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RHAPSODY - Dawn Of Victory - BIO
The exciting, fantastic trip through an imaginary world full of secrets now
enters its third phase: With "Dawn Of Victory", the Italian, epic, symphonic
metallers, Rhapsody continue their successful journey, which began with their
two previous albums, "Legendary Tales" and "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands".
"Dawn Of Victory" is sure to catapult the band once and for all into the
upper echelons of the metal fraternity, joining names such as Dream Theater,
Savatage and Gamma Ray. The album cleverly combines typical elements of the
trademark Rhapsody sound with new and exciting influences. Inspired by the
hugely positive reactions of the fans and press alike, as well as the
experience from their recent European tour with Stratovarius, Fabio Lione
(vocals), Luca Turilli (guitar), Alex Staropoli (keyboards), Alessandro Lotta
(bass) and new boy Alex Holzwarth (drums) went about the new album with a
stronger determination, showing much more of an aggressive attitude than
before.
Keyboard player Alex Staropoli describes the band's latest opus, "Whilst
"Legendary Tales" and particularly "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands" were
relatively orchestral, the new songs are more direct, with a tougher guitar
sound and a very aggressive basic attitude". He goes on to say, "I think that
Luca's guitar arrangements were especially influenced by the tour. We used an
additional rhythm guitarist for the live shows so the guitar sound was
particularly heavy. We loved it and the fans loved it so during the album's
production we paid more attention to the overall sound of the guitar
arrangements than we had done previously. But we didn't neglect the cinematic
side of our music. We are still huge fans of Hollywood film scores, such as
those by Danny Elfman and Jerry Goldsmith. You can hear that we have a
weakness for them, throughout the album."
The best example of this is the song "Holy Thunderforce", which has already
been released as a single. A driving, hymn-like track that is full of heavy
rhythms and epic solos. Elements of which can also be seen in the title
track. A rousing fanfare peppered with classical overtones throughout the
choruses, shows the band at their best. Singer Fabio Lione once again makes
his mark on "Dawn Of Victory", whilst Luca demonstrates his prowess with
another great guitar solo. Other highlights from the album include the epic
"The Mighty Ride Of The Firelord", the unique instrumental, "Trolls In The
Dark", and "The Village Of Dwarves", which recalls the atmosphere of the
Middle Ages and is sure to transport the listener to that time.
"Dawn Of Victory" was produced at both 'Gate-Studios' and 'Pathway Studios'
in Wolfsburg, Germany by Sascha Paeth and Miro. The combination of Rhapsody,
Paeth and Miro has, over the past three years, become a melting pot of
brilliant ideas and the perfect team to transform the band's concepts onto
disc. Paeth is known to many as the guitarist of metal band, Heavens Gate
while his partner, Miro has gained an excellent reputation as producer and
engineer for bands such as Gamma Ray, Angra and Kamelot. The album is further
augmented by the inclusion of the Helmstedter Chamber Choir, an original
flautist and violinist and the inimitable narration of Sir Jay Lansford.
The amazing cover art comes this time from artist Marc Klinnert (Axel Rudi
Pell etc.) and proves to be even more impressive than its predecessor. Also
following on in the wake of its predecessor will be the impressive choice of
formats available. Not only will the album come as a 12" picture disc
(accompanied by a full size colour poster) but also as a limited double CD,
complete with a lavish 64 page hard back book. The extra disc comprising
several alternate version of songs from the album as well as an enhanced
portion featuring video clips.
With "Dawn Of Victory", Rhapsody is closely following on in the trailblazing
path of their first two albums, both stylistically and thematically. Their
1997 debut album, "Legendary Tales" caused an international sensation in the
metal community. Its follow up, "Symphony Of Enchanted Lands" went even
further catapulting the band into the charts in several territories including
Germany where it entered at #54. Aside from having achieved sales so far in
excess of 250,000 albums, the band are still trying to develop their sound
further by incorporating new ideas whilst still remaining true to their
primary influences associated with the music of the cinema. Wherever the new
album takes them, it's certain that this legendary tale is far from over!
Tracks:
Lux Triumphans * Dawn Of Victory * Triumph For My Magic Steel * The Village
Of Dwarves * Dargor, Shadowlord Of The Black Mountain * The Bloody Rage Of
The Titans * Holy Thunderforce * Trolls In The Dark * The Last Winged Unicorn
* The Mighty Ride Of The Firelord
Discography:
Legendary Tales (1997)
Symphony Of Enchanted Lands (1998)
New: Dawn Of Victory (2000)
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