Rhapsody of Fire
Encyclopedia
Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian
symphonic
power metal
band led by Alex Staropoli
. Since forming in 1993, the band has released eight studio albums, one live album
, two EP
s, and a live DVD. Rhapsody of Fire is known for its conceptual
lyrics that constitute a fantasy
story throughout all of their albums.
band with the vision of integrating classical music
elements with metal. The first to join him were Alex Staropoli
and Daniele Carbonera. These three formed a band that became known as Thundercross. Turilli has said in interviews that both Thundercross and the early Rhapsody material were heavily influenced by Manowar's style of heavy metal, and that Yngwie Malmsteen was a big influence from a guitar playing perspective.
A year later Thundercross released their first demo
, "Land of Immortals", with Cristiano Adacher taking on the role of vocals. During this period of time, they went through a few bassist changes in their lineup. Limb Music Products & Publishing showed interest in the band's music and shortly after the band received a proposal from the record company.
Having accepted the offer, the band soon began promoting their music and started recording their second demo, "Eternal Glory". At this time they also changed their name to Rhapsody so as to highlight their connection with classical music
and poetry
. Shortly after the release of Eternal Glory, Cristiano (vocals) and Andrea (bassist) left the band. Rhapsody found new vocalist Fabio Lione
, the former vocalist of Labyrinth
and Athena, who was known for the depth and power of his voice in his songs.
, which was released in 1997. Rhapsody incorporated classical music, baroque
and heavy metal
styles in a sub-genre they call "film score metal" due to its resemblance to movie soundtracks. The album was recorded in Germany
by the well known producer Sascha Paeth
(Heaven's Gate), who also helped Rhapsody their the bass parts. The album was also the beginning story of the Emerald Sword Saga
. The lyrics on the album (written by Turilli) often refer to mystical medieval folklore
and the heroic valor of those times and are centered around high fantasy
, highlighting in particular the everlasting fight between good and evil.
In the years that followed, Turilli, Staropoli and Lione developed their new sound even more with their second album, Symphony of Enchanted Lands
, in 1998, having been joined by bass player Alessandro Lotta
. They wrote pieces such as Emerald Sword, drawing on Russian folklore
and Celtic
style elements and adding to the Emerald Sword Saga. 1999 was a quiet year for Rhapsody, but Luca and Fabio both released solo albums.
. They performed with Stratovarius
and Sonata Arctica
in Spring 2000 supported by their new drummer Alex Holzwarth
.
After the tour they began recording their new album, Dawn of Victory
. The first single Holy Thunderforce was released in 2000 with some success. The new album showed Rhapsody in a whole new light, with a more aggressive style and sped up tempo. It continued the third part of the Emerald Sword Saga
, and the orchestra still played an important part of the album, with songs such as Lux Triumphans, The Village of Dwarves and The Bloody Rage of the Titans, played beside more bombastic melodies as Dawn of Victory, Triumph For My Magic Steel, Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain and Holy Thunderforce. It had more success than any of their previous outings, and Dawn of Victory ranked at 32 in the German charts while in Japan
it peaked in 4th place. In early summer 2001, Rhapsody toured through South America
and Europe.
Rain of a Thousand Flames
was a 42 minute EP, serving as a bridge between the last part of the Emerald Sword Saga
and "Power of the Dragonflame". Power of the Dragonflame
was released in February 2002 and had incredible success around the world. Marking the end of the Emerald Sword Saga
, it contained soft ballads and upbeat metal melodies.
The band was joined by another two members, Patrice Guers
(bass) and Dominique Leurquin (Guitars). Alex Holzwarth
, who had been playing drums for Rhapsody onstage since 2000 was listed in the official band line-up on these releases, although Holzwarth has played drums in the studio since The Dark Secret
EP
.
EP was released on June 28, 2004. It gave listeners a taste of what could be expected from the new album, labelled Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret
which was released several months later in September. Christopher Lee
was involved in this project, narrating
part of the storyline. Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II was a follow-up to the Emerald Sword Saga
called The Dark Secret Saga
.
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II features a wide variety of sounds and style.Unholy Warcry mixes powerful heavy metal with Staropoli’s elaborate choral arrangements. On Never Forgotten Heroes, Gregorian choir voices and majestic piano sounds create an eerie atmosphere before the composition turns into a straight piece which is enriched by Turilli’s guitar leads. Erian’s Mystical Rhymes and Sacred Power Of Raging Winds are two pieces that are each more than 10 minutes long. These two could easily be considered rock operas because they showcase classical string sequences, as well as an orchestra, bass drum, and a choir. The violin
and the cello
produce dark sounds and a magical atmosphere is created by the duels fought between the woodwind players and the strings. Together with the lead guitars by Turilli and Lee’s spoken parts, they give the whole work a magical mood, which is then intensified by Fabio Lione
’s flexible voice.
The band members consider this a great new start, reflecting the emboldened and increasingly grandiose direction that their music has taken. "The power of the Dragonflame will burn brighter than ever before," says guitarist/songwriter Luca Turilli. Keyboardist/songwriter Alex Staropoli
adds, "The name Rhapsody Of Fire better represents the energy that has always been present in this band and its music."
