Tough break for Italy's RHAPSODY-after a decade of making a name for themselves as the dominant force of power metal cheese, the internet music outlet of the same name makes them change theirs. Still, the newly christened RHAPSODY OF FIRE has no plans to sit and cry about it. New album "Triumph or Agony" is what the band calls a "fresh start", but upon listening to the album it becomes clear that, with the exception of the band name, nothing else has changed.

The intro "Dar-Kunor" sets the tone quite appropriately: some female starts chanting, uh, something storyline related, to some degree alienating anyone who hasn't listened to every RHAPSODY disc prior. Eventually, the guitars squeak through the outlandish symphonic element, making tracks like "Heart of the Darklands" and the title track adequate enough power metal rockers. Now, the money and freedom granted to these guys over the years have made a twofold impact: first, an actual symphony complete with operatic chorus as opposed to all synth, thereby giving the whole album a quality one can't help but be impressed with; and second, shamelessly effeminate ballads like "Old Age of Wonders" and "Il Canto Del Vento" that are would make the hardest core BLIND GUARDIAN or NIGHTWISH fan blush. On the subject of quality, though, actor Christopher Lee (heralded by nerds for being both Count Dooku and Saruman) contributes vocals once again, this time on the 16+ minute epic "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demon Knight", a track that is every bit as pompous as it sounds. The long drawn out fantasy story throughout the album is crucial to enjoying this album, so anyone who doesn't really give a shit about this sort of thing may find "Triumph or Agony" closer to agony than a triumph.

To be fair, there have been countless dragon piss metal bands that have mercilessly ripped these guys off-so if the ol' collection isn't silly enough, then it's not a bad idea to stick with the original. Besides, only Luca Turilli has such a righteous mullet of power as to aid him in writing such grandiose material! This is total "love it or hate it" territory and, the end of the day, "Triumph or Agony" probably won't create any new RHAPSODY OF FIRE fans but won't lose any either.

- Cardona

OFFICIAL SITE: www.rhapsodyoffire.com

RELATED ITEMS: No related articles at this time.