In 2006, the then unified Italian power metal outfit issued a single, live album, recorded a year earlier, in Canada. Since then, they’ve departed management by Manowar’s Joey DeMaio, left Magic Circle and most importantly, split into two distinct bands, most notably, guitarist Luca Turelli having flown the coop. While half the material is reprised from said platter, this is a massive, double disc package. If not already taken, they should change their name to “amorphous,” as the music wanders in and out of genres: choir backed classical, lengthy instrumental passages, narrated Broadway show tunes, galloping, fist thrusting power metal and even a bit of gremlin throated, black metal growl (‘Reign Of Terror’).

Tracks were recorded at various stops on their last tour, locations can be guessed by how singer Fabio Lione addresses the crowd: “merci,” “danke’, grazie,” etc. Those who like their music full-on, all the time (Viagra addicts “who experience an erection lasting more than four hours”) need not apply. Like the fire in their moniker, sometimes Rhapsody are ablaze (‘Unholy Warcry’, ‘Holy Thunderforce’), sometimes barely lit embers (duet ballad between Lione and (narrator/film legend/operatic voice Christopher Lee), as on ‘Magic Of The Wizard’s Dream’, often with grand synthesized accompaniment. Lilting jigs/beerhall sing-alongs (‘March Of The Swordmaster’) add to the fun. Like their continental compatriots, plenty of solo instrument spotlights, although a bass-only rendition of Bach’s well-known, eerie/suspenseful ‘Toccata & Fugue in D Minor’ is something different. As good as speedy firebrand songs like ‘Dawn Of Victory’, ‘Land Of Immortals’ and ‘Emerald Sword’ are, this live testament fails to fully capture the essence of a live gig. Check them out in person.