• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5

Let's face it: with the addition of Fabio Lione in yet another band (Angra) and all the legal problems involving Rhapsody of Fire, many of us expected a downgrade to the band's performance – which in fact was partially true with Dark Wings of Steel in 2013, before Lione joined Angra – so I was glad to hear the first riffs and keyboard lines on "Distant Sky". Of course, we aren't expecting any kind of innovations or reinventions in Rhapsody's sound, and despite this new album being constructed as something more pompous (if that's even possible with these guys), it shows an in-form, passionate and mature effort by Starpoli and crew, with special attention to Roberto De Micheli's guitar work and Lione's reliable vocals.

"Distant Sky" and "Into the Legend" open up the album and feature every element from Rhapsody's career, with guitar-keyboard soloing, memorable and catchy choruses and fast-paced action. These are two songs that we will definitely see on their live set-list for the upcoming tours. "Winter's Rain" slows down the pace a bit, while "A Voice in the Cold Wind" brings a few folk elements to the mix, adding to the already rich and detailed melodic passages of the album. "Valley of Shadows" brings up the theatrical side in Lione, who steals the spotlight in this and makes for a good show. The middle portion of the album seems somewhat forgettable but nonetheless decent, with the ballad "Shinning Star", follow-up "Realms of Light" and the typical "Rhapsodian" tune "Rage of Darkness". The album ends with "Kiss of Life", a 16 minute-long tune which kind of drifts away from the other songs, being more introspective and lacking a climax.

So, is this a groundbreaking, off the charts, epic album? Well, no. But it's a worthy component in Rhapsody's discography, and after a few listens you'll get the feeling that it's like a best-of album comprised of all-new material. With a bit of nostalgia and some new elements alike, Into the Legend deserves a few spins and will please returning fans.