Emerging in the late 90s from Italy, the self titled kings of “Epic Symphonic Hollywood Metal” set about creating a unique sounding genre of music (the genre came from the band themselves after all).

Co-founding members Luca Turulli and Alex Staropoli set about combining classical themes and styles of music with more modern metal instruments and arrangements. Turulli also developed the ‘Emerald Sword Saga’ – a tolkein-esque saga that provides the backdrop for the lyrical content of all their albums so far.

As their discography grows, so does the ambition of the band. Back in 1997, their debut Legendary Tales featured relatively simplistic orchestrations and narrations. Yet it still laid the foundations for a solid expansion of their genre. By 2002, with the release of the ‘final’ part of the Emerald Sword Saga – Power Of The Dragonflame – there was a terrific fusion between the heavy power metal sound, combined with full orchestra and choirs.

Across the first five albums (including the mini album Rain Of A Thousand Flames), Rhapsody’s sound, creativity and technical excellence flourished, highlighted with such songs as Emerald Sword (interestingly quoted as the ‘Smoke On The Water of the 90s’ on their website), Eternal Glory, The Bloody Rage Of The Titans, The Wizards Last Rhymes (perhaps the biggest nod to the bands classical roots, in the form of a theme from Dvorak’s New World Symphony) and Gargoyles, Angels Of Darkness (an epic 19 minute end to the Emerald Sword Saga, clearly demonstrating the band’s prowess at that time).

2004 saw a new phase for the band, heralded by the announcement they would be working with Christopher Lee (yes, Sauruman/Dracula himself!). Mr Lee provides an extra dynamic to their new genre ‘Film Score Metal’. Not only does Rhapsody’s latest album – Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II (The Dark Secret) - come equipped with full orchestras, choirs and plot, but it also has a narrator (the wizard king, played by lee) and characters leading you through the song’s progressive narrative.

By now, Rhapsody have fully established themselves as masters of the symphonic power metal genre, and can only continue to please fans worldwide through their epic stage shows (which they should bring to the UK!) and hopefully further tales from the Emerald Sword Saga.

Rhapsody rides on!