Rhapsody of Fire

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian power metal band from Trieste. The band describes itself as the founder of 'Hollywood metal'. Originally named Thundercross, then Rhapsody, the band definitively changed its name in 2006 to Rhapsody of Fire. Their music is characterised by 'epic' instrumentation that favours soaring musical passages, at times warlike, at times softer. The lyrics of the first five albums tell a single story, an approach that goes even further than the concept album. Some listeners will appreciate the saga and follow the band for its beautiful melodies; others will criticise the band for going too far within the 'epic' genre and losing its creativity by staying in one style.

On the first three albums, most tracks have a fairly distinctive melodic metal structure, recalling Helloween or Yngwie Malmsteen in the neoclassical aspect of the guitar and some arrangements, enhanced by symphonic passages. They feature lengthy instrumental sections. The whole is energetic, joyful and catchy. The band's style then takes a turn with the EP Rain of a thousand Flames, whose sound is darker. Little by little they move closer to the sound of film music, the current culmination being Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret, where, with the resources at their disposal and the narration of Christopher Lee, they achieve an inspired and varied album.