The band released Triumph or Agony
, on September 25, 2006, in Europe. The second chapter in The Dark Secret Saga
, Triumph Or Agony continues the bombastic Rhapsody Of Fire tradition with a live 70 piece orchestra
and choir
as Turilli and Staropoli continuing to self-produce the band’s work with the assistance of co-producer Sascha Paeth.
New songs include Silent Dream, Son Of Pain and the epic 16-minute long The Mystic Prophecy Of The Demonknight, an example of a cinema soundtrack adapted to a metal song. In addition vocalist Fabio Lione
’s gives his songwriting debut for Rhapsody Of Fire with the song Il Canto del Vento.
and his main representative Mr. Joey DeMaio
". Since then, the band went on a hiatus for nearly one and a half years. Any studio or live activity was suspended for the period. Luca Turilli concentrated on his solo albums, Fabio Lione collaborated with Vision Divine and Kamelot, Alex Holzwarth collaborated with his brother Oliver, and Staropoli also announced his plans to record a solo album.
In late 2009 Limb Music
re-released their back-catalogue from 1997 to 2001, along with the compilation album "Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga
" on digital music stores.
, would be released on March 5, 2010. However, Nuclear Blast stated that the album would not be released until April 30. On March 5, 2010 the official Rhapsody of Fire website announced that it would indeed be released on April 30. A new song was made available to download soon after. The album was produced by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli and mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth
at the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg
. As well as the standard edition, it was released as a "special limited deluxe digipak" which included two bonus tracks and a 32 page booklet, and on vinyl.
A 35 minute EP entitled The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony
was released in Europe on October 15, 2010 and in the United States on January 25, 2011. The story is directly connected to The Frozen Tears of Angels.
On March 5, 2011 Rhapsody of Fire announced that they have finished the mixing of their new eighth studio album From Chaos to Eternity
, which was due to be released on June 17, 2011 but close to the release date was changed to July 12, 2011. It is their final fantasy based album that follows the chronicles of Algalord. The album is to contain nine tracks, one of which, Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom, is almost twenty minutes long and is split into 5 parts.
has become a new official member of Rhapsody Of Fire. Hess recorded all the rhythm guitar parts and contributed several solos for the band's CD From Chaos to Eternity
and will be touring with the band starting with the festivals taking place in 2011.
On August 16, 2011, Rhapsody of Fire announced the friendly departure of long-time guitarist, song-writer and founding member Luca Turilli, along with bassist Patrice Guers
. Turilli and Guers will continue on with "a new Rhapsody band". On September 1, 2011, the band announced their new bassist, Alex's brother and former Blind Guardian
session member Oliver Holzwarth
.
On September, 27, the band announced that Roberto De Micheli (from Sinestesia, an Italian prog-metal band also from Trieste) has joined them as a second guitar player.
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
symphonic
Symphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
power metal
Power metal
Power metal is a style of heavy metal combining characteristics of traditional metal with speed metal, often within symphonic context. The term refers to two different but related styles: the first pioneered and largely practiced in North America with a harder sound similar to speed metal, and a...
band led by Alex Staropoli
Alex Staropoli
Alessandro Staropoli is the keyboard player, composer and co-founder of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire...
. Since forming in 1993, the band has released eight studio albums, one live album
Live album
A live album is a recording consisting of material recorded during stage performances using remote recording techniques, commonly contrasted with a studio album...
, two EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
s, and a live DVD. Rhapsody of Fire is known for its conceptual
Concept album
In music, a concept album is an album that is "unified by a theme, which can be instrumental, compositional, narrative, or lyrical." Commonly, concept albums tend to incorporate preconceived musical or lyrical ideas rather than being improvised or composed in the studio, with all songs contributing...
lyrics that constitute a fantasy
Fantasy
Fantasy is a genre of fiction that commonly uses magic and other supernatural phenomena as a primary element of plot, theme, or setting. Many works within the genre take place in imaginary worlds where magic is common...
story throughout all of their albums.
Early years (1993—1997)
In 1993, Luca Turilli decided to create a Symphonic metalSymphonic metal
Symphonic metal is a term used to describe heavy metal music that has symphonic elements; that is, elements that are either borrowed from classical music or, as with progressive rock music, create a style reminiscent of it, e.g...
band with the vision of integrating classical music
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
elements with metal. The first to join him were Alex Staropoli
Alex Staropoli
Alessandro Staropoli is the keyboard player, composer and co-founder of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire...
and Daniele Carbonera. These three formed a band that became known as Thundercross. Turilli has said in interviews that both Thundercross and the early Rhapsody material were heavily influenced by Manowar's style of heavy metal, and that Yngwie Malmsteen was a big influence from a guitar playing perspective.
A year later Thundercross released their first demo
Demo (music)
A demo version or demo of a song is one recorded for reference rather than for release. A demo is a way for a musician to approximate their ideas on tape or disc, and provide an example of those ideas to record labels, producers or other artists...
