{{short description|Italian symphonic power metal band}} {{Redirect|Rhapsody (band)|the "parallel" Rhapsody band created in 2011|Luca Turilli's Rhapsody|the Australian girl group|Rhapsody (girl group)}} {{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}} {{Infobox musical artist <!-- See Wikipedia:WikiProject Musicians --> | name = Rhapsody of Fire | image = Rhapsody of Fire Rockharz 2025 15.jpg | caption = Rhapsody of Fire performing at Rockharz 2025 | landscape = yes | alias = {{flatlist| * Thundercross {{small|(1993–1995)}} * Rhapsody {{small|(1995–2006)}} }} | origin = Trieste, Italy | genre = {{flatlist| * Symphonic power metal * neoclassical metal{{sfn|Heatley|2018|p=201}} }} | years_active = 1993–present | label = {{flatlist| * AFM * Limb * Magic Circle * SPV * Nuclear Blast }} | spinoffs = {{flatlist| * Luca Turilli's Rhapsody * Turilli / Lione Rhapsody }} | website = {{URL|http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/}} | current_members = * Alex Staropoli * Roberto De Micheli * Alessandro Sala * Giacomo Voli * Paolo Marchesich | past_members = * See former members }}
'''Rhapsody of Fire''' (formerly known as '''Rhapsody''') is an Italian symphonic power metal band formed by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli, widely seen as a pioneer of the symphonic power metal subgenre.<ref name="lastbio">{{Cite web|url=https://www.last.fm/music/Rhapsody+of+Fire/+wiki|title=Rhapsody of Fire hometown, lineup, biography|website=Last.fm|access-date=18 February 2017|archive-date=2 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170302231418/https://www.last.fm/music/Rhapsody+of+Fire/+wiki|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="musicbrainz">{{Cite web|url=https://musicbrainz.org/artist/4e0dffde-ad2d-45b7-9c75-d57ce55de061|title=Rhapsody of Fire - MusicBrainz|website=Musicbrainz.org|access-date=29 September 2016|archive-date=22 February 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210222104621/https://musicbrainz.org/artist/4e0dffde-ad2d-45b7-9c75-d57ce55de061|url-status=live}}</ref><ref name="NuclearBlastIntotheLegend">{{Cite web|url=http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/cd-digi/rhapsody-of-fire-into-the-legend.html|title=Nuclear Blast|website=Nuclearblast.de|access-date=2016-09-29|archive-date=2017-05-09|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170509151538/http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/products/tontraeger/cd/cd-digi/rhapsody-of-fire-into-the-legend.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
Since forming in 1993 as '''Thundercross''', the band has released fourteen studio albums, two live albums, three EPs, and a live DVD. Rhapsody of Fire is known for its conceptual lyrics that constitute a fantasy story throughout all of their albums from 1997 to 2011. After using the moniker of Rhapsody for nearly ten years, the band changed its name to Rhapsody of Fire in 2006 due to trademark issues.<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com">{{cite web|url=http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/rhapsody_forced_to_change_name.html|title=Rhapsody Forced To Change Name|website=Ultimate-guitar.com|access-date=29 May 2008|archive-date=20 September 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160920002028/https://www.ultimate-guitar.com/news/general_music_news/rhapsody_forced_to_change_name.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
In 2011, following the release of their album ''From Chaos to Eternity'' which concluded The Dark Secret Saga, and after 18 years as co-leader of the band, Turilli left Rhapsody of Fire (on good terms) to form a new Rhapsody band, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody, along with two other members who left with him, Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers. They describe their discography as a parallel continuation of Rhapsody of Fire's discography, with their first album being their own "Rhapsody's 11th album" and consider that they didn't leave the band, rather that it amicably split in two.<ref name="ltrhapsody">{{cite web |url=http://ltrhapsody.com/biography |title=Biography |publisher=Ltrhapsody.com |access-date=2012-02-06 |archive-date=15 April 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170415012232/https://ltrhapsody.com/biography/ |url-status=dead }}</ref>
In 2016, other long-term members Fabio Lione and Alex Holzwarth left the band, and reunited with Turilli, Leurquin, and Guers, to play again under the name Rhapsody for their 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour; in December 2018, several months after announcing that Luca Turilli's Rhapsody was now inactive, Turilli announced the creation of a new Rhapsody band named Turilli / Lione Rhapsody, with the lineup of the 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour (recreating, minus Staropoli, the original band's 2002–2011 lineup), which had since disbanded in 2023.
==History== === 1993–1997: Early years === {{multiple image | total_width = 400 | align = left | footer = ({{abbr|L–R|Left to right}}): Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli, the two founding members of Rhapsody of Fire | image1 = Luca Turilli 2016.jpg | image2 = Rhapsody of Fire Rockharz 2025 13.jpg }} The band was formed in 1993 by Luca Turilli, Alex Staropoli, and Daniele Carbonera under the name Thundercross. Guitarist Roberto De Micheli, a classmate of Turilli, soon joined the band, but chose to leave shortly afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.spirit-of-metal.com/en/band/Thundercross |title=Thundercross |website=Spirit of Metal |access-date=11 December 2023}}</ref>
In 1994, Thundercross released their first demo, ''Land of Immortals'', with vocalist Cristiano Adacher. During this period of time, they went through a few bassist changes in their lineup.
