In this exclusive interview, Alex Staropoli, the mastermind behind Rhapsody Of Fire, delves deep into the band's latest album, "Challenge The Wind". He discusses the album's musical direction, lyrical themes, and the creative process behind the new saga. Staropoli also reflects on the band's long-lasting influence on power metal and shares his thoughts on maintaining passion and energy after over three decades in the music industry. Get ready for a journey into the epic world of Rhapsody Of Fire!

Marcelo Vieira

How would you define "Challenge The Wind" in terms of sound and theme?

Well, the album follows the path we started with "The Eighth Mountain" (2019) and "Glory For Salvation" (2021). The main difference is that we don't have a ballad or an introduction; it's just fast heavy metal songs. This is very exciting. We had a fantastic time in the studio, with incredible drums, powerful guitars and bass, many choruses and vocal harmonies, and great melodies. Even so, the songs are fast-paced and full of energy.

The title "Challenge The Wind" evokes a vibe of adventure and overcoming obstacles. Is there a story behind this title that you can share with us?

Well, the story continues. We started with "The Eighth Mountain" and first of all, I must highlight the work that Robbie [Roberto De Micheli, guitarist] did in creating the plot and script for the saga. It's really cool. Years ago, we were thinking about what to do, and we finally agreed to go with this new saga. Giacomo [Voli, vocalist], I must say, especially for this album, did an amazing job with the lyrics and the language, which are really important to me. More than the saga itself, the words we use are important. We always want to convey a positive message in the lyrics, so that the listener can enjoy both the music and the story or just pay attention to the lyrics. There are many messages we like to try to convey with the lyrics, which can help listeners and act as triggers or suggestions. It's possible to be a hero every day in your life. You don't have to be a hero in the Marvel world, you know?

The lyrics of 'A Brave New Hope' seem to carry a powerful message of hope and determination. Could you tell us a bit about the inspiration behind this song and how it fits into the broader context of the new album?

This one starts with something Robbie created with the guitar. That's the approach we have at the beginning. I take material mainly from Robbie's guitar riffs and some verses or other parts he has. From that, I start listening to what I like and choose the parts that please me the most. Sometimes, some pieces really stand out, and those are the ones I like the most. This is an example of that; it's a bit melancholic, but in the end, the development of the song can change everything. I'm proud to say that the collaboration with Robbie has been going well. We don't have a specific plan to compose specific songs. I like to have freedom in that sense. I still have a guideline, but I like to feel freer.

Listening to 'A Brave New Hope,' 'Challenge The Wind,' and 'Kreel's Magic Staff,' we can feel a mix of familiarity and innovation. How did you balance the band's sonic evolution with maintaining the identity of Rhapsody Of Fire?

Well, I think, again, one of the most important elements is the guitars. And Robbie, surprisingly, manages to maintain that balance, creating some parts that are like a mirror of the past but still with a touch of modernity because he also listens to modern music, which is important. The work I do is quite classic; I listen to film soundtracks, classical music. So, for me, the arrangement work, creating the choruses and the great melodies, the vocal lines, is something I do with ease. However, it's true that there must be a touch of modernity. And, of course, the most important thing is the mixing. The mixing that Seeb [Sebastian Levermann, mixing engineer] did really does justice to the music we created. Otherwise, it would be a mess, hundreds of meaningless tracks. But with the right mixing, you can really develop and present the music in the most defined way. Moreover, I think metal musicians can benefit from listening to other music styles and incorporating those styles into metal to create something different. This can be a rule that applies to anyone, but for me, it's important to keep an open ear. We always try to bring new elements, but we want to be true to the music we create and respect ourselves and the fans by doing what we love.

Are fans embracing these new elements well?

Yes, actually, it's incredible. We did a tour where we played the entire "The Eighth Mountain" album. This was a bit risky because it's not that common to do that. But the fans really enjoyed it, at least here in Europe. It was very cool. The new songs that are part of this saga have, I must say, great melodies that stick in your head. The music we make is done with heart, energy, and honesty, and I think the fans really understand that.

"Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret" was released 20 years ago. How do you see the influence of this album on Rhapsody Of Fire's trajectory and on power metal as a whole over these two decades?

"Symphony Of Enchanted Lands II" represents something important for the band, besides the use of the orchestra, large choruses, and Christopher Lee. What I love most are all these elements together. When I compose, I always have Christopher Lee in mind and the incredible moments we spent with him. I also think of nature, films, and great landscapes. All these elements are always present in the music and always will be because they are part of us. The fantasy world of "The Lord of the Rings," "Conan the Barbarian," or "Game of Thrones" is deeply rooted in us. I love the style and the way these images surround us, and I try to do the same with the music.

How do you see the evolution of power metal from the early days of Rhapsody Of Fire to today?

I must say that I feel we have been quite stable in what we do. And, of course, the change of some band members can bring innovation, as in the case of Robbie, for example. And, well, it all depends on the music you want to offer. I believe that Rhapsody Of Fire can do a lot, but it still needs to be faithful to the music we create. But, thanks to all the elements we can use, from classical to baroque, from soundtracks to heavy metal, we can create ballads. There's a lot going on already, so I feel quite lucky to still be able to include instruments and other things, which is very cool.

With more than three decades of career, how do you maintain the energy and passion for music, especially within such a demanding genre as power metal?

It's important to have a goal, and we have a long-term goal. We look to the future and say: "OK, let's do this in two years, we'll do that in five years, in 10 years we'll do this." So, it's like a game, you know? We do the best we can with all our skills to create the best music possible, put on the best shows we can, and meet as many fans as possible. It's really simple. These are the three things we love.

Is there a specific moment in the band's career that you consider a turning point or a significant milestone?

Christopher Lee was, without a doubt, one of the most incredible things that could have happened to the band. However, I must say that I am quite happy with the current lineup [Staropoli, De Micheli, Voli, bassist Alessandro Sala, and drummer Paolo Marchesich]. We are all Italians, and when we get on stage, we generate a lot of energy that the fans can perceive.

What are your most memorable memories of Rhapsody Of Fire's shows in Latin America?

The fans, the fans screaming and the love we always received was an incredible experience, and we are eager to experience that again.

Is there something special about the energy of Brazilian fans that stands out to you?

Well, Brazil is Brazil. There is no other country like Brazil, and playing there, after so many years, is an honor. The weather is great, the food is fantastic, and the fans, I am sure they enjoy it a lot.