Rhapsody of Fire
Triumph or Agony

THE REVIEW

Before starting this big review (as they say on DeBaser hehe), I want to clarify immediately that I am a huge fan of Rhapsody since "Legendary Tales," so it's likely that those ****** who mock this band will rate the review a 1.

Well, we can begin.

The album is very good, considering it was recorded in just a few months, and by a band that was fresh from a stressful overseas live. "Dar-Kunor", the intro, is really a true colossus of an Intro, beginning with whispers that evoke the elfish forests of "The Lord of the Rings," only to flow into the inevitable Latin choir.
Then comes the moment of the Title Track, a song that will become a milestone in the live setlist of the Trieste band! The driving chorus takes us back to the glorious times of "Power Of The Dragonflame," albeit with a more orchestral tint (which will be felt throughout the album).

Then come "Heart of Darklands" and "Old Age of Wonders", the former is similar (a bit too similar) to "Triumph For My Magic Steel" making the legendary Turilli’s fingers work; the latter, on the other hand, is an absolute novelty. Yes, I know it's the typical medieval ballad, but the introduction of a female voice (and what a voice) in the chorus is extraordinary. Here's the track, however, that lowers the album's average, "The Myth of The Holy Sword", boring and verbose, like the following "Il Canto del Vento" (amazingly original though, being the first creation of vocalist Fabio Lione).

And here is, instead, the absolute masterpiece of the album, "Silent Dream", perfect, sublime, and epic, with a chorus to sing out loud in the shower. "Bloody Red Dungeon", dark, gloomy, with Lione almost growling. "Son of Pain" is the second masterpiece, dramatic, extraordinarily majestic, with a chorus reminiscent of Gladiator (a film by Ridley Scott).
And here is the usual long song by the band, "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demon-Knight", reminiscent of "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness" (although not at its level). And finally, the last one in Latin, "Dark Reign of Fire", which could have been omitted from this album, to use as an intro in the next.

In conclusion, the album is always on the same level as those by the legendary Rhapsody (from today of Fire due to an American rap group...grrrrr). An album that is not displeasing, but certainly not comparable to giants like Power of the Dragonflame or Legendary Tales.