After accepting a proposal from ''Limb Music Products & Publishing'', the band started recording their second demo, ''Eternal Glory''. At this time they also changed their name to ''Rhapsody''. Shortly after the release of ''Eternal Glory'', Adacher and bassist Furlan left the band. Former vocalist of Labyrinth and ''Athena'' Fabio Lione joined Rhapsody afterwards.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Rhapsody Of Fire |url=https://www.jango.com/music/Rhapsody+Of+Fire/_full_bio |access-date=2023-08-02 |website=Jango Radio |language=en-US}}</ref>
=== 1997–2004: The Emerald Sword Saga === With these four members, the band started recording their debut studio album, ''Legendary Tales'', in Germany alongside producer Sascha Paeth. The album was released in 1997. The album is the first chapter of a saga titled The Emerald Sword Saga. The lyrics on the album (written by Turilli) often refer to mystical medieval folklore and the heroic valor of those times and are centered around high fantasy, highlighting, in particular, the everlasting fight between good and evil.<ref name="Music Education">[http://education.music.us/R/Rhapsody-(band).htm] {{dead link|date=March 2020}}</ref>
In 1998, after recruiting bassist Alessandro Lotta, the band released ''Symphony of Enchanted Lands'', which further developed their characteristic style of music. The album features "Emerald Sword", which draws on Russian folklore and Celtic style elements, and further develops on the Emerald Sword Saga.
In 2000, Rhapsody started their first tour, starting in Sweden. They performed with Stratovarius and Sonata Arctica supported by their new drummer Alex Holzwarth.
After the tour, they began recording their new album, ''Dawn of Victory''. The first single "Holy Thunderforce" was released in 2000 with some success.{{Citation needed|date=May 2008}} The new album showed Rhapsody in a whole new light, with a more aggressive style and sped-up tempo. It continued the third part of the Emerald Sword Saga, and the orchestra still played an important part of the album, with songs such as "Lux Triumphans", "The Village of Dwarves" and "The Bloody Rage of the Titans", played beside more bombastic melodies as "Dawn of Victory", "Triumph for My Magic Steel", "Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain" and "Holy Thunderforce". It was more successful than any of their previous outings, and "Dawn of Victory" ranked at #32 in the German charts, while in Japan it peaked in 4th place. In early summer 2001, Rhapsody toured through South America and Europe.
''Rain of a Thousand Flames'' served as a bridge between the last part of the Emerald Sword Saga and ''Power of the Dragonflame''. ''Power of the Dragonflame'' was released in February 2002 and saw incredible success worldwide. Marking the end of the Emerald Sword Saga, it contained soft ballads, upbeat metal melodies, and the epic 19-minute-long concluding song, "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness". The band was joined by another two members, Patrice Guers (bass) and Dominique Leurquin (guitars). Alex Holzwarth, who had been playing drums for Rhapsody onstage since 2000 was listed in the official band line-up on these releases, although Holzwarth has played drums in the studio since ''The Dark Secret'' EP.
=== 2004–2008: Beginning of The Dark Secret Saga, name change and legal issues === thumb|right|Rhapsody of Fire performing in 2007 ''The Dark Secret'' EP was released on 28 June 2004. It gave listeners a taste of what could be expected from the new album, labeled ''Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret'' which was released several months later in September. Christopher Lee was involved in this project, narrating part of the storyline.<ref>{{Cite news |date=2014-05-27 |title=Christopher Lee makes heavy metal Don Quixote |language=en-GB |work=BBC News |url=https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-27591562 |access-date=2023-08-02}}</ref> ''Symphony of Enchanted Lands II'' was a follow-up to the Emerald Sword Saga called The Dark Secret Saga.
In July 2006 the band formerly known as Rhapsody changed their name to Rhapsody of Fire due to trademark issues.<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com"/> The band's website goes into further detail:<ref name="ultimate-guitar.com" /><blockquote>The band members consider this a great new start, reflecting the emboldened and increasingly grandiose direction that their music has taken. "The power of the Dragonflame will burn brighter than ever before," says guitarist/songwriter Luca Turilli. Keyboardist/songwriter Alex Staropoli adds, "The name Rhapsody of Fire better represents the energy that has always been present in this band and its music."</blockquote>The band released ''Triumph or Agony'', the second album in the Dark Secret saga, on 25 September 2006 in Europe. ''Triumph or Agony'' featured a live 70-piece orchestra and choir as Turilli and Staropoli continued to self-produce the band's work, assisted by Sascha Paeth. Newer songs include "Silent Dream", "Son of Pain" and the epic 16-minute-long "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demonknight", an example of a cinema soundtrack adapted to a metal song. The album included Fabio Lione's first songwriting contribution for the band, "Il canto del Vento".
In June 2008, Luca Turilli reported on the band's official website about a "hard legal fight with Magic Circle Music and his main representative Mr. Joey DeMaio". Due to this, the band went on hiatus for a year and a half. During this period, Luca Turilli concentrated on his solo albums, Fabio Lione collaborated with Vision Divine and Kamelot, Alex Holzwarth collaborated with his brother Oliver, and Staropoli also announced his plans to record a solo album.
