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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
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