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AFM Records [Release date 15.01.16]
Rhapsody of Fire return with their 11th studio album “Into The Legend”…this is of course classing Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody as a totally separate band which I suppose it is anyway…
The press release points out gleefully that “Into The Legend” is a return to the roots of the band…but the worrying thing is that it also mentions that it has taken 7 years of recordings to create…that means that some of the tracks date from before previous album “Dark Wings Of Steel” which I found more than a little boring.
Ever present keyboard maestro Alex Starpoli and vocalist Fabio Lione return with long term drummer Alex Holzworth and Luca Turilli’s replacement Roberto De Micheli. Gone is former Blind Guardian bassist Oliver Holzwarth to be replaced by new boy Alessandro Sala.
In Principio opens in epic style with full blown orchestra and choir and gives a sense of impending doom…it seems to overstay its welcome though. Distant Sky passes by in a flash by comparison. Into The Legend is typical Rhapsody of Fire fare which brings Iron Maiden’s Déjà vu to mind for some reason…“nightmares…”
Shining Star is the big orchestral ballad on display whilst lone track A Voice In The Cold Wind does bring past glories to mind…definite medieval flavour on display.
My big problem, besides the for the most part unmemorable songs, is the use of operatic female vocals (the glass shattering style as opposed to Tarja-like) on Valley Of The Shadows, Realms Of Light and The Kiss Of Light. Opera is up there with rap on my list of music to be avoided and it is just laid on too thick on here.
Rhapsody Of Fire just seem to be adding layer upon layer to already complex songs…it is all very well played and orchestrated but unfortunately the melody has been buried. Disappointing return… ***
Review by Phil Berisford
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