=== 2009–2011: End of The Dark Secret Saga, Turilli's departure and split into two bands === thumb|right|Rhapsody of Fire performing in Buenos Aires in 2010 In late 2009 Limb Music re-released their back-catalogue from 1997 to 2001, along with the compilation album ''Tales from the Emerald Sword Saga'' on digital music stores.
On 18 November 2009, it was announced that the band had signed with Nuclear Blast Records and that their new album, ''The Frozen Tears of Angels'', would be released on 5 March 2010. However, Nuclear Blast stated that the album would not be released until 30 April. On 5 March 2010, the official Rhapsody of Fire website announced that it would indeed be released on 30 April. A new song was made available to download soon after. The album was produced by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli and mixed and mastered by Sascha Paeth at the Gate Studio in Wolfsburg. As well as the standard edition, it was released as a "special limited deluxe digipak" which included two bonus tracks and a 32-page booklet, and on vinyl.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/|title=Rhapsody Of Fire I Official Website|website=Rhapsodyoffire.com|access-date=4 August 2006|archive-date=26 February 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110226121703/http://rhapsodyoffire.com/|url-status=live}}</ref>
A 35-minute EP entitled ''The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony'' was released in Europe on 15 October 2010 and in the United States on 25 January 2011. The story is directly connected to ''The Frozen Tears of Angels''.
Rhapsody of Fire's ninth studio album, ''From Chaos to Eternity'', was released on 12 July 2011.<ref name="blabbermouth">{{cite news|url=http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150464|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: New Album Details Revealed|work=Blabbermouth.net|date=6 December 2010|access-date=12 December 2010|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20101211233401/http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com/blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=150464|archive-date=2010-12-11}}</ref> ''From Chaos to Eternity'' is the final album in the band's fantasy storyline, The Algalord Chronicles, which began with the release of ''Legendary Tales''. It also marks the conclusion of The Dark Secret Saga, which began on ''Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret''. The final song on the album, the five-part<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/news.html|title=Rhapsody Of Fire News|date=16 March 2011|access-date=28 March 2011|publisher=rhapsodyoffire.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110411151210/http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/news.html|archive-date=2011-04-11}}</ref> "Heroes of the Waterfalls' Kingdom", is the band's longest, at almost twenty minutes long.
After the release of ''From Chaos to Eternity'', the band underwent many line-up changes. On 15 April 2011, it was announced that Tom Hess had become Rhapsody of Fire's second guitarist. Hess had actually joined the band in December 2010, recording all the rhythm guitar parts and contributing several solos for ''From Chaos to Eternity''. Hess began touring with the band starting in 2011.<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/news/details/340260.tom-hess-joining-rhapsody-of-fire-aeons.html|title=Tom Hess Joins Rhapsody Of Fire|date=15 April 2011|access-date=15 April 2011|publisher=rhapsodyoffire.com|archive-date=18 April 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110418181043/http://www.nuclearblast.de/en/label/music/news/details/340260.tom-hess-joining-rhapsody-of-fire-aeons.html|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 16 August 2011, Rhapsody of Fire announced the departure of long-time guitarist, songwriter, and founding member Luca Turilli, along with bassist Patrice Guers. They went on to found a new Rhapsody band, Luca Turilli's Rhapsody.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.ltrhapsody.com/|title=Luca Turilli´s Rhapsody|website=Ltrhapsody.com|access-date=1 April 2012|archive-date=31 March 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331202903/http://www.ltrhapsody.com/|url-status=live}}</ref> With the departure of Turilli, Tom Hess became the lead guitarist of the band. Oliver Holzwarth, brother of drummer Alex Holzwarth, was announced to be Guers' replacement on 1 September 2011. Soon after, on 27 September 2011, the band announced that Roberto De Micheli had joined them as a second guitar player.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rhapsodyoffire.com/news/76-film-score-metal-band-rhapsody-of-fire-announces-new-second-guitar-player.html|title=FILM SCORE METAL BAND RHAPSODY OF FIRE ANNOUNCES NEW SECOND GUITAR PLAYER.|website=Rhapsodyoffire.com|access-date=2011-09-27|archive-date=2011-09-29|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110929140524/http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/news/76-film-score-metal-band-rhapsody-of-fire-announces-new-second-guitar-player.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>
=== 2012–2017: Continued line-up changes, Lione's departure and parallel farewell tour === [[File:Rhapsody of Fire - Agglutination Festival.jpg|thumb|left|Rhapsody of Fire at the Agglutination Metal Festival 2012]] The band embarked on their "From Chaos to Eternity World Tour" in the spring of 2012.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rhapsodyoffire.com/tours.html|title=2012 tour dates|date=27 May 2012|access-date=27 May 2011|website=Rhapsodyoffire.com|url-status=dead|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120527171126/http://rhapsodyoffire.com/tours.html|archive-date=2012-05-27}}</ref> This tour was their largest yet, spanning three continents. Later that year, on 11 December 2012, the band signed with AFM Records.<ref name="afm-signed">{{cite web |url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news.aspx?mode=Article&newsitemID=183467 |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE Signs With AFM RECORDS |date=11 December 2012 |work=Blabbermouth.net |publisher=Roadrunner Records}}</ref> On 3 May 2013, a second live album was released, titled ''Live – From Chaos to Eternity'', recorded during the European dates of their ''From Chaos to Eternity World Tour''.
