Challenge the Wind is the latest release from Italian symphonic & epic metal act Rhapsody of Fire, and is the third chapter of 'The Nephilim's Empire Saga', which began on 2019's The Eighth Mountain. It is also the 14th studio album from the band, which includes albums as both Rhapsody and Rhapsody of Fire. The current line-up of the band includes:
Alex Staropoli: keyboards, backing vocals, orchestral arrangements, engineering, production
Roberto De Micheli: guitars
Alessandro Sala: bass
Giacomo Voli: lead and choir vocals
Paolo Marchesich: drums
If you've been a follower of the band, no real surprises to report for Challenge the Wind, but the album delivers all the thills and chills that you'd expect from a Rhapsody of Fire album. Voli's vocals are tremendous; listen to him soar on the engaging "The Bloody Pariah" and the supercharged opening title track for great examples of his superior range. While Staropoli is obviously the leader and main guy in the band now (his keyboards are a huge part of their sound, and have been for years), De Micheli is a force to be reckoned with on the guitar. His melodic, shredding solos on "Whispers of Doom" and the crushing riffs of "Vanquished By Shadows" are spot on, the latter being the big epic on the album at over 16 minutes in length. With all the blazing guitar and keyboard runs, big vocals, choirs, and breakneck drums, the band though never forgets to deliver catchy melodies and hooks, which you can hear on "Kreel's Magic Staff" and the stunning "Diamond Claws". Throw in memorable prog-metal fare like "Black Wizard", "Holy Downfall", and the epic metal of "Mastered by the Dark", and you have a really enjoyable continuation of 'The Nephilim's Empire Saga', which brings the question 'where will the band go from here?' I think no matter the next journey, Rhapsody of Fire will not disappoint. For now, enjoy this fun slice of epic & symphonic metal as only they can deliver.
Track Listing
1. "Challenge the Wind" 4:55
2. "Whispers of Doom" 4:57
3. "The Bloody Pariah" 4:53
4. "Vanquished by Shadows" 16:12
5. "Kreel's Magic Staff" 6:10
6. "Diamond Claws" 4:36
7. "Black Wizard" 5:10
8. "A Brave New Hope" 4:40
9. "Holy Downfall" 6:54
10. "Mastered by the Dark" 4:53
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