When Luca Turilli split from Rhapsody of Fire, it upset many
fans. I say “split” because that’s exactly what he did; he basically split the
band into two components. Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody supposedly runs parallel with
the other Rhapsody of Fire albums. “Ascending to Infinity” was an excellent
album and set high standards for the next actual Rhapsody of Fire album. I know
many fans will argue that the band won’t be the same without Luca Turilli’s
guitar work and song writing, so I’m here to tell you that you’re all wrong.
Rhapsody of Fire is without a doubt still standing strong and they are still
epic as ever. Roberto De Micheli is a fantastic guitarist and a great addition
to the band. With “Dark Wings of Steel” they not only change up their sound a
little bit, they also breathe new life into their music. This album is a little
heavier and more focused on keyboards, but it’s still Rhapsody of Fire and it’s
still fantastic. The past few albums have been so-so, but “Dark Wings of Steel”
completely changes that.
“Vis Divina” and “Rising from Tragic Flames” open the album
up and show the new direction the band is taking. The guitar work is more about
crunchy riffs than neo-classical passages. The solo is a perfect way to show
off Roberto De Micheli’s guitar skills. “Angel of Light” is one of the best
Rhapsody of Fire songs in recent memory. The opening keyboard and guitar riff
are great and Fabio Leone shows the world that he is still the premiere power
metal vocalists by delivering buttery smooth lines. The chorus is truly out of
this world. The choir and soaring melody is absolutely perfect. “Tears of Pain”
opens with yet another great riff before transcending into something heavier
and more head banging than anything they’ve ever done before. “Fly to Crystal
Skies” has one hell of an atmosphere created by the keyboard. Alex Staropoli
has outdone himself in terms of overall mood. Everything about this track is
great, including the dream inducing bridge. “My Sacrifice” slows things down a
bit and it’s also the longest track on the album. Some of the best guitar solos
on “Dark Wings of Steel” are found in this song. “Silver Lake of Tears” is my
personal favorite on the album solely because it has one of the best choruses
the band has ever written. There is so much emotion and energy running through
this track that it’s hard to ignore. “Custode di Pace” slows the album down and
really isn’t that interesting. It does have a soaring chorus and a mind-blowing
performance from Fabio Leone; however it lacks a little something. “A Tale of
Magic” brings the speed back up and delivers another perfectly tailored song.
It has one of the catchiest riffs in the Rhapsody of Fire catalog. “Dark Wings
of Steel” is another personal favorite of mine. The whole thing just sounds
epic and full of life. “Sad Mystic Moon” is the album closer and it couldn’t
have ended better. Everything from the album comes together to make one hell of
a farewell track.
So there you have it, Rhapsody of Fire is back in full force
and it doesn’t look like they’re slowing down anytime soon. Sure the album might
have a more stripped down sound, but it’s still them and it’s still amazing power
metal. What they have crafted isn’t just the best and most cohesive Rhapsody of
Fire album to come out in years; it’s also a new beginning. Roberto De Micheli
is one hell of a guitar player and this album proves that he is a master of the
art. “Dark Wings of Steel” is an absolute triumph and it proves that Rhapsody
of Fire is still the leader of power metal. Do not pass up on listening to this
work of art.
9.5/10
Website - http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/rhapsodyoffire
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