In July 2013, Tom Hess respectfully parted ways with the band due to "philosophical differences" with Alex Staropoli.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=20406|title=Rhapsody Of Fire - Part Ways With Guitarist Tom Hess - Metal Storm|website=Metalstorm.net|access-date=13 September 2013|archive-date=30 October 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131030004202/http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=20406|url-status=live}}</ref> Hess would not be replaced, with the band continuing with just one guitarist. Recording for the band's next studio album, ''Dark Wings of Steel'', also began in July 2013. ''Dark Wings of Steel'' was released at the end of the year<ref>{{cite web|url=http://rhapsodyoffire.com/news/101-dark-wings-of-steel.html|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE announce new studio album "Dark Wings Of Steel"|website=Rhapsodyoffire.com|access-date=1 November 2013|archive-date=3 November 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131103083901/http://rhapsodyoffire.com/news/101-dark-wings-of-steel.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> and was the band's first album not to be based on the band's fantasy saga, ''The Algalord Chronicles'', which spanned from ''Legendary Tales'' to ''From Chaos to Eternity''. A European tour followed the release of the album.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Tours|url = http://rhapsodyoffire.com/tours.html?start=4|website = Rhapsodyoffire.com|access-date = 29 November 2015|archive-date = 8 December 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151208075507/http://rhapsodyoffire.com/tours.html?start=4|url-status = live}}</ref>
Bassist Oliver Holzwarth left the band in August 2014. Alessandro Sala was announced as his replacement in June 2015, although he had joined the band a few months prior.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Cover Photos - Rhapsody Of Fire {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/rhapsodyoffire/photos/a.10150652925399302.400859.182133284301/10153053688624302/?type=3|website = Facebook.com|access-date = 29 November 2015|archive-date = 30 June 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230630230930/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frhapsodyoffire%2Fphotos%2Fa.10150652925399302.400859.182133284301%2F10153053688624302%2F%3Ftype%3D3|url-status = live}}</ref> Sala had previously been a bandmate of Roberto De Micheli in the band Sinestesia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Russo |first=Elisa |date=30 October 2009 |title=Sinestesia |url=https://elisarusso.com/sinestesia/ |website=elisarusso.com |language=it |access-date=24 May 2024}}</ref>
Songwriting for a followup to ''Dark Wings of Steel'' began in the fall of 2014.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Timeline Photos - Rhapsody Of Fire {{!}} Facebook|url = https://www.facebook.com/rhapsodyoffire/photos/a.10150521603564302.382118.182133284301/10152585626479302/?type=3|website = Facebook.com|access-date = 29 November 2015|archive-date = 30 June 2023|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20230630230934/https://www.facebook.com/login/?next=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.facebook.com%2Frhapsodyoffire%2Fphotos%2Fa.10150521603564302.382118.182133284301%2F10152585626479302%2F%3Ftype%3D3|url-status = live}}</ref> Album artwork and the track listings for the new album, titled ''Into the Legend'', were revealed in November 2015.<ref>{{Cite web|title = RHAPSODY OF FIRE: 'Into The Legend' Cover Artwork, Track Listing Revealed|url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-into-the-legend-cover-artwork-track-listing-revealed/|website = Blabbermouth.net|date = 17 November 2015|access-date = 29 November 2015|language = en-US|archive-date = 20 November 2015|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20151120212700/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-into-the-legend-cover-artwork-track-listing-revealed|url-status = live}}</ref> The album was released in January 2016.
After a short tour to promote the new album, Fabio Lione announced his departure on 28 September 2016.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-vocalist-fabio-lione-steps-down-it-s-time-for-me-to-write-a-new-chapter-of-my-life |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE Vocalist FABIO LIONE Steps Down - "It's Time For Me To Write A New Chapter Of My Life" |magazine=BraveWords |date=29 September 2016 |access-date=19 November 2017 }}</ref> Drummer Alex Holzwarth also announced his departure on the band's Facebook page a couple of days later on 9 October 2016.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=128179 |title=Alex Holzwarth Splits With Rhapsody Of Fire |publisher=Metal Underground |date=9 October 2016 |access-date=19 November 2017 |archive-date=15 July 2018 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20180715093431/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=128179 |url-status=live }}</ref>
