In the beginning, there was Rhapsody. Then there were line-up changes, court battles and finally a split in Rhapsody of Fire and Luca Turilli's Rhapsody. The whole story is confusing, but by all means, the two bands are not as popular as Rhapsody was in the mid-2000s (Symphony of the Enchanted Lands, anyone?).

Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus is promoted as cinematic metal. It is very bombastic symphonic metal, and the double bass is not as prominent anymore as it was in the earlier Rhapsody work. At moments, the tracks might seem totally over the top – but I enjoyed listening to this album.

If I could describe the sound of Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus, it would be “Italian”. Many of the lyrics are in Italian, yes, but the whole album sounds like the festival of San Remo on metal-steroids. Big arrangements, a gentle subtlety that makes Italy as refined as it is, and an almost divine sense for aesthetics.

Can we call Luca Turilli's Rhapsody still metal? I doubt it – but the album Prometheus, Symphonia Ignis Divinus is full of surprises and delicately crafted soundscapes.

Tracklist

1. Nova Genesis (Ad Splendorem Angeli Triumphantis)

2. Il Cigno Nero

3. Rosenkreuz (The Rose And The Cross)

4. Anahata

5. Il Tempo Degli Dei

6. One Ring To Rule Them All

7. Notturno

8. Prometheus

9. King Solomon And The 72 Names Of God

10. Yggdrasil

11. Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifers Fall Part Ii Codex Nemesis

Label: Nuclear Blast

Website: www.facebook.de/ltrhapsody

Score: 8,5/10