Rhapsody of Fire

Rhapsody of Fire is an Italian power metal band from Trieste. The band defines itself as the founder of "Hollywood metal". Initially named Thundercross, then Rhapsody, the band definitively changed its name in 2006 to Rhapsody of Fire. Their music is characterised by "epic" instrumentation, favouring musical flights of fancy with accents that are sometimes warlike, sometimes softer. The lyrics of the first five albums tell a single story, an approach that goes even further than that of the concept album. Some will appreciate the saga and follow the band for its beautiful melodies; others will criticise the band for going too far into the "epic" genre and losing its creativity by sticking to one style.

On the first three albums, most of the tracks have a fairly typical melodic metal structure, reminiscent of Helloween or Yngwie Malmsteen for the neoclassical aspect of the guitar and certain arrangements, embellished with symphonic parts. They feature long instrumental sections. The overall sound is energetic, joyful, and catchy. The band's style then took a turn with the EP Rain of a thousand Flames, which had a darker sound. They gradually approached the sound of film music, with the current culmination being Symphony of Enchanted Lands II - The Dark Secret, where, with the resources at their disposal and the narrative voice of Christopher Lee, they produced an inspired and diversified album.