thumb|right|Former members performing in Costa Rica for the parallel Rhapsody farewell tour On 21 November 2016, former members Luca Turilli, Fabio Lione, Alex Holzwarth, Patrice Guers and Dominique Leurquin announced a Rhapsody "20th Anniversary Farewell Tour", in parallel to the current band. The tour celebrated the 20th anniversary of Rhapsody's first album ''Legendary Tales'' and featured, among other songs, the album ''Symphony of Enchanted Lands'' played in its entirety. The 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour started on 26 April 2017 in Annecy, France, and ended on 20 March 2018 in Madrid, Spain.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-announces-20th-anniversary-farewell-tour/|title=RHAPSODY Announces '20th Anniversary Farewell Tour'|work=Blabbermouth|date=21 November 2016|access-date=27 November 2017|archive-date=13 December 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20171213023837/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-announces-20th-anniversary-farewell-tour|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 11 November 2016, the band announced their new lead vocalist, Giacomo Voli.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Rhapsody of Fire Recruits Singer Giacomo Voli|url = http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-recruits-singer-giacomo-voli/|website = Blabbermouth|date = 11 November 2016|access-date = 11 November 2016|language = en-US|archive-date = 12 November 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161112232846/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-recruits-singer-giacomo-voli/|url-status = live}}</ref> Manu Lotter was announced as the new drummer on 22 December 2016.<ref>{{Cite web|title = Rhapsody Of Fire Names Manu Lotter As New Drummer|url = http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=130235|website = Metal Underground|date = 22 December 2016|access-date = 22 December 2016|language = en-US|archive-date = 23 December 2016|archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20161223132031/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=130235|url-status = live}}</ref>
On 20 January 2017, the band announced that their new album will be 14 classic Rhapsody songs re-recorded. The new album titled ''Legendary Years'' was announced on 17 March 2017 from the band's Facebook page.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=133507|title=Rhapsody Of Fire Announces "Legendary Years" Release|publisher=Metal Underground|date=17 March 2017|access-date=27 November 2017|archive-date=17 March 2017|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170317234949/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=133507|url-status=live}}</ref> The album was released on 26 May 2017.<ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-return-with-new-lineup-and-a-very-special-release|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE Return With New Lineup And A Very Special Release|magazine=BraveWords|date=23 January 2017|access-date=27 November 2017}}</ref>
The new lineup performed for the first time at the Trieste Summer Rock Festival at the castle of San Giusto on 29 July 2017 in Trieste, Italy.<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/single-post/2017/06/18/Trieste-Summer-Rock-Festival |title=Trieste Summer Rock Festival - Rhapsody of Fire - Official Website |publisher=Rhapsodyoffire.com |date=10 June 2017 |access-date=19 June 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730231445/https://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/single-post/2017/06/18/Trieste-Summer-Rock-Festival |url-status=live }}</ref> Following after the new line-up's debut performance was a tour with Orden Ogan in the fall of 2017.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://bravewords.com/news/orden-ogan-announce-gunmen-tour-with-special-guests-rhapsody-of-fire |title=ORDEN OGAN Announce Gunmen Tour With Special Guests RHAPSODY OF FIRE |publisher=Bravewords.com |date=20 June 2017 |access-date=14 July 2017 |archive-date=30 July 2017 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170730235554/http://bravewords.com/news/orden-ogan-announce-gunmen-tour-with-special-guests-rhapsody-of-fire |url-status=live }}</ref>
=== 2018–present: The Nephilim's Empire Saga === thumb|left|Giacomo Voli, the second lead vocalist, joined the band in 2016 following Fabio Lione's departure. On 14 March 2018, the band had posted a narrative extract on their Facebook page, hinting that another album was being made.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.metalpit.it/rhapsody-of-fire-in-arrivo-il-nuovo-album/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: in arrive il nuovo album|publisher=MetalPit|date=14 March 2018|access-date=19 March 2018|archive-date=15 April 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415022402/https://metalpit.it/rhapsody-of-fire-in-arrivo-il-nuovo-album/|url-status=live}}</ref>
The band later revealed the title of their twelfth album ''The Eighth Mountain'', as the first chapter of a new saga titled The Nephilim's Empire Saga on 16 November 2018. The album was released on 22 February 2019.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-to-release-the-eighth-mountain-album-in-february/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE To Release 'The Eighth Mountain' Album in February|work=Blabbermouth|date=23 November 2018|access-date=24 November 2018|archive-date=24 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181124003616/http://www.blabbermouth.net/news/rhapsody-of-fire-to-release-the-eighth-mountain-album-in-february/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite magazine|url=http://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-reveal-details-of-new-album-the-eighth-mountain|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE Reveal Details of New Album 'The Eighth Mountain'|magazine=BraveWords|date=22 November 2018|access-date=25 November 2018}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=142591|title=Rhapsody Of Fire Reveals New Album "The Eighth Mountain" Details|publisher=Metal Underground|date=23 November 2018|access-date=26 November 2018|archive-date=23 November 2018|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181123173249/http://www.metalunderground.com/news/details.cfm?newsid=142591|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 6 April 2020, Vocalist Giacomo Voli in an exclusive interview revealed that the band is currently working on their next album. Giacomo said, "This year we will record the new album and probably start already in the summer. At the end of the tour, I will start working on the lyrics with Roby De Micheli because some songs are already in the pre-production phase so they can be released in the spring of next year. As for the development of the saga, we will continue to narrate the events of this strange protagonist who was able to get out of hell thanks to the Nephilim. There are many possible ways and we will see what will happen."