Rhapsody continue their epic storylines and epic power-metal stylings with their latest LP 'Triumph Or Agony'
Italian masters of cheese, Rhapsody Of Fire (following a recent legal hoo-ha resulting in a name change), have been at it again in their intrinsically silly, epic and fun power-metal way, and the resulting product 'Triumph or Agony' is ready for the digestion of eager metal fans. And thankfully, this is one Italian meal that is going to go down quite well!
Where Rhapsody Of Fire excel, they truly do excel. Their now signature 'Hollywood Metal' style consisting of orchestras, choirs and the virtuoso abilities of the band members themselves really hits the mark during tracks such as 'Triumph of Agony' or the 16-minute epic 'The Mystic Prophecy Of The Demon Knight'. Rather than, say, the gothic stylings of bands like Tristania; the overblown, completely ridiculous yet still highly enjoyable pomp and bombast is probably closest in sound to bands like Nightwish. There is enough variety between the tracks on the album (although perhaps too many ballads...) to propel the leader's interest through its entire hour-long running time and whilst it never strays far from the Rhapsody signature sound which we've all heard on each of their albums time and time again, you never really find yourself caring.
One problem with the album, even compared to their last effort 'Symphony of Enchanted Lands Part II', is that there just seems to be a lack of the great musical ideas and in all honesty, exciting tunes that were on offer before, tracks like 'Bloody Red Dungeons' simply bore and plod whilst the title track, whilst good, is hardly a patch on its equivalent 'Unholy Warcry' off of 'Symphony'. Furthermore, the inclusion of not one but three ballads in the form of 'Old Age Of Wonders', 'Son Of Pain' and 'Il Canto Del Vento' is a pain; although some ballads, such as 'Magic Of The Wizard's Dream' are bearable, frankly, more than one of these is simply too much cheese, too much dullness and just... too much for this reviewer.
Overall, this does represent a slight downturn in quality since 'Symphony Of Enchanted Lands Part II', yet still, 'Triumph Or Agony' represents yet another tasty slice in the Rhapsody pie and an adequate continuation of their epic storylines. This album is probably not going to convert anyone who's already given the band a try, but is a very enjoyable listen for their long-time fans.