Well, they are a bit over the top in my opinion. They even used a drumcomputer. But I had a power metal mood years ago haha, so I know quite a lot of their albums. Dig their first three most I suppose. I've heard they are called Rhapsody of fire now by the way, and I haven't listened to their new stuff under that name. I have to say that to me the greatest power metal comes from Italy (despite some of my favourites have rather silly accents in their vocals )!
i thought their old name was rhapsody of fire and their new name was just rhapsody. drum machines? well, i guess their music isnt centrally focused on their beat. whats the name of the italian band you're thinking of?
I have the feeling most power metal bands are from Italy , so there are also some lousy ones. But the one I like most is Dominé. Haven't listened to their latest albums yet though, but Dragonlord and Stormbringer ruler are some pretty good albums. Champion Eternal has it's moments as well, especially the title song. Very epic power metal, but not as symphonic/classical-influenced as a band like Rhapsody. I also like some other italian power metalalbums, but those bands aren't around anymore. Drakkar is one of those, I love their first two album with their first singer. Quest for glory and Gemini. Great vocalist, but I warned you for the accent!
Sweden and Germany also have a lot of power metal. But sometimes it seems like Italy ONLY has power metal indeed! To me Rhapsody is just too busy-sounding, every second stuffed with as many symphonic keyboard lines as they could come up with. Not my thang. Hey Asmo, you should check the first and third album by Elvenking, really awesome folksy power metal, from Italy too, they always bring a smile to my face. Oh and you gotta love Blind Guardian of course, though they're not Italian.
I agree on the busy over the top symphonic sounding. I only heard the first album of Elvenking, I thought it was a bit busysounding too but in a different way. It wasn't bad at all though, but I haven't listened to their other albums. I'm not often in the mood to put on some Blind Guardian but I saw them live at Wacken and I thought it was great. Only album I really dig is Nightfall in middle-earth. You should try Drakkar - Gemini!