<ref>{{cite web|url=https://loudandproud.it/rhapsody-of-fire-registrazioni-del-nuovo-album-entro-il-2020/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE - Registrazioni del nuovo album entro il 2020|publisher=Loud and Proud|date=6 April 2020|access-date=16 April 2020|archive-date=28 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210728035207/https://loudandproud.it/rhapsody-of-fire-registrazioni-del-nuovo-album-entro-il-2020/|url-status=live}}</ref>
On 22 June 2020, it was announced that drummer Manu Lotter had departed from the band.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-il-batterista-manu-lotter-lascia-la-band/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: il batterista Manu Lotter lascia la band|work=metalitalia.com|date=22 June 2020|access-date=22 June 2020|archive-date=2 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200702050933/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-il-batterista-manu-lotter-lascia-la-band/|url-status=live}}</ref> The band announced Paolo Marchesich as their new drummer on 14 July 2020.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-il-nuovo-batterista-2/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: il nuovo batterista|work=metalitalia.com|date=14 July 2020|access-date=14 July 2020|archive-date=15 July 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20200715013944/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-il-nuovo-batterista-2/|url-status=live}}</ref> Alongside Sala and De Micheli, Paolo Marchesich was also a member of Sinestesia.<ref>{{cite web |last=Russo |first=Elisa |date=30 October 2009 |title=Sinestesia |url=https://elisarusso.com/sinestesia/ |website=elisarusso.com |language=it |access-date=7 August 2025}}</ref>
Rhapsody of Fire had announced that the recording of the album had been completed on 24 September 2020, and were confirmed to be mixing the album with Sebastian "Seeb" Levermann in April 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-terminate-le-registrazioni-del-nuovo-album/|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: terminate le registrazioni del nuovo album|work=metalitalia.com|date=24 September 2020|access-date=25 September 2020|archive-date=3 October 2020|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20201003092700/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-terminate-le-registrazioni-del-nuovo-album/|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: quasi pronto il nuovo album |url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-quasi-pronto-il-nuovo-album/ |website=MetalItalia |access-date=15 April 2021 |language=it-IT |archive-date=15 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210415074001/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-quasi-pronto-il-nuovo-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref>
Rhapsody of Fire released their EP, ''I'll Be Your Hero'', on 4 June 2021 which contained a song recorded for the band's thirteenth studio album, ''Glory for Salvation'', the second chapter to The Nephilim's Empire Saga which was released on 26 November 2021.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=42633|title=Rhapsody Of Fire - Detail Next Full Length 'Glory For Salvation'|publisher=Metal Storm|access-date=8 July 2021|date=8 July 2021|archive-date=9 July 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709184739/http://www.metalstorm.net/events/news_comments.php?news_id=42633|url-status=live}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Russo |first1=Francesco P. |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: i dettagli del nuovo Ep e anticipazione dal nuovo album |url=https://suonidistortimagazine.com/rhapsody-of-fire-i-dettagli-del-nuovo-ep-e-anticipazione-dal-nuovo-album/ |website=Suoni Distorti Magazine |access-date=23 April 2021 |language=it-IT |date=23 April 2021 |archive-date=23 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210423154006/https://suonidistortimagazine.com/rhapsody-of-fire-i-dettagli-del-nuovo-ep-e-anticipazione-dal-nuovo-album/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE To Release I'll Be Your Hero EP In June; Cover Artwork And Tracklist Revealed |url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-to-release-i-ll-be-your-hero-ep-in-june-cover-artwork-and-tracklist-revealed |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |access-date=6 May 2021 |language=en |date=30 April 2021 |archive-date=30 April 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210430233201/https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-to-release-i-ll-be-your-hero-ep-in-june-cover-artwork-and-tracklist-revealed |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |last1=Bauer |first1=Simon |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: Neues Album "Glory For Salvation" für November angekündigt |url=https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/rhapsody-of-fire-neues-album-glory-for-salvation-fuer-november-angekuendigt_550237.html |website=Rock Hard |access-date=7 July 2021 |language=German |date=7 July 2021 |archive-date=9 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210709190036/https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/rhapsody-of-fire-neues-album-glory-for-salvation-fuer-november-angekuendigt_550237.html |url-status=live }}</ref> A second single named after the title of the album was released on 9 July 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: in arrivo il nuovo singolo "Glory for Salvation" |url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-in-arrivo-il-nuovo-singolo-glory-for-salvation/ |website=metalitalia.com |access-date=7 July 2021 |language=it-IT |archive-date=6 July 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210706205322/https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-in-arrivo-il-nuovo-singolo-glory-for-salvation/ |url-status=live }}</ref> The third single off of the album, "Magic Signs", was released on 2 September 2021.