Rhapsody Of Fire - Into the Legend (2016)

Into the Legend is the 11th studio album from Rhapsody of Fire. This is their second release after the band parted with Luca Turilli, well, still something to noted there. Luca himself lead another "Rhapsody" band and commend the band goes further into technical symphonic metal as in their latest album. However, Rhapsody of Fire remained in the same water with faithful symphonic metal, as bombastic as they were of course. Into the Legend is also their first album with new bassist, Alessandro Sala. This album span three years after their latest release, Dark Wing of Steel in 2013.

The first track is the album intro opener, In Principio. After composing ten opening tracks with almost the same vibes, this one can be noted for having percussion in the beginning. The second track, Distant Sky, is quite a surprise because this one sound exactly what expected from Rhapsody of Fire. The song resembling their heyday from Legendary Tales, same riff, same bombastic chorus and catchy string attack. If you like that one wait until you listen Into The Legend. The song got heavier and needless to say the song is one of the best produced by the band after so many years. Winter's Rain followed next. This one is rather mid tempo with the band exploring one chord riff into its maximum improvisation. Moving on, we come to the ballad with A Voice In The Cold Wind, where the flute and harpsichord enjoyed their parts alongside with other folk instruments. Another full blast song is Valley Of Shadows, now if you remembered how innovative they are/were in bringing soprano singer , this is that one song. Another ballad song, consisted of acoustic lute in Shining Star, now his duet should be with violin and string. The climax of them all is always the last track. The Kiss Of Life, as usual a 16 minutes finale to celebrated the triumphant of glorious return.

Into the Legend is exactly bring us back to Legendary Tales era. The band did not shy to admit that they do not need style changing episode to succeed  and just stick to what their best style. We come to listen what Alex Straropoli capability in leading the band with this album. Kudos to the guitarist, Roberto De Micheli, who rarely do any Turillian licks in his work, which is also what separated this album with their past classics. De Micheli confident in bringing his own style, notably a more heavy metal riffs rather than going too neo-classical. In front of the musician is the fabulous Fabio Lione who executed every song in perfect voice. With this quite bombastic review as well, we can safely say, the legend has back!

Metal Harem class: ********** nine stars out of ten

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Rhapsody Of Fire - Into the Legend (2016)

01. In Principio
02. Distant Sky
03. Into The Legend
04. Winter's Rain
05. A Voice In The Cold Wind
06. Valley Of Shadows
07. Shining Star
08. Realms Of Light
09. Rage Of Darkness
10. The Kiss Of Life

Line Up

Fabio Lione - Vocals
Alex Staropoli - Keyboards
Roberto De Micheli - Guitars
Alessandro Sala - Bass
Alex Holzwarth - Drums