, "Land of Immortals", with Cristiano Adacher taking on the role of vocals. During this period of time, they went through a few bassist changes in their lineup. Limb Music Products & Publishing showed interest in the band's music and shortly after the band received a proposal from the record company.
Having accepted the offer, the band soon began promoting their music and started recording their second demo, "Eternal Glory". At this time they also changed their name to Rhapsody so as to highlight their connection with classical music
Classical music
Classical music is the art music produced in, or rooted in, the traditions of Western liturgical and secular music, encompassing a broad period from roughly the 11th century to present times...
and poetry
Poetry
Poetry is a form of literary art in which language is used for its aesthetic and evocative qualities in addition to, or in lieu of, its apparent meaning...
. Shortly after the release of Eternal Glory, Cristiano (vocals) and Andrea (bassist) left the band. Rhapsody found new vocalist Fabio Lione
Fabio Lione
Fabio Tordiglione is an Italian singer who has sung with many music bands including Rhapsody of Fire, Labyrinth, Ayreon, Vision Divine and Athena, and as a touring lead singer with American band Kamelot...
, the former vocalist of Labyrinth
Labyrinth
In Greek mythology, the Labyrinth was an elaborate structure designed and built by the legendary artificer Daedalus for King Minos of Crete at Knossos...
and Athena, who was known for the depth and power of his voice in his songs.
Legendary Tales and Symphony of Enchanted Lands (1997—2000)
With these four members, the band started recording their debut album, Legendary TalesLegendary Tales
Legendary Tales is, according to the band's official web page, the first album by Rhapsody, released in 1997. It marks the beginning of the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:*All songs written by Luca Turilli & Alex Staropoli...
, which was released in 1997. Rhapsody incorporated classical music, baroque
Baroque music
Baroque music describes a style of Western Classical music approximately extending from 1600 to 1760. This era follows the Renaissance and was followed in turn by the Classical era...
and heavy metal
Heavy metal music
Heavy metal is a genre of rock music that developed in the late 1960s and early 1970s, largely in the Midlands of the United Kingdom and the United States...
styles in a sub-genre they call "film score metal" due to its resemblance to movie soundtracks. The album was recorded in Germany
Germany
Germany , officially the Federal Republic of Germany , is a federal parliamentary republic in Europe. The country consists of 16 states while the capital and largest city is Berlin. Germany covers an area of 357,021 km2 and has a largely temperate seasonal climate...
by the well known producer Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth is a German guitarist, bassist, musical producer, and mixer known for working with heavy metal bands such as Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever, Epica, et al...
(Heaven's Gate), who also helped Rhapsody their the bass parts. The album was also the beginning story of the Emerald Sword Saga
Emerald Sword Saga
The Emerald Sword Saga is a high fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire that follows many of the common tropes of the genre, including clearly defined good versus evil and the inclusion of various fantasy monsters...
. The lyrics on the album (written by Turilli) often refer to mystical medieval folklore
Folklore
Folklore consists of legends, music, oral history, proverbs, jokes, popular beliefs, fairy tales and customs that are the traditions of a culture, subculture, or group. It is also the set of practices through which those expressive genres are shared. The study of folklore is sometimes called...
and the heroic valor of those times and are centered around high fantasy
High fantasy
High fantasy or epic fantasy is a subgenre of fantasy that is set in invented or parallel worlds. High fantasy was brought to fruition through the work of authors such as J. R. R. Tolkien and C. S. Lewis, whose major fantasy works were published in the 1950s...
, highlighting in particular the everlasting fight between good and evil.
In the years that followed, Turilli, Staropoli and Lione developed their new sound even more with their second album, Symphony of Enchanted Lands
Symphony of Enchanted Lands
Symphony of Enchanted Lands is an album released by Rhapsody in 1998. It is the second album of the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:*All songs, vocal lines and classical interludes composed by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli...
, in 1998, having been joined by bass player Alessandro Lotta
Alessandro Lotta
Alessandro Lotta is the former bassist of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody Of Fire, which he joined in 1996. Before joining Rhapsody he played in smaller local bands in Trieste, Italy....
. They wrote pieces such as Emerald Sword, drawing on Russian folklore
Folklore
Folklore consists of legends, music, oral history, proverbs, jokes, popular beliefs, fairy tales and customs that are the traditions of a culture, subculture, or group. It is also the set of practices through which those expressive genres are shared. The study of folklore is sometimes called...
and Celtic
Celtic music
Celtic music is a term utilised by artists, record companies, music stores and music magazines to describe a broad grouping of musical genres that evolved out of the folk musical traditions of the Celtic people of Western Europe...
style elements and adding to the Emerald Sword Saga. 1999 was a quiet year for Rhapsody, but Luca and Fabio both released solo albums.
Dawn of Victory, Rain of a Thousand Flames and Power of the Dragonflame (2000–2004)
In the spring Rhapsody started their first tour, starting in SwedenSweden
Sweden , officially the Kingdom of Sweden , is a Nordic country on the Scandinavian Peninsula in Northern Europe. Sweden borders with Norway and Finland and is connected to Denmark by a bridge-tunnel across the Öresund....
