Rockezine.com concert review for Rhapsody on Apr 10, 2002 in the 013/Tilburg

Rhapsody

013-Tilburg

Apr 10, 2002

At Vance
This is a solid performance yet very outdated. The riffing is from the early DIO and Malmsteen albums with boring chorusses. They have not much to add to the 2002 metal scene do they? Bad sound, no backing vocals to be heard anywhere near the 013. Sorry guys, maybe better luck next time.

Angel Dust
Long time no see. I saw these Germans only once, at the DOA 1998 where they presented their album "Border Of Reality". Striking fact with Angel Dust is their incapability to write songs which remain interesting throughout the entire composition. Almost every songs begins with a strong intro and ditto riffing, but as soon as the chorus comes, the power is gone. Too bad. Enthusiastic performance on stage though, well done. Just like with At Vance, Angel Dust suffers from a bad sound.

Rhapsody
These Italians have come a long way. With their 4th album "Power Of The Dragonflame" and 200.000 copies sold (all together) already, it`s no wonder that the 013 is filled with some 1.300 fans. There are three cameras in the venue, because the band is filming for a new DVD on this tour.

The beginning of the show is very theatrical with two characters from their recent album in beautiful costums performing an opening act on stage. With flashing material from their latest cd Rhapsody hits the stage. For the first time tonight the sound is okay which means the time is right to have party.

Due to the fact that taking a choir & classical orchestra with you on tour is very, very expensive (just ask Peavy from Rage, JG), Rhapsody uses samples to make their songs come alive on stage. Quite understandable really, but it does give you a strange feeling looking at Fabio Lione and hearing 10 voices for instance.

Also the flute doesn`t always sound like it is played live. The crowd reacts very enthusiastic and expecially Lione proves to be quite an impressive vocalist. Good show!

Here`s the complete setlist (for all you Rhapsody-freaks):

Intro Aresius - In Tenebris - Knightrider of Doom - Emerald Sword - March of theSword - Wisdom of Kings - Legendary Tales - Land of Immortal - Lamento Eroico - Holy Thunderforce - Drum solo - Bass solo ( not bad at all! ) - Village of Dwarves - Wizard last Rhymes Toegift: - Lux Triumphans - Dawn of Victory - Power Dragonflame - The Legend Ends - Outra

Expect a Rhapsody interview soon at REZ!

(Review: Johan Godschalk
Pics: Josje Klouwens)

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