it's sure to be one of the year's best power metal albums. With such excellent compositions, top-notch musicianship, and sleek production, it's hard not to be at least somewhat impressed by this effort. I was personally very satisfied by From Chaos to Eternity and find it to be a highly recommendable purchase for anyone who enjoys some wizards and folklore to infiltrate their stereo from time-to-time. 4 stars seems very appropriate here. Anyone who enjoys Rhapsody of Fire should definitely make sure this finds its way into their collection!

The saga concluded

After 15 years and nine albums (including one "mini-album") the curtain finally comes down on the epic sagas of Rhapsody (who begat Rhapsody of Fire). While the band are to carry on touring and recording, they have announced that with the departure of Lucca Turilli, their story book albums are complete. Never again will we hear them tell of "Lord of the Rings" type fantasies, the guest appearances of Christopher Lee as narrator also being brought to an end.

That though is the future, and we have some significant story telling to do to bring things to a satisfactory conclusion first. Thus "From chaos to eternity" represents Turilli's last album with Rhapsody Of Fire, and the conclusion of the Dark Secret saga which began on "Symphony of Enchanted Lands II". In the previous chapter, "Frozen tears of angels", the good guys had a book of dark secrets which the bad guys were after. At the same time, the good guys were after an antidote in the form of the "White Book". Here, they have to locate a couple of stones (which have their own names) which are actually eyes and put them back where they came from.

It is pretty much good news all the way in this final chapter (except for a couple of twists of course) the imaginative ending offering a suitably fanciful and enigmatic conclusion to a unique musical project.

There is little point in going into too much detail on the music of the album. Suffice to say that those who have followed the band thus far will find no surprises here. Highlights include the supremely melodic title track and of course the almost 20 minute five part epic "Heroes of the waterfalls kingdom" which rounds everything off. The orchestration and choral arrangements are as dynamic as ever, especially on the totally over the top closer "Heroes..".

While it makes perfect sense that the band should decide to bring an end to the Saga albums, it is at the same time the end of an era. Rhapsody have graced the music world with a set of albums unparalleled in their imagination and continuity. I can only hope that in time their legacy will gain the recognition it truly deserves. Luca Turilli has announced that he will be pursuing his own projects in the future, and it may be here we will need to look for any further sagas. In the meanwhile, I salute Rhapsody (of Fire) for their incredible achievement.

Footnote - The limited edition Digipak release of the album contains a wonderfully presented booklet with the final chapter of the tale. It also has a bonus track in the form of a cover of Iron Maiden's "Flash of the blade". The version is of course fully competent, but it is superfluous in terms of the album. The track may however be an indication of what we should expect in the future from the band.

What did I just listen to? Rhapsody of Fire has always been an anomaly for me. They are the epitome of "geeky" prog metal (as some have called it), and almost seem like a soundtrack to Dungeons and Dragons. I thought I would give them a try, though; because I am certainly a big fan of fantasy.

The thing is: I've heard this all before now. This music sounds just like Symphony X, but with a little more emphasis on keyboards. The pace is extremely fast, and the technical bar is set very high---this isn't easy music to perform. Also, only about half the album is in English. The rest is in Latin (?), I believe.

However, I did find myself enjoying it. In fact, I enjoyed it more than some Symphony X albums, such as "The Odyssey". While much of the album seems like speedy power metal, there is a certain fantasy charm to the whole deal: a great deal of sobriety to the performances. These guys tell us fantastical stories without missing a beat. I think that's pretty dang impressive, as sometimes the story seems a little ridiculous.

The album is certainly good. The production is outstanding, and the music is well done. This isn't totally my cup of tea, but I could definitely see myself revisiting this band every once in a while.

Rhapsody's second multiple-concept album epic comes to a close which feels more exhausted than triumphant here. Don't get me wrong, this is a more or less solid Rhapsody album that keeps me reasonably entertained across its running time, but I can't help but be left with the impression that Rhapsody were getting diminishing returns out of their formula at this point, and the subsequent split into two factions was probably a necessary one to give them a jolt. To be honest, the only really major departures the Dark Secret Saga albums make compared with the Emerald Sword Saga are as follows:

- Christopher Lee narrates the Dark Sword Saga - score one for the Dark Sword Saga. - The Emerald Sword Saga doesn't quite have a symphonic-and-narrative-focused release as The Cold Embrace of Fear, though since that was kind of a dull misstep that's a solid point in the Emerald Sword Saga's favour.

And, erm, that's about it. Apparently the band have decided that this will be the last of their conceptual epics, and perhaps some time backing away from the expectations the Emerald Sword Saga built up will be good for recharging their creative batteries. I'm also interested to see what Rhapsody of Fire and Luca Turilli do now they've had their amicable parting of the ways. But as far as this album goes, it's solid stuff, but I know this Rhapsody lineup are capable of better and they don't quite deliver the triumphant conclusion I was hoping for.