Rhapsody of Fire needs no introduction, but in the event that you haven’t been paying attention for the past decade or so, the Italian symphonic power metal band embodies the true definition of the word “epic.”  Originally named Rhapsody, they modified their name to Rhapsody of Fire after some legal wrangling over the name in 2006.  Most recently, they have been reborn in a way since signing to Nuclear Blast prior to their previous album The Frozen Tears of Angels that was released last year.

Not wanting to let the momentum of that album get away, Rhapsody of Fire returns with a new album in From Chaos to Eternity.  While the album isn’t anything truly groundbreaking or grand, it is an album worthy of a spot in the band’s discography and is an hour’s worth of solid symphonic metal.

As has been the case with their more recent offerings, honorary member Christopher Lee adds narration to the latest Rhapsody of Fire album From Chaos to Eternity.  In fact, Lee begins the album with some narration on the opening track “Ad Infinitum,” which sets the tone for what has become standard Rhapsody of Fire in that they tell a story in a manner that makes things bigger than what they actually are.  The last track “Heroes of the Waterfalls’ Kingdom” is a five-part, nearly 20 minute opus that defines who the band is, and has been since their beginning.  It also happens to be the most interesting part of the album.  That’s the good part; however, the tracks in between are rather basic in its approach and don’t grab the listener’s attention immediately.  It seems that most of the songs are Rhapsody of Fire simply going through the motions rather than going for the jugular.  That isn’t necessarily bad because Rhapsody of Fire actually plays this style fairly well, particularly on songs such as “Tempesta di Fuoco” and “Anima Perduta.”  It is just that the approach isn’t quite one would expect from the band, particularly if the only thing a person new to the band is relying on is what they hear from others.

Rhapsody of Fire seemingly has regained its form with The Frozen Tears of Angels.  Their latest album From Chaos to Eternity doesn’t quite expand on that momentum, but it does maintain it enough to eventually grow on the listener.  Most of the album will likely take a few listens to get what is going on with the album, but the last track is definitely the selling point for the album, and that alone should be worth getting From Chaos to Eternity.

TRACK LISTING

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*Comments:

1.  Ad Infinitum
2.  From Chaos to Eternity
3.  Tempesta di Fuoco
4.  Ghosts of Forgotten Worlds
5.  Anima Perduta
6.  Aeons of Raging Darkness
7.  I Belong to the Stars
8.  Tornado
9.  Heroes of the Waterfalls’ Kingdom

Total playing time:  57:34

Release Date: June 17, 2011
Label: Nuclear Blast Records

Rhapsody of Fire - From Chaos to Eternity

Reviewer: Peter

July 6, 2011