Laying my cards on the table I have to describe myself as a long term fan of Rhapsody (of Fire). Emerald Sword is a big favourite at Bray Towers and I even collect Luca Turilli’s solo material. So it would be fair to say that I was looking forward to this release. I would say though that I really don’t give a flying fig about the storylines contained in the Rhapsody (of Fire) canon and could quite easily live without the spoken word segments even though the god-like Christopher Lee is once again involved on this effort. 

I also find their relationship with Joey DeMaio and Manowar increasingly irritating as it quite clearly means that that they’ll never tour the UK as we appear to have collectively lost the faith. I can also see why some would wish to take the piss and see the band as a joke. Lets’ be honest, does Village of Dwarves sound like true metal to you? I can appreciate that some of you out there could possibly find vocalist Fabio Lione a little difficult to deal with as his accent is rather thick. I can do with out the medieval interludes as well. However, despite all this I genuinely like them.  

You may note that 7.5/10 is a good mark but not a great one and therein lies the rub. There’s nothing new on offer on this CD, it’s a retread of what the band has always done well and that’s completely fine by me. Dar-Kunor begins the piece in an orchestral way and immediately one notices that this is a great sounding record but one that is very comfortable for long term fans of the band. 

There’s breakneck drumming, storytelling and sharp solos and everything that you’d expect from Rhapsody of Fire (I think I’ve made my point about the name change) and it’s a perfectly serviceable effort. BUT it won’t gain any new fans. This is a band who have created their own niche and are happy to work within its confines. They are successful enough so that they don’t have to compromise their artistic vision but for them to claim that, the name change brings “their music to the next level” doesn’t ring true. It’s really a case of “more of the same, thanks.” 

I love the sing-along The Myth of the Holy Sword and the way that perhaps some of the other tunes rock slightly more than previously. Epic barely begins to do justice to The Mystic Prophecy of the Demonknight which clocks in at a mighty sixteen minutes plus. Personally I’m happy for Rhapsody of Fire to potter along doing what they want to do, they ( like AC/DC) have their own way of doing things that makes them unique but I don’t see this release helping them to crash into the mainstream.

More regrettably, I also don’t see it as the release that will see the UK sit up and take notice to the effect that the band and their representatives decide to come and visit us. More’s the pity.

Triumph Or Agony is released via SPV on September 25th

Let us know your views on 'Triumph Or Agony'

Track List

Dar Kunor
Triumph Or Agony
Heart Of The Darklands
Old Age Of Wonders
Myth Of The Holy Sword
Il Canto Del Vento
Silent Dream
Bloody Red Dungeons
Son Of Pain
Mystic Prophecy Of The Demon Knight
Dark Reign Of Fire
Defenders Of Gaia
New Saga Begins

Line Up

Fabio Lione - Vocals
Luca Turilli - Guitars
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Patrice Guers - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums