Rhapsody Of Fire release new single “Challenge The Wind”, title track of new album coming in May 2024, out on AFM Records.

Following “Magic Staff”, a first single and album harbinger released in 2023, Rhapsody Of Fire have revealed full details about their brand new studio offering, entitled “Challenge The Wind”, due out this May! In support, the band has announced a busy touring schedule, with many more shows to follow soon. 

For more than thirty years, fans of symphonic melodic metal act Rhapsody Of Fire have been able to rely on one thing: there’s nothing half-hearted about this band. The Italian masters of their craft can look back at an impressive catalogue of 14 studio albums, three EPs and two live recordings to date, all marked by lots of heart and soul, passion and a virtually inexhaustible wealth of ideas. Since 1993, mastermind and founder Alex Staropoli has been hailed as the creator of the film score metal genre and his band as one of the most charismatic acts worldwide. In addition, Staropoli has enlisted a highly creative first-rate guitarist in Roby De Micheli, who joined the fold in 2011, contributing lots of gritty metal riffs and virtuoso solos to contrast the band’s symphonic orchestral style.

The album will mark Rhapsody Of Fire’s most fast-paced rager to date.

“Compared to all previous Rhapsody Of Fire releases, the current album consists exclusively of up-tempo numbers, not a single ballad in sight,” reveals the composer and keyboardist. “None of our other records have featured as much pure, unadulterated metal as ‘Challenge The Wind’!” Give ear, today, Rhapsody Of Fire are premiering a music video for their new single, the album title track!

Staropoli adds:

“The new Rhapsody Of Fire single “Challenge The Wind” is another strong musical statement from the band. Speed, energy, orchestrations, shredding guitars, amazing vocals and choirs; truly epic and divine music. Expect to be blown away, the entire album will shake you to your core!“

“Challenge The Wind” was produced by Alex Staropoli and mixed by Seeb Levermann (Orden Ogan), who is responsible for the homogeneous sound of the ten songs’ elaborate arrangements. As first single releases prove, one can be sure: Rhapsody Of Fire’s fast-paced adventure is set to continue with undiminished intensity!

1. Challenge the Wind 2. Whispers of Doom 3. The Bloody Pariah 4. Vanquished by Shadows 5. Kreel’s Magic Staff 6. Diamond Claws 7. Black Wizard 8. A Brave New Hope 9. Holy Downfall 10. Mastered by the Dark