Nuclear Blast (2012)
Metamorphosis (d) - a) a change of physical form, structure, or substance especially by supernatural means. b) a striking alteration in appearance, character, or circumstances .
Source: Merriam - Webster English dictionary, online edition
So we now face the crossroads for long term Rhapsody (Of Fire) followers. Guitarist Luca Turilli and vocalist Fabio Lione plus keyboardist Alexander Staropoli on friendly terms take one known symphonic power metal band to two separate entities. Fabio and Alexander are on the Rhapsody (Of Fire) side, currently touring the world before coming out with their next studio platter. Guitarist Luca Turilli assembles a fresh band with guitarist Dominique Leurquin, bassist Patrice Guers, drummer Alex Landerburg and the all-important lead vocalist slot taken over by Alessandro Conti, most recently the singer for Italian power metal act Trick Or Treat. Due to the legality of a previous contract with a former label, the new band will be called Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody. The bottom-line though - those who live for the epic, cinematic escapades of early Rhapsody with an even more dramatic, soaring vocalist will devour “Ascending Into Infinity”.
Breath taking and mood shifting, another example of a band and artistic vision where nothing is held back. Multi-part choirs, real classical instrumentation, main vocals that run up and down the register at the quick change of a verse against the well-known Luca Turilli songwriting platform. The ability to balance the metal with the theatrical and classical elements has been something he brought to new heights for other artists - yet once again on “Ascending Into Infinity” he takes this bombast up a couple more levels - and it works.
Alessandro’s range and feeling charge through the speakers - “Tormento E Passione” and the slower “Luna” two of the better examples of bringing the full-fledge motion experience to life. Luca’s skill set in weaving the heavier guitar runs and chord structures around the tension of the classical movements occurs within the title track and “Clash Of The Titans” - both probably future audience favorites as the melodies merge mindfully and create a need to return to the songs incessantly. And the closing 15:59 “Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer’s Fall” opens with a tranquil 2 minute, 48 second ominous piano and narrative piece before kicking into slight progressive gear with Luca setting the stage for Alessandro’s majestic melodies. The arrangement favors dynamic choirs facing off against the main parts, an amalgamation of Helloween, Therion, and true classical fusion.
I didn’t think “Legendary Tales” or “Dawn Of Victory” could be topped. How wrong I am. “Ascending Into Infinity” proves Luca does know how to produce engaging symphonic power metal that can appeal to multiple levels of music fans and musicians alike. The metamorphosis complete, let’s hope Rhapsody (Of Fire) can deliver a two for two punch that benefits all the fans.
www.ltrhapsody.com
www.nuclearblast.de
Rating: 5.5 / 6
Composed by Matt Coe