Words and Photos: Kyle Mueller
Legendary Italian symphonic power metal pioneers Rhapsody of Fire hit the road in early September for their “Challenge the Wind/Dawn of Victory” tour, celebrating the 25th anniversary of their seminal third album. On September 18th, they brought this milestone celebration to The Forge in Joliet, delivering an evening of soaring vocals, virtuosic musicianship, and pure power metal theater.
Striker exploded onto the stage with “Best of the Best of the Best,” immediately setting the night’s high-energy tone. Vocalist Dan Cleary commanded the stage like a force of nature, while the guitar duo of Tim Brown and John Simon Fallon delivered blistering solos without sacrificing their seamless harmonic interplay. Bassist Pete Klassen, sporting his signature neon green “SUCKS 2 SUCK” cutoff, owned every inch of the stage with his trademark energy. Though their set clocked in at just eight songs, Striker left the crowd demanding more.
As the lights dimmed, Witherfall took control with “They Will Let You Drown.” Vocalist Joseph Michael hit stratospheric notes that seemed impossible in a live setting, while Gerry Hirschfeld proved his versatility, seamlessly switching between keys and rhythm guitar while providing stellar backing vocals. Lead guitarist Jake Dreyer carved through the mix with surgical precision, and Anthony Crawford’s six-string bass work provided a thunderous foundation. Drummer Chris Tsaganeas showcased blazing speed and technical prowess, particularly during the crushing “Insidious.” Five songs might sound brief, but for those familiar with Witherfall’s epic compositions, it translated to a substantial 45-minute journey.
Swedish speed demons Enforcer transported the venue straight back to the ’80s with their leather-clad, blonde-maned assault. Frontman and guitarist Olof Wikstrand promised to “crush some skulls” and delivered in spectacular fashion, exhibiting an enthusiasm rarely seen on stage. Throughout their 10-song blitz, not a single member remained stationary. Guitarist Jonathan Nordwall and bassist Garth Condit created a whirlwind of motion, sharing every corner of the stage, while drummer Jonas Wikstrand anchored tracks like “Midnight Vice” and “Undying Evil” with relentless power. Their respectful yet crushing cover of Black Sabbath’s “Die Young” proved a perfect tribute.
Finally, Rhapsody of Fire took the stage to close this epic evening. The widely acknowledged pioneers of symphonic power metal opened with “The Dark Secret” from 2004, immediately signaling that fans of all generations were witnessing something special. Vocalist Giacomo Voli proved nothing short of spectacular, his otherworldly range elevating the venue’s energy to cathedral-like heights. For newcomers to their live experience, watching this musical theater unfold felt truly mesmerizing.
Co-founder and sole remaining original member Alex Staropoli masterfully guided the audience through a career-spanning setlist, from 2019’s “Rain of Fire” to the show-closing anthem “Emerald Sword” from 1998. Each song demonstrated why Rhapsody of Fire remains the gold standard for symphonic power metal, blending classical grandeur with metal’s raw power.
This tour serves as a celebration to Rhapsody of Fire’s influence on the genre they helped create. For anyone who appreciates the marriage of orchestral beauty and metallic might, this is an essential live experience.
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