<ref>{{cite web|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE RELEASE NEW SINGLE "MAGIC SIGNS"|url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-magic-signs-audio-streaming|website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|date=2 September 2021 |access-date=2 September 2021|archive-date=2 September 2021|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210902193344/https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-magic-signs-audio-streaming|url-status=live}}</ref> The fourth single, "Terial the Hawk", was released on 15 October 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=TERIAL THE HAWK: 'Terial The Hawk'-Single vom "Glory For Salvation"-Album veröffentlicht |url=https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/terial-the-hawk-terial-the-hawk-single-vom-glory-for-salvation-album-veroeffentlicht_561310.html |website=Rock Hard |access-date=15 October 2021 |language=en |date=15 October 2021 |archive-date=29 October 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211029174204/https://www.rockhard.de/artikel/terial-the-hawk-terial-the-hawk-single-vom-glory-for-salvation-album-veroeffentlicht_561310.html |url-status=live }}</ref> The fifth single, "Chains of Destiny", was released on 7 November 2021, along with a music video.<ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE - Ascolta il nuovo brano 'Chains Of Destiny' |url=https://loudandproud.it/rhapsody-of-fire-ascolta-il-nuovo-brano-chains-of-destiny/ |website=Loud and Proud |access-date=8 November 2021 |language=it-IT |date=7 November 2021 |archive-date=8 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211108130654/https://loudandproud.it/rhapsody-of-fire-ascolta-il-nuovo-brano-chains-of-destiny/ |url-status=live }}</ref><ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE Release New Single / Video "Chains Of Destiny" |url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-video-chains-of-destiny |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |access-date=12 November 2021 |language=en |date=12 November 2021 |archive-date=12 November 2021 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20211112143413/https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-video-chains-of-destiny |url-status=live }}</ref>
On May 12, 2023, Rhapsody of Fire had released the single, "Kreel's Magic Staff".<ref>{{cite web |title=Rhapsody of Fire Release New Single "Kreel's Magic Staff"; Lyric Video |url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-kreel-s-magic-staff-lyric-video |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |access-date=13 May 2023 |language=en |date=12 May 2023 |archive-date=12 May 2023 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20230512173936/https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-release-new-single-kreel-s-magic-staff-lyric-video |url-status=live }}</ref> The band later announced the second single, "Challenge the Wind", the title track for the studio album which was released on 29 February 2024.<ref>{{cite web |title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE: un assaggio del nuovo singolo "Challenge The Wind" |url=https://metalitalia.com/articolo/rhapsody-of-fire-un-assaggio-del-nuovo-singolo-challenge-the-wind/ |website=Metalitalia.com |access-date=24 February 2024 |language=it-IT}}</ref> The fourteenth studio album, ''Challenge the Wind'', the third chapter to The Nephilim's Empire Saga was released on 31 May 2024.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-to-release-challenge-the-wind-album-in-may-title-track-music-video-streaming|title=RHAPSODY OF FIRE To Release Challenge The Wind Album In May; Title Track Music Video Streaming|magazine=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles|access-date=2 March 2024|date=29 February 2024}}</ref> Three other singles were released to promote the album: "A Brave New Hope",<ref>{{cite web |title=Rhapsody of Fire Share "A Brand New Hope" Lyric Video |url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-share-a-brand-new-hope-lyric-video |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |access-date=29 March 2024 |language=en |date=29 March 2024}}</ref> "Diamond Claws",<ref>{{cite web |title=Rhapsody Of Fire Unleash "Diamond Claws" Single And Music Video |url=https://bravewords.com/news/rhapsody-of-fire-unleash-diamond-claws-single-and-music-video |website=Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles |date=3 May 2024 |access-date=7 May 2024 |language=en}}</ref> and "Mastered by the Dark".<ref>{{cite web |last1=Deaux |first1=Jon |title=Symphonic Metal Masters RHAPSODY OF FIRE Celebrate Record Release Day Of 'Challenge The Wind' With New "Mastered by the Dark" Lyric Video! |url=https://allabouttherock.co.uk/symphonic-metal-masters-rhapsody-of-fire-celebrate-record-release-day-of-challenge-the-wind-with-new-mastered-by-the-dark-lyric-video/ |website=All About The Rock |access-date=31 May 2024 |date=31 May 2024}}</ref>
