Share the post "Album review : RHAPSODY OF FIRE – Challenge The Wind"
AFM Records [Release date : 31.05.24]
Fans of the Symphonic Metal genre will know ROF is a band big on concept. This new album, Challenge The Wind, is the third in their “Nephilim Empire Saga”. The second, Glory For Salvation, was enthusiastically reviewed by Joe Geesin on the site in 2021.
Challenge The Wind closes this song cycle.
Well up in the vanguard of symphonic metal, ROF have gone some way to codify the genre… the spine tingling orchestration, the sleek arrangements, the choirs and the hi-speed, hi-energy rhythms. And of course a talented vocalist, Giacomo Voli, who can bring a lyric to life.
The genre has such narrow bandwith that even now, arguably at its peak, it shows no sign of breaking out into the mainstream.
Surprisingly, 30 years on, ROF might be the band to change that.
Band leader, keyboard player, producer, Alex Staropoli isn’t called the ‘Film Score Composer’ for nothing. His production approach doesn’t depend on primal power any longer – those elements have been cleanly excised, giving way to a more evolved, richly melodic sound.
This has allowed the buffed up, epic musical sweep of songs like ‘Whispers of Doom’ and ‘Black Wizard’ to provide the dramatic intensity they were aiming for.
We reviewed the teaser / trailer single, ‘Brave New Hope’ last month, saying that it packed a considerable melodic punch, with Staropoli maintaining a strong producer’s grip on the soaring chorus. That can be said equally of ‘Bloody Pariah’, ‘Kreels Magic Staff’ and the title track. Each is urgent and anthemic, borrowing from Magnum’s and Bro Firetribe’s ability to match solid pomp rock melodies to galloping, quasi symphonic arrangements.
Centrepiece, ‘Vanquished By Shadows” is the fulcrum around which the album spins. It’s a 16 minute, gear shifting adrenaline rush. Roby DeMicheli’s fiery axework and Staropoli’s authoritative keyboards are the conductors, leading an exciting mix of harsh vocals and breathless, darkly lit symphonic metal to the finishing line.
The fact that the music is unrelentingly on fast forward might be a problem for some, but genre fans will love it. ***1/2
Review by Brian McGowan
Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK
Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions, streamed via Facebook.
In 2023 he signed a recording deal with Sony in Canada and released a new single on 15 September.
Next session: Sunday 29 September
Check out videos here: https://www.facebook.com/getreadytorockradio
David Randall presents a weekly show on Get Ready to ROCK! Radio, Sundays at 22:00 GMT, repeated on Mondays and Fridays), when he invites listeners to ‘Assume The Position’. The show signposts forthcoming gigs and tours and latest additions at getreadytorock.com. First broadcast on 8 September 2024.
UK Blues Broadcaster of the Year (2020 and 2021 Finalist) Pete Feenstra presents his weekly Rock & Blues Show on Tuesday at 19:00 GMT as part of a five hour blues rock marathon “Tuesday is Bluesday at GRTR!”. The show is repeated on Wednesdays at 22:00, Fridays at 20:00). This show was first broadcast 10 September 2024.
How to Listen Live?
Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)
Listen via Windows Media Player. Click or tap here and “open file”
Listen via other media player (eg. VLC) Click or tap here and “open file”
Get Ready to ROCK! Radio is also in iTunes under Internet Radio/Classic Rock
Listen in via the Tunein app and search for “Get Ready to ROCK!” and save as favourite.
More information and links at our radio website where you can listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com
Power Plays w/c 16 September 2024
THE NOW Special Kind Of Stupid (indie)
NEW MONARCH Paper Noose (indie)
AD INFINITUM Surrender (Napalm Records)
KROOKED TONGUE Nothing Ever Grows (indie)
TRUCKER DIABLO Show Me The Way (Big Unit Records)
Featured Albums w/c 16 September 2024
09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003-2023 (Singer Songwriter)
Popular (last 10 days)
Share the post "Album review : RHAPSODY OF FIRE – Challenge The Wind"
PDF - you can delete unwanted sections