. They performed with Stratovarius
Stratovarius
Stratovarius are a Finnish power metal band that formed in 1984. Since their formation they have released 13 studio albums and one live album. Along with Helloween, Blind Guardian, Rhapsody of Fire and Gamma Ray, Stratovarius are considered one of the leading groups of the power metal and symphonic...
and Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica
Sonata Arctica are a Finnish power metal band from the town of Kemi, originally assembled in 1995. Their later works contain several elements typical of progressive metal.....
in Spring 2000 supported by their new drummer Alex Holzwarth
Alex Holzwarth
Alex Holzwarth was born on 4 October 1968 in Landshut, Germany and is a professional drummer, and current member of italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He is also the brother of the band's bassist Oliver Holzwarth....
.
After the tour they began recording their new album, Dawn of Victory
Dawn of Victory
Dawn of Victory is the third album studio released by Rhapsody in 2000. Like the previous albums, it centers on the story of Algalord and the "Emerald Sword Saga". It has been produced and engineered by Sascha Paeth and Miro...
. The first single Holy Thunderforce was released in 2000 with some success. The new album showed Rhapsody in a whole new light, with a more aggressive style and sped up tempo. It continued the third part of the Emerald Sword Saga
Emerald Sword Saga
The Emerald Sword Saga is a high fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire that follows many of the common tropes of the genre, including clearly defined good versus evil and the inclusion of various fantasy monsters...
, and the orchestra still played an important part of the album, with songs such as Lux Triumphans, The Village of Dwarves and The Bloody Rage of the Titans, played beside more bombastic melodies as Dawn of Victory, Triumph For My Magic Steel, Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain and Holy Thunderforce. It had more success than any of their previous outings, and Dawn of Victory ranked at 32 in the German charts while in Japan
Japan
Japan is an island nation in East Asia. Located in the Pacific Ocean, it lies to the east of the Sea of Japan, China, North Korea, South Korea and Russia, stretching from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south...
it peaked in 4th place. In early summer 2001, Rhapsody toured through South America
South America
South America is a continent situated in the Western Hemisphere, mostly in the Southern Hemisphere, with a relatively small portion in the Northern Hemisphere. The continent is also considered a subcontinent of the Americas. It is bordered on the west by the Pacific Ocean and on the north and east...
and Europe.
Rain of a Thousand Flames
Rain of a Thousand Flames
Rain of a Thousand Flames is the fourth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2001. It tells a part of the Emerald Sword Saga, but it is a parallel episode that is not essential to the story, taking place shortly after Dawn of Victory. While the Warrior of Ice is away, Akron uses the newly acquired...
was a 42 minute EP, serving as a bridge between the last part of the Emerald Sword Saga
Emerald Sword Saga
The Emerald Sword Saga is a high fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire that follows many of the common tropes of the genre, including clearly defined good versus evil and the inclusion of various fantasy monsters...
and "Power of the Dragonflame". Power of the Dragonflame
Power of the Dragonflame
Power of the Dragonflame is the fifth album studio released by Rhapsody in 2002 and is the last chapter in the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:#"In Tenebris" – 1:29#"Knightrider of Doom" – 3:57#"Power of the Dragonflame" – 4:27...
was released in February 2002 and had incredible success around the world. Marking the end of the Emerald Sword Saga
Emerald Sword Saga
The Emerald Sword Saga is a high fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire that follows many of the common tropes of the genre, including clearly defined good versus evil and the inclusion of various fantasy monsters...
, it contained soft ballads and upbeat metal melodies.
The band was joined by another two members, Patrice Guers
Patrice Guers
Patrice Guers is the former bassist of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He joined the band after Alessandro Lotta left the band and performed with them until 2011, when he departed with guitarist Luca Turilli. He started playing bass at the age of fourteen and he started lessons...
(bass) and Dominique Leurquin (Guitars). Alex Holzwarth
Alex Holzwarth
Alex Holzwarth was born on 4 October 1968 in Landshut, Germany and is a professional drummer, and current member of italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He is also the brother of the band's bassist Oliver Holzwarth....
, who had been playing drums for Rhapsody onstage since 2000 was listed in the official band line-up on these releases, although Holzwarth has played drums in the studio since The Dark Secret
The Dark Secret
The Dark Secret is the second EP released by Rhapsody in 2004.-Track listing:# "Unholy Warcry" - 4:27# "Thunder's Mighty Roar" - 5:35# "Guardians Of Destiny" - 5:27# "Sacred Power Of Raging Winds" - 10:09...
EP
Extended play
An EP is a musical recording which contains more music than a single, but is too short to qualify as a full album or LP. The term EP originally referred only to specific types of vinyl records other than 78 rpm standard play records and LP records, but it is now applied to mid-length Compact...
.