==Band members== {{col-begin}} {{col-2}} '''Current''' * Alex Staropoli – keyboards (1993–present) * Roberto De Micheli – guitar (2011–present) * Alessandro Sala – bass (2015–present) * Giacomo Voli – vocals (2016–present) * Paolo Marchesich – drums (2020–present)
'''Former''' * Cristiano Adacher – vocals (1993–1995) * Andrea Furlan – bass (1993–1995) * Daniele Carbonera – drums (1993–1999) * Alessandro Lotta – bass (1998–2002) * Patrice Guers – bass (2002–2011) * Luca Turilli – guitar (1993–2011), vocals (1993) * Tom Hess – guitar (2011–2013) * Oliver Holzwarth – bass (2011–2014) * Fabio Lione – vocals (1995–2016) * Alex Holzwarth – drums (2000–2016) * Manu Lotter – drums (2016–2020) {{col-2}} '''Session / Live''' * Manuel Staropoli – studio baroque recorders (1997–present), composition (2013–present) * Robert Hunecke-Rizzo – studio bass (1997) * Sascha Paeth – studio bass (1997, 2002, 2014–2015) * Jay Lansford – studio narration (1997–2002) * Thunderforce – studio drums (2000–2002) * Dominique Leurquin – live and studio guitars (2000–2011) * Petr Pololanik – studio conductor and orchestrator (2004, 2006) * Christopher Lee – studio narration, spoken vocals, occasional singing vocals (2004–2011; died 2015) * Vito Lo Re – orchestra conductor (2013, 2016, 2019) * Leone Conti – live bass (2020) * Danilo Arisi – live bass (2024) {{col-end}}
'''Timeline''' {{#tag:timeline| ImageSize = width:900 height:auto barincrement:20 PlotArea = left:120 bottom:120 top:10 right:20 Alignbars = justify DateFormat = dd/mm/yyyy Period = from:01/01/1993 till:{{#time:d/m/Y}} TimeAxis = orientation:horizontal format:yyyy Legend = orientation:vertical position:bottom columns:4 ScaleMajor = increment:2 start:1993 ScaleMinor = increment:1 start:1993
Colors = id:vocals value:red legend:Vocals id:guitar value:green legend:Guitar id:bass value:blue legend:Bass id:keyboards value:purple legend:Keyboards,_piano id:drums value:orange legend:Drums,_percussion id:album value:black legend:Studio_release id:comp value:gray(0.5) legend:Other_album id:bars value:gray(0.92)
BackgroundColors = bars:bars
LineData = layer:back color:album at:07/10/1997 at:05/10/1998 at:28/11/2000 at:13/11/2001 at:23/04/2002 at:27/09/2004 at:25/09/2006 at:30/04/2010 at:17/06/2011 at:22/11/2013 at:15/01/2016 at:22/02/2019 at:26/11/2021 at:31/05/2024
color:comp at:01/03/2004 at:26/01/2006 at:03/05/2013 at:26/05/2017 at:04/06/2021
BarData = bar:Turilli text:"Luca Turilli" bar:Adacher text:"Cristiano Adacher" bar:Lione text:"Fabio Lione" bar:Voli text:"Giacomo Voli" bar:Hess text:"Tom Hess" bar:Micheli text:"Roberto De Micheli" bar:Furlan text:"Andrea Furlan" bar:Lotta text:"Alessandro Lotta" bar:Guers text:"Patrice Guers" bar:OHolzwarth text:"Oliver Holzwarth" bar:ASala text:"Alessandro Sala" bar:Staropoli text:"Alex Staropoli" bar:Carbonera text:"Daniele Carbonera" bar:AHolzwarth text:"Alex Holzwarth" bar:MLotter text:"Manu Lotter" bar:Marchesich text:"Paolo Marchesich" PlotData= width:11 textcolor:black align:left anchor:from shift:(11,-4) bar:Turilli from:01/01/1993 till:01/07/1993 color:vocals bar:Turilli from:01/01/1993 till:01/07/1993 color:guitar width:3 bar:Turilli from:01/07/1993 till:16/08/2011 color:guitar bar:Adacher from:01/07/1993 till:01/07/1995 color:vocals bar:Lione from:01/07/1995 till:28/09/2016 color:vocals bar:Voli from:11/11/2016 till:end color:vocals bar:Hess from:15/04/2011 till:25/06/2013 color:guitar bar:Micheli from:16/08/2011 till:end color:guitar bar:Micheli from:01/01/1993 till:01/03/1993 color:guitar bar:Furlan from:01/01/1993 till:01/07/1995 color:bass bar:Lotta from:01/07/1998 till:01/02/2002 color:bass bar:Guers from:01/07/2002 till:16/08/2011 color:bass bar:OHolzwarth from:01/09/2011 till:15/05/2014 color:bass bar:ASala from:01/05/2015 till:end color:bass bar:Staropoli from:01/01/1993 till:end color:keyboards bar:Carbonera from:01/01/1993 till:01/01/2000 color:drums bar:AHolzwarth from:01/01/2000 till:09/10/2016 color:drums bar:MLotter from:22/12/2016 till:22/06/2020 color:drums bar:Marchesich from:14/07/2020 till:end color:drums
}}
==Discography== {{Main|Rhapsody of Fire discography}} <!--ONLY studio albums belong here. See Rhapsody of Fire's full discography at its own article.-->
'''Studio albums''' *''Legendary Tales'' (1997) *''Symphony of Enchanted Lands'' (1998) *''Dawn of Victory'' (2000) *''Rain of a Thousand Flames'' (2001) *''Power of the Dragonflame'' (2002) *''Symphony of Enchanted Lands II – The Dark Secret'' (2004) *''Triumph or Agony'' (2006) *''The Frozen Tears of Angels'' (2010) *''From Chaos to Eternity'' (2011) *''Dark Wings of Steel'' (2013) *''Into the Legend'' (2016) *''The Eighth Mountain'' (2019) *''Glory for Salvation'' (2021) *''Challenge the Wind'' (2024)
==References== === Citations === {{Reflist}}
=== Sources === * {{cite book |last1=Heatley |first1=Michael |title=Heavy Metal: The Story in Pictures |date=2018 |publisher=Book Sales |location=New York |isbn=978-0-7858-3661-2 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=oa7dDwAAQBAJ |language=en}}
==External links== {{Commons category|Rhapsody of Fire}} *[http://www.rhapsodyoffire.com/ Official website] *[http://www.algalordchronicles.com/ Official fan club] *[http://rhapsody-ru.com/ The Forest of Unicorns] *[http://fabiolione.com/ Fabio Lione official website] {{Webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111220161554/http://fabiolione.com/ |date=20 December 2011 }}
{{Rhapsody of Fire}}
{{Authority control}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Rhapsody Of Fire}} Category:Rhapsody of Fire Category:1993 establishments in Italy Category:Italian power metal musical groups Category:Italian symphonic metal musical groups Category:Musical groups established in 1993 Category:Nuclear Blast artists Category:English-language Italian musical groups Category:French-language Italian musical groups Category:German-language musical groups