Album Review: RHAPSODY OF FIRE – Into The Legend

AFM Records [Release date 15.01.16]

Rhapsody of Fire return with their 11^th 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

Featured Artist: JOSH TAERK

Since early 2020 Josh has been entertaining us with exclusive monthly live sessions,

Check out radio stream repeat on Tuesday 8th (16:00 GMT) and Thursday 10th April (21:00 GMT)
Next Session: Sunday 4 May

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 2 March 2025.

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 on 4 March 2025

How to Listen Live?

Click the programming image at the top of the page (top right of page if using desktop)

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 live or listen again to shows via the presenter pages: getreadytorockradio.com

Power Plays w/c 7 April 2025

SEVEN BLOOD To The Unknown (indie)
FROM FALL TO SPRING Incomplete (Arising Empire)
POP EVIL Side Effects (MNRK Heavy)
ERJA LYYTINEN Abyss (Tuohi Records)
SKY VALLEY MISTRESS Too Many Ghosts (New Heavy Sounds)

Featured Albums w/c 7 April 2025

09:00-12:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Rock)
12:00-13:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Melodic Hard Rock)
14:00-16:00 The Best of 2003 – 2024 (Singer Songwriter)

Our occasional Newsletter signposts latest additions to the website(s). We also include a selection of recent top albums, based on GRTR! reviewer ratings. The newsletter is sent out a few times a year.

If you’d like to register to receive this occasional mailing please complete the form:

If using a smartphone/tablet please tap here or re-orientate your device

(Note that this registration is separate from site registration which allows you to leave comments and receive daily emails about new content. If you wish to register for this – in addition or separately – please click or tap here – for more information – the form is at the foot of each page. Please read our privacy policy when opting-in to receive emails.