The Dark Secret and Symphony of Enchanted Lands II (2004–2006)
The Dark SecretThe Dark Secret
The Dark Secret is the second EP released by Rhapsody in 2004.-Track listing:# "Unholy Warcry" - 4:27# "Thunder's Mighty Roar" - 5:35# "Guardians Of Destiny" - 5:27# "Sacred Power Of Raging Winds" - 10:09...
EP was released on June 28, 2004. It gave listeners a taste of what could be expected from the new album, labelled Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret
Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret is the sixth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2004. Many have been confused by its title, as it's not a sequel to "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" but is the first chapter of a new saga, "The Dark Secret Saga"...
which was released several months later in September. Christopher Lee
Christopher Lee
Sir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ is an English actor and musician. Lee initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films...
was involved in this project, narrating
Narrator
A narrator is, within any story , the fictional or non-fictional, personal or impersonal entity who tells the story to the audience. When the narrator is also a character within the story, he or she is sometimes known as the viewpoint character. The narrator is one of three entities responsible for...
part of the storyline. Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II was a follow-up to the Emerald Sword Saga
Emerald Sword Saga
The Emerald Sword Saga is a high fantasy story spread over 5 albums by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire that follows many of the common tropes of the genre, including clearly defined good versus evil and the inclusion of various fantasy monsters...
called The Dark Secret Saga
The Dark Secret Saga
The Dark Secret Saga is a fantasy story written by the Italian band Rhapsody of Fire. The story is a sequel to The Emerald Sword Saga and it takes place a few years after the events of The Emerald Sword Saga...
.
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II features a wide variety of sounds and style.Unholy Warcry mixes powerful heavy metal with Staropoli’s elaborate choral arrangements. On Never Forgotten Heroes, Gregorian choir voices and majestic piano sounds create an eerie atmosphere before the composition turns into a straight piece which is enriched by Turilli’s guitar leads. Erian’s Mystical Rhymes and Sacred Power Of Raging Winds are two pieces that are each more than 10 minutes long. These two could easily be considered rock operas because they showcase classical string sequences, as well as an orchestra, bass drum, and a choir. The violin
Violin
The violin is a string instrument, usually with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is the smallest, highest-pitched member of the violin family of string instruments, which includes the viola and cello....
and the cello
Cello
The cello is a bowed string instrument with four strings tuned in perfect fifths. It is a member of the violin family of musical instruments, which also includes the violin, viola, and double bass. Old forms of the instrument in the Baroque era are baryton and viol .A person who plays a cello is...
produce dark sounds and a magical atmosphere is created by the duels fought between the woodwind players and the strings. Together with the lead guitars by Turilli and Lee’s spoken parts, they give the whole work a magical mood, which is then intensified by Fabio Lione
Fabio Lione
Fabio Tordiglione is an Italian singer who has sung with many music bands including Rhapsody of Fire, Labyrinth, Ayreon, Vision Divine and Athena, and as a touring lead singer with American band Kamelot...
’s flexible voice.
Name change and Triumph or Agony (2006–2007)
In July 2006 the band formerly known as Rhapsody changed their name to Rhapsody of Fire due to trademark issues. The band's website goes into further detail:The band members consider this a great new start, reflecting the emboldened and increasingly grandiose direction that their music has taken. "The power of the Dragonflame will burn brighter than ever before," says guitarist/songwriter Luca Turilli. Keyboardist/songwriter Alex Staropoli
Alex Staropoli
Alessandro Staropoli is the keyboard player, composer and co-founder of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire...
adds, "The name Rhapsody Of Fire better represents the energy that has always been present in this band and its music."
The band released Triumph or Agony
Triumph or Agony
Triumph or Agony is the seventh album studio released by Rhapsody of Fire in Europe on 25 September 2006.It is the first album that the band released after their name change....
, on September 25, 2006, in Europe. The second chapter in The Dark Secret Saga
The Dark Secret Saga
The Dark Secret Saga is a fantasy story written by the Italian band Rhapsody of Fire. The story is a sequel to The Emerald Sword Saga and it takes place a few years after the events of The Emerald Sword Saga...
, Triumph Or Agony continues the bombastic Rhapsody Of Fire tradition with a live 70 piece orchestra
Orchestra
An orchestra is a sizable instrumental ensemble that contains sections of string, brass, woodwind, and percussion instruments. The term orchestra derives from the Greek ορχήστρα, the name for the area in front of an ancient Greek stage reserved for the Greek chorus...
and choir
Choir
A choir, chorale or chorus is a musical ensemble of singers. Choral music, in turn, is the music written specifically for such an ensemble to perform.A body of singers who perform together as a group is called a choir or chorus...
as Turilli and Staropoli continuing to self-produce the band’s work with the assistance of co-producer Sascha Paeth.
New songs include Silent Dream, Son Of Pain and the epic 16-minute long The Mystic Prophecy Of The Demonknight, an example of a cinema soundtrack adapted to a metal song. In addition vocalist Fabio Lione
Fabio Lione
Fabio Tordiglione is an Italian singer who has sung with many music bands including Rhapsody of Fire, Labyrinth, Ayreon, Vision Divine and Athena, and as a touring lead singer with American band Kamelot...
