LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY – Prometheus: Symphonia Ignis Divinus [Ltd. +1] (2015)

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Since the split of the original ‘Rhapsody’ into two bands, both have been somewhat disappointing in their efforts so far. Rhapsody Of Fire produced a decent but forgettable effort in Dark Wings Of Steel, whereas Luca Turilli’s Rhapsody didn’t do that much better with Ascending To Infinity. It is quite remarkable that we now have two bands, but neither can produce the magic of the original Rhapsody.
This trend is pretty broken with with “Prometheus: Symphonia Ignis Divinus“, the new album from LUCA TURILLI’S RHAPSODY to be released in few days.

It’s unfair to review a Luca Turilli creation as a ‘metal album’. No matter how you call it… symphonic metal, classical metal, or as he prefers; ‘cinematic metal’ – Turilli composes musicscapes beyond comparison.
While he will never be held to the unattainable standard of a modern Mozart and Beethoven – the giants who receive 100% critical acclaim whether deserved or not – Luca can easily draw comparisons to modern composers like John Williams, Hans Zimmer and Jerry Goldsmith. But ‘metallized’.

Luca Turilli has meticulously orchestrated every aspect of this album and has achieved an epic sound as intended.
With a prolonged intro demonstrating his orchestral abilities, the album kicks off with ‘Il Cigno Nero’, an epic making full use of the orchestras to provide massive choruses, choirs to create atmosphere, and the neo-classical shredding that has become synonymous with Turilli’s songwriting.

It is evident that Turilli has spent much time crafting these each of these tracks with clinical precision when the album moves onto ‘Rosenkreuz (The Rose and the Cross)’. He has tapped into the best elements of his career with the recurring digital undertones of the Dreamquest era preluding and bridging the choruses.
He has guided every member of the band to execute their parts flawlessly, with a highlight being the acrobatic vocal performance from frontman Alessandro Conti.

Luca’s ‘cinematic metal’ is music that creates visuals and builds a story with each progressing note, whether that is the mutually agreed concept or not, Rhapsody are incredibly successful at it.
Tracks such as ‘Anahata’ provide the visuals and atmosphere of a Bond villain’s sea fortress rising from the sea, and ‘King Solomon and the 72 Names of God’ laying down an Pharoah war story.
The strongest songwriting of Turilli’s career is present on the album, and ejects the band into the stratosphere of the metal sympho classical universe.
So much care, passion and love for the music is truly alive and flowing on the album, with every note, small or big, under the strict supervision of the songwriter. Another feat worth mentioning is the mix of the album is perfect deserving full commendation given the complexity of the album.

I wouldn’t call this a metal album, it has rock-heavy moments, but it’s much, much more than that.
“Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus” is an album that deserves respect from every musician, and every music lover. It’s complex, and not always easy to digest, but it’s a work of art that could be performed and admired for years to come.

01. Nova Genesis (Ad Splendorem Angeli Triumphantis)
02. Il Cigno Nero
03. Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)
04. Anahata
05. Il Tempo Degli Dei
06. One Ring To Rule Them All
07. Notturno
08. Prometheus
09. King Solomon And The 72 Names Of God
10. Yggdrasil
11. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer’s Fall Part II: Codex Nemesis
.. Codex Nemesis Alpha Omega
.. Symphonia Ignis Divinus (The Quantum Gate Revealed)
.. The Astral Convergence
.. The Divine Fire Of The Archangel
.. Of Psyche and Archetypes
12. Thundersteel [Cinematic Version, Digipak Bonus]

Luca Turilli – Guitars and Keyboards
Dominique Leurquin – Guitars
Patrice Guers – Bass
Alex Landenburg – Drums
Alessandro Conti – Lead Vocals
Ralf Scheepers (Primal Fear) – Choir Vocals
Dan Lucas (Karo) – Choir Vocals
David Readman (Room Experience) – Choir Vocals

BUY IT !
www.amazon.co.uk/Prometheus-Symphonia-Ignis-Divinus-Including/dp/B00VJZSSDG
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