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Due to legal issues the band formerly known as Rhapsody is now Rhapsody Of Fire. Even though the name is different their symphonic and epic sound remains the same. Their latest album features a 50 voice choir and 60 piece orchestra along with actor Christopher Lee who acts as the narrator on one of the songs.

Another term that's been used to describe the band's sound is "film score metal," which is very accurate.


Triumph Or Agony does sound like the soundtrack to a movie. Metal guitars make their appearance amongst the atmospheric strings and keyboards. The vocals of Fabio Lione are nearly operatic in places and his voice has a wide range and uses a lot of vibrato. The use of the choir really adds that movie soundtrack feel to the album.

The songs are very diverse, ranging from slow and acoustic to fast and bombastic and everything in between. There's even a song with the vocals in Italian. It creeps over the top in places, especially with a 16 minute song, but Rhapsody Of Fire fans will be satisfied with this grandiose and epic CD.