’s gives his songwriting debut for Rhapsody Of Fire with the song Il Canto del Vento.
Legal fight with Magic Circle Music and a hiatus (2007–2009)
In June 2008, Luca Turilli reported on the band's official website about a "hard legal fight with Magic Circle MusicMagic Circle Music
- History :Magic Circle Music was founded by Manowar bassist Joey DeMaio in 2005 named after Richard Wagner's Der Ring des Nibelungen by which DeMaio is highly inspired. The purpose of the label is to give the band complete creative control of their operation...
and his main representative Mr. Joey DeMaio
Joey DeMaio
Joey DeMaio is an American bass player and main songwriter for the heavy metal band Manowar which he co-founded in 1980. He is also the founder and CEO of Magic Circle Music....
". Since then, the band went on a hiatus for nearly one and a half years. Any studio or live activity was suspended for the period. Luca Turilli concentrated on his solo albums, Fabio Lione collaborated with Vision Divine and Kamelot, Alex Holzwarth collaborated with his brother Oliver, and Staropoli also announced his plans to record a solo album.
In late 2009 Limb Music
Limb Music
Limb Music is an independent record label based in Hamburg, Germany.-Artists:*Abraxas*Adagio*Archetype*Black Majesty*Burningblack*Burning Point*Casus Belli*Chinchilla*Code of Perfection*Concerto Moon*Cryonic Temple*Domain*Double Dealer*Dungeon...
re-released their back-catalogue from 1997 to 2001, along with the compilation album "Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga
Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga
Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga is a compilation album released by symphonic power metal band Rhapsody in 2004.-Track listing:# Warrior of Ice - 6:00# Rage of the Winter - 4:48# Forest of Unicorns - 3:24...
" on digital music stores.
Return, Frozen Tears of Angels and Nuclear Blast (2009-2011)
On November 18, 2009 it was announced that the band had signed with Nuclear Blast Records and that their new album, The Frozen Tears of AngelsThe Frozen Tears of Angels
-Concept:There is a growing fear of war on the horizon for the enchanted lands. The Disciples of the Black Order are gathering their army to unleash their long lost Black Messiah, Nekron, from his prison, to unleash pure evil and chaos upon the world. The wizards of the White Dragon's Order feel it...
, would be released on March 5, 2010. However, Nuclear Blast stated that the album would not be released until April 30. On March 5, 2010 the official Rhapsody of Fire website announced that it would indeed be released on April 30. A new song was made available to download soon after. The album was produced by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli and mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth
Sascha Paeth is a German guitarist, bassist, musical producer, and mixer known for working with heavy metal bands such as Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever, Epica, et al...
at the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg
Wolfsburg is a town in Lower Saxony, Germany. It is located on the River Aller northeast of Braunschweig , and is mainly notable as the headquarters of Volkswagen AG...
. As well as the standard edition, it was released as a "special limited deluxe digipak" which included two bonus tracks and a 32 page booklet, and on vinyl.
A 35 minute EP entitled The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony
The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony
-Charts:-Notes:* The Ancient Fires of Har-Kuun is styled as one of the band's signature epics.* Neve Rosso Sangue is an Italian ballad.* Erian's Lost Secrets is a mid-tempo song....
was released in Europe on October 15, 2010 and in the United States on January 25, 2011. The story is directly connected to The Frozen Tears of Angels.
On March 5, 2011 Rhapsody of Fire announced that they have finished the mixing of their new eighth studio album From Chaos to Eternity
From Chaos to Eternity
From Chaos to Eternity is the nineth full-length studio album by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. It was released in June 17, 2011 via Nuclear Blast. This album is the first to feature the guitar playing of Tom Hess who became a full time official member of the band in 2011...
, which was due to be released on June 17, 2011 but close to the release date was changed to July 12, 2011. It is their final fantasy based album that follows the chronicles of Algalord. The album is to contain nine tracks, one of which, Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom, is almost twenty minutes long and is split into 5 parts.
Acquisition of a second guitarist, Turilli's departure and line-up changes (2011-)
On April 15, 2011 it was announced that guitarist Tom HessTom Hess (guitarist)
Tom Hess is a touring guitarist, recording artist and a member of the band Rhapsody Of Fire. Hess also toured Europe and US with the band HolyHell alongside Joe Stump and recorded the album "Apocalypse" which landed on the charts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.In addition to his professional...
has become a new official member of Rhapsody Of Fire. Hess recorded all the rhythm guitar parts and contributed several solos for the band's CD From Chaos to Eternity
From Chaos to Eternity
From Chaos to Eternity is the nineth full-length studio album by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. It was released in June 17, 2011 via Nuclear Blast. This album is the first to feature the guitar playing of Tom Hess who became a full time official member of the band in 2011...
and will be touring with the band starting with the festivals taking place in 2011.
