Triumph Or Agony by Rhapsody of Fire (2006-10-25)

A frequent complaint with Rhapsody's newer albums, perhaps this one in particular, is that "we've seen it all before". True enough, Rhapsody's epic, melodic and ott style hasn't changed hugely over the years; we've heard songs about wizards, dragons and epic battles of good and evil before. The semi-operatic vocals, pseudo-orchestral keys and dramatic riffs aren't all brand new. But that doesn't stop this album from being fantastic.Rhapsody fans can generally be divided into two camps: those who love the dungeons-and-dragons style storylines, and those who find them mildly embarrassing and just listen to Rhapsody for the music. I generally fall into the latter group; but I think the balance on this album is pretty good: enough of Lee's deep-voiced narrations to keep the fans happy, but not too much "messing around". The only song that really gets into the story-telling is "The Mystic Prophesy..." which in fact handles it fantastically. Yes it breaks off into dialogue and narration in places, but it's effectively combined with the music and is really quite well done. I can't quite follow all of Rhapsody's storylines, but it doesn't really matter whether or not you do, the drama and excitement is still there.The music and vocals are on typically good form, plenty of choral backing to add melodrama and just enough fret-wanking for us to know Turilli hasn't lost his touch. It may not be 100% original, but there are plenty of songs that really make their mark; "Triumph or Agony" and "Heart of the Darklands" are Rhapsody in their usual high spirits; but "Il Canto del Vento" shows off some more complex and subtle songwriting, "Bloody Red Dungeons" is particularly fantastic (the Italian chorus is rather catchy!) and as I have mentioned, the longest and most overblown track "The Mystic Prophesy" is a personal favourite with great storytelling and some darker and heavier moments.Overall the album strikes a good balance between classic Rhapsody and some darker moments with everything one could want from a power metal/ symphonic metal album. It might not surprise you too much (check out their latest album for that), but it's still a quality album from start to finish, and a little more mature than their earlier works.

Bought as a gift for my other half, as one of his favourite bands it really made his day :)

Many people will place this release as last in there list of favourite rhapsody albums, personally i think it is an astounding release. Released under the new name Rhapsody of Fire, Triumph or Agony has something for alot of people. This is my favourite Rhapsdy album to just listen to from start to finish, as the story line is amazing, and the music is more like a film score than ever. This album has great symphonic power metal songs like Triumph or Agony and Heart of the Darklands, beautiful emotive ballads like Son of Pain and El Canto Del Vento. Old Age of Wonders is a brilliant folk song, that brings Lord of the Rings to mind. The Mystic Prphecy of the DemonKinght is a sixteen miute epic, with narration from actors including Christopher Lee, who is no stranger to a Rhapsody album, this song is like a movie without pictures.The guitar playin from genuis Luca Turilli may be less complicated than previous releases, but there are some amazingly technical solos and the vocals and orchestral arrangements are simply astouding.

Rhapsody have begun a new era with their Dark Secret Saga. Now their songs are focused on orchestral passages and the sound is not as heavy as we have seen in acts such as Dawn of Victory or Power of the Dragonflame. This may be very disappointing for some fans who loved Rhapsody for their fast riffs and crazy solos. In fact, it was strange for me too. However, I think this is one of their best works ever, if not THE best ever. This is brilliant. The songs are beautifully composed and at some points you will feel you are in a movie, specially on the 16-minute track. It's gorgeous indeed, the orchestra is the most powerful I've heard in a metal act, and by the end of track 11, you will wish you had the next album in your hands, for the story really leaves you curious and this album ends in a way that makes you want to know what will come next. If you like Rhapsody, do buy it. I would not complain at all if the next one was a little heavier like the ones before, though...Oh and screw the "Of Fire" thing...to me it will always be only Rhapsody.

My particular copy came with a bit of goo on the actual disc which was a bit worrying but it didn't affect the actual album which I mostly bought simply to say I own a copy and because I wanted the massive artwork really there fore I love it

The band is always enjoyable but I prefer Legendary Tales (1997), Dawn of Victory (2000), Rain of a Thousand Flames (2001) and Power of the Dragonflame (2002) for their originality and variety between songs.

Did you know you can't hear this album on any streaming music platform? Yes indeed this is one of the greatest Power Metal albums and you should keep a physical copy because it's pure gold for Rhapsody's fans

Geil

Everything from Rhapsody (Of Fire) is off the charts. These guys are among the best, hands down. Certainly one of my favorite all-time bands.

J'adore, il passe en boucle dans la voiture, et je ne m'en lasse pas ! C'est un de mes préférés du groupe (avec From Chaos to Eternity). Pour les fans du genre, je recommande vivement ;)

これまでの作風と較べて、疾走感が大幅に減少しています。ただ、メロディの充実度がそれを余りあっている点が彼等の凄い点だと思います。このクオリティを出せるバンドは、見渡しても居ないと思います。