They had already stated that From Chaos To Eternity was the end of the Emerald Saga, but I believe everyone was expecting the beginning of a new saga, and not the split-up of the band.
Well, actually the band doesn't end. It will simply be split in two.
Alex Staropoli will go on leading Rhapsody Of Fire, with Fabio Lione, Alex Holzwarth and Tom Hess, while Luca Turilli will form a new Rhapsody (?) band, with Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers, and Alex Holzwarth (it seems Holzwarth will be the drummer for both bands).
While at first sight this seemed a major tragedy, thinking about it a bit, it's not that bad.
Rhapsody Of Fire had released nine full lengths and two EPs and, let's face it, although all of them had top notch music and song writing, nothing really original and breath taking came from them a while ago.
I believe that Luca and Alex felt the need to part ways to evolve in their song writing in different directions, since they had exhausted the artistic creativity they could generate together.
My personal bet is that Rhapsody Of Fire will get heavier and that the new Luca Turilli's band will be more progressive, both of them keeping the root of Symphonic Power Metal. So maybe everybody wins with this split-up, let's wait and see!
Here is the full statement from Rhapsody Of Fire website:
After 15 years of friendship, hard work and big passion, fully invested in the creation of symphonic music and an epic saga that will remain in the history of heavy metal, Alex Staropoli and Luca Turilli decided to proceed to a friendly split.
“10 albums released and the end of the saga represents, musically and lyrically, an important artistic goal finally reached, underlined by the success of our last release “From Chaos To Eternity”, for which we want to thank our wonderful fans once again. Now it came the time when new artistic stimulations need to be found, in respect of both parts’ visions and perspectives and of our long-time friendship” say Luca and Alex. Due to the latest legal agreements actually in force, Alex Staropoli will go on with RHAPSODY OF FIRE having, between the others, Fabio Lione as singer, Tom Hess as guitar player and Alex Holzwarth as drummer. For the same agreements and the original name’s common ownership, Luca Turilli will release his future works with a new RHAPSODY band, including the faithful band members Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers and Alex Holzwarth.
Alex says: “While wishing the best to Luca and his new band, I want to tell you that Fabio and myself feel motivated and stronger than ever and that RHAPSODY OF FIRE are already planning a great worldwide tour. More information regarding the new bass player and the new second guitar player will follow. Stay tuned!”
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