On August 16, 2011, Rhapsody of Fire announced the friendly departure of long-time guitarist, song-writer and founding member Luca Turilli, along with bassist Patrice Guers
Patrice Guers
Patrice Guers is the former bassist of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He joined the band after Alessandro Lotta left the band and performed with them until 2011, when he departed with guitarist Luca Turilli. He started playing bass at the age of fourteen and he started lessons...
. Turilli and Guers will continue on with "a new Rhapsody band". On September 1, 2011, the band announced their new bassist, Alex's brother and former Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian
Blind Guardian is a German power metal band formed in the mid-1980s in Krefeld, West Germany. They are often credited as one of the seminal and most influential bands in the power metal and speed metal subgenres...
session member Oliver Holzwarth
Oliver Holzwarth
Oliver Holzwarth is a German bass guitarist. He was born in Munich, Germany. He plays bass in Rhapsody of Fire along with his brother, drummer Alex Holzwarth. Oliver has been the live/studio bass player for Blind Guardian since 1998...
.
On September, 27, the band announced that Roberto De Micheli (from Sinestesia, an Italian prog-metal band also from Trieste) has joined them as a second guitar player.
Current members
- Alex StaropoliAlex StaropoliAlessandro Staropoli is the keyboard player, composer and co-founder of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire...
– Keyboards (1993–present) - Fabio LioneFabio LioneFabio Tordiglione is an Italian singer who has sung with many music bands including Rhapsody of Fire, Labyrinth, Ayreon, Vision Divine and Athena, and as a touring lead singer with American band Kamelot...
– Vocals (1995–present) - Alex HolzwarthAlex HolzwarthAlex Holzwarth was born on 4 October 1968 in Landshut, Germany and is a professional drummer, and current member of italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He is also the brother of the band's bassist Oliver Holzwarth....
– Drums (2000–present) - Tom HessTom Hess (guitarist)Tom Hess is a touring guitarist, recording artist and a member of the band Rhapsody Of Fire. Hess also toured Europe and US with the band HolyHell alongside Joe Stump and recorded the album "Apocalypse" which landed on the charts in Germany, Austria and Switzerland.In addition to his professional...
– GuitarGuitarThe guitar is a plucked string instrument, usually played with fingers or a pick. The guitar consists of a body with a rigid neck to which the strings, generally six in number, are attached. Guitars are traditionally constructed of various woods and strung with animal gut or, more recently, with...
(2011–present) - Oliver HolzwarthOliver HolzwarthOliver Holzwarth is a German bass guitarist. He was born in Munich, Germany. He plays bass in Rhapsody of Fire along with his brother, drummer Alex Holzwarth. Oliver has been the live/studio bass player for Blind Guardian since 1998...
– BassBass guitarThe bass guitar is a stringed instrument played primarily with the fingers or thumb , or by using a pick....
(2011-present) - Roberto De Micheli - Guitar (2011-present)
Former members
- Luca Turilli – Lead/rhythm guitar (1993-2011)
- Cristiano Adacher – Vocals (1993–1995)
- Andrea Furlan – Bass (1993–1995)
- Daniele Carbonera – Drums (1993–1999)
- Alessandro Lotta – Bass (1995–2001)
- Patrice GuersPatrice GuersPatrice Guers is the former bassist of the Italian symphonic metal band Rhapsody of Fire. He joined the band after Alessandro Lotta left the band and performed with them until 2011, when he departed with guitarist Luca Turilli. He started playing bass at the age of fourteen and he started lessons...
– Bass (2003–2011)
Guest members
- Dominique Leurquin – Guitar, live & Stage member member (since 2010)
- Jay Lansford – Narration, 1997 to 2002
- Christopher LeeChristopher LeeSir Christopher Frank Carandini Lee, CBE, CStJ is an English actor and musician. Lee initially portrayed villains and became famous for his role as Count Dracula in a string of Hammer Horror films...
– Narration Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret is the sixth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2004. Many have been confused by its title, as it's not a sequel to "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" but is the first chapter of a new saga, "The Dark Secret Saga"...
, Triumph or AgonyTriumph or AgonyTriumph or Agony is the seventh album studio released by Rhapsody of Fire in Europe on 25 September 2006.It is the first album that the band released after their name change....
, "The Frozen Tears of AngelsThe Frozen Tears of Angels-Concept:There is a growing fear of war on the horizon for the enchanted lands. The Disciples of the Black Order are gathering their army to unleash their long lost Black Messiah, Nekron, from his prison, to unleash pure evil and chaos upon the world. The wizards of the White Dragon's Order feel it...
", The Cold Embrace Of Fear - A Dark Romantic Symphony and From Chaos to EternityFrom Chaos to EternityFrom Chaos to Eternity is the nineth full-length studio album by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. It was released in June 17, 2011 via Nuclear Blast. This album is the first to feature the guitar playing of Tom Hess who became a full time official member of the band in 2011...
. Additional vocals on The Magic of the Wizard's Dream. - Thunderforce – Drums, 2000–2002
- Sascha PaethSascha PaethSascha Paeth is a German guitarist, bassist, musical producer, and mixer known for working with heavy metal bands such as Avantasia, Edguy, Angra, Shaaman, Rhapsody of Fire, Kamelot, After Forever, Epica, et al...
