re-submission of RHAPSODY biographie

RHAPSODY released their first album "Legendary Tales" in 1997. The Italian power metal band incorporate classical and baroque sounds into their music, a combination which proves to be very powerful. Each album fits into one ever expanding storyline, "The Chronicles of Algalord" comparable to the great literary works of the fantasy genre if we deem musical imagery as viable for such purpose as the constructs of effective writing. Certainly the band create the same scale of setting, indeed the same epic atmosphere in their fantasy work as may be found in such literary tales as the masterworks of Tolkien.

It is very hard to draw legitimate comparisons between RHAPSODY and other bands. Some cite similarities with THERION, who also record with full orchestra and choir. THERION however combine metal (in some cases, death metal) with the Wagner school of classical music, creating large scale Nordic soundscapes. RHAPSODY bring together power metal with medieval, baroque and classical period music; Vivaldi, Bach, Paganini, Verdi are all major influences and the result is a distinctly Italian flavor. Ultimately, RHAPSODY are unique.

The members of RHAPSODY are Alex Staropoli (harpsichord, keyboard, piano), Luca Turilli (guitars), Fabio Leone (vocals), Alex Holzwarth (Drums) and Patrice Guers (bass). All may be considered virtuosos on their respective instruments. In addition to this 5-piece core, a great many other musicians, vocalists and even actors have collaborated over the course of what is now seven albums.

After the release of “Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret”, RHAPSODY were forced for legal reasons to change their name, opting instead for the title RHAPSODY OF FIRE. On the subject of that album, it is the manifestation of all the experience the band have gained producing five albums previous to it and is without doubt a masterpiece. Christopher Lee narrates much of the storyline in a diverse album that will appeal to a greater portion than merely the fan of the power metal genre. I recommend it and the band to all who enjoy first class musicianship, skillful composition and classical/baroque/medieval styles of music; the rhapsody a resultant of the bands incorporation of music from these periods into power metal with such individuality and skill deserves to be experienced by everyone.

Following the release of “Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret”, RHAPSODY were forced for legal reasons to change their name, opting instead for the title RHAPSODY OF FIRE. On the subject of that album, it is the manifestation of all the experience the band have gained producing five albums previous to it and is without doubt a masterpiece. Christopher Lee narrates much of the storyline in a diverse album that will appeal to a greater portion than merely the fan of the power metal genre. I go as far as to recommend it and the band to all who enjoy first class musicianship and skillful composition.