– Bass on Legendary TalesLegendary TalesLegendary Tales is, according to the band's official web page, the first album by Rhapsody, released in 1997. It marks the beginning of the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:*All songs written by Luca Turilli & Alex Staropoli...
and Power of the DragonflamePower of the DragonflamePower of the Dragonflame is the fifth album studio released by Rhapsody in 2002 and is the last chapter in the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:#"In Tenebris" – 1:29#"Knightrider of Doom" – 3:57#"Power of the Dragonflame" – 4:27... - Robert Hunecke-RizzoRobert Hunecke-RizzoRobert Hunecke-Rizzo is a German bass player, guitarist and drummer, known for his work with Heavens Gate, Luca Turilli, and Kamelot.He helped to found the supergroup Aina, who released their metal opera Days of Rising Doom in 2003. He was the music composer and played most of the instruments...
– Bass on Legendary Tales - Brandon Lavigne – Tin Whistle on Dawn Of VictoryDawn of VictoryDawn of Victory is the third album studio released by Rhapsody in 2000. Like the previous albums, it centers on the story of Algalord and the "Emerald Sword Saga". It has been produced and engineered by Sascha Paeth and Miro...
- Petr PololanikPetr PololáníkPetr Pololáník is a Czech conductor, orchestrator and music producer. His father Zdeněk Pololáník belongs to foremost Czech composers.Petr studied both violin, piano and conducting; in 1996, he earned his Master of Arts in conducting at the Janacek Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno.Since...
– Conductor and orchestrator on Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret is the sixth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2004. Many have been confused by its title, as it's not a sequel to "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" but is the first chapter of a new saga, "The Dark Secret Saga"...
and Triumph or Agony.
Studio albums
- Legendary TalesLegendary TalesLegendary Tales is, according to the band's official web page, the first album by Rhapsody, released in 1997. It marks the beginning of the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:*All songs written by Luca Turilli & Alex Staropoli...
(1997) - Symphony of Enchanted LandsSymphony of Enchanted LandsSymphony of Enchanted Lands is an album released by Rhapsody in 1998. It is the second album of the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:*All songs, vocal lines and classical interludes composed by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli...
(1998) - Dawn of VictoryDawn of VictoryDawn of Victory is the third album studio released by Rhapsody in 2000. Like the previous albums, it centers on the story of Algalord and the "Emerald Sword Saga". It has been produced and engineered by Sascha Paeth and Miro...
(2000) - Rain of a Thousand FlamesRain of a Thousand FlamesRain of a Thousand Flames is the fourth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2001. It tells a part of the Emerald Sword Saga, but it is a parallel episode that is not essential to the story, taking place shortly after Dawn of Victory. While the Warrior of Ice is away, Akron uses the newly acquired...
(2001) - Power of the DragonflamePower of the DragonflamePower of the Dragonflame is the fifth album studio released by Rhapsody in 2002 and is the last chapter in the Emerald Sword Saga.-Track listing:#"In Tenebris" – 1:29#"Knightrider of Doom" – 3:57#"Power of the Dragonflame" – 4:27...
(2002) - Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark SecretSymphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret is the sixth studio album released by Rhapsody in 2004. Many have been confused by its title, as it's not a sequel to "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" but is the first chapter of a new saga, "The Dark Secret Saga"...
(2004) - Triumph or AgonyTriumph or AgonyTriumph or Agony is the seventh album studio released by Rhapsody of Fire in Europe on 25 September 2006.It is the first album that the band released after their name change....
(2006) - The Frozen Tears of AngelsThe Frozen Tears of Angels-Concept:There is a growing fear of war on the horizon for the enchanted lands. The Disciples of the Black Order are gathering their army to unleash their long lost Black Messiah, Nekron, from his prison, to unleash pure evil and chaos upon the world. The wizards of the White Dragon's Order feel it...
(2010) - From Chaos to EternityFrom Chaos to EternityFrom Chaos to Eternity is the nineth full-length studio album by the Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody of Fire. It was released in June 17, 2011 via Nuclear Blast. This album is the first to feature the guitar playing of Tom Hess who became a full time official member of the band in 2011...
(2011)
EPs
- The Dark SecretThe Dark SecretThe Dark Secret is the second EP released by Rhapsody in 2004.-Track listing:# "Unholy Warcry" - 4:27# "Thunder's Mighty Roar" - 5:35# "Guardians Of Destiny" - 5:27# "Sacred Power Of Raging Winds" - 10:09...
(2004) - The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic SymphonyThe Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony-Charts:-Notes:* The Ancient Fires of Har-Kuun is styled as one of the band's signature epics.* Neve Rosso Sangue is an Italian ballad.* Erian's Lost Secrets is a mid-tempo song....
(2010)
Demos
- Land of Immortals (1994)
- Eternal GloryEternal GloryEternal Glory is a 1995 demotape released by Italian symphonic power metal band Rhapsody and their very first release as Rhapsody.-Early recordings:...
(1995)