Rhapsody of Fire, formerly known as Rhapsody, is an Italian symphonic power metal band formed in 1993 by Luca Turilli and Alex Staropoli. The band, originally named Thundercross, has released fourteen studio albums, two live albums, three EPs, and a live DVD. Their early work was notable for conceptual lyrics forming a continuous fantasy story from 1997 to 2011. In 2006, the band changed its name to Rhapsody of Fire due to trademark issues.

Following the release of "From Chaos to Eternity" in 2011, which concluded The Dark Secret Saga, Luca Turilli left the band to form Luca Turilli's Rhapsody with Dominique Leurquin and Patrice Guers. This new band considers its discography a parallel continuation of Rhapsody of Fire's. In 2016, former members Fabio Lione and Alex Holzwarth reunited with Turilli, Leurquin, and Guers for a 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour under the name Rhapsody. In December 2018, Turilli announced Turilli / Lione Rhapsody, featuring the lineup from the farewell tour minus Staropoli, which disbanded in 2023.

The band formed in 1993 with Turilli, Staropoli, and Daniele Carbonera. Guitarist Roberto De Micheli joined briefly, and in 1994, Thundercross released their first demo "Land of Immortals" with vocalist Cristiano Adacher. The band changed its name to Rhapsody and released a second demo, "Eternal Glory." Fabio Lione replaced Adacher as vocalist, and Alessandro Lotta later joined as bassist.

Rhapsody's debut studio album, "Legendary Tales," was released in 1997, beginning The Emerald Sword Saga. Their 1998 album "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" included the song "Emerald Sword." "Dawn of Victory" (2000) continued the saga, featuring songs such as "Holy Thunderforce," "Lux Triumphans," and "The Bloody Rage of the Titans," reaching #32 on the German charts and #4 in Japan. "Rain of a Thousand Flames" served as a bridge to "Power of the Dragonflame" (2002), which concluded The Emerald Sword Saga with the track "Gargoyles, Angels of Darkness." Patrice Guers and Dominique Leurquin joined the band at this time.

The Dark Secret Saga began with "The Dark Secret EP" (2004) and "Symphony of Enchanted Lands II: The Dark Secret" (2004), with narration by Christopher Lee. The band changed its name to Rhapsody of Fire in 2006 and released "Triumph or Agony," featuring a 70-piece orchestra and choir, including tracks such as "Silent Dream," "Son of Pain," and "The Mystic Prophecy of the Demonknight." Fabio Lione contributed the song "Il canto del Vento." Between 2008 and 2009, the band was on hiatus due to legal disputes, during which members pursued solo projects and collaborations.

Rhapsody of Fire signed with Nuclear Blast Records in 2009 and released "The Frozen Tears of Angels" in 2010, followed by the EP "The Cold Embrace of Fear – A Dark Romantic Symphony" (2010–2011). "From Chaos to Eternity" (2011) concluded The Algalord Chronicles and The Dark Secret Saga. Guitarist Tom Hess joined the band in 2011, and following Turilli and Guers’ departure, the band added Oliver Holzwarth and Roberto De Micheli.

The band continued with lineup changes, signing with AFM Records in 2012, and released the live album "Live – From Chaos to Eternity" (2013). "Dark Wings of Steel" (2013) was their first album not part of The Algalord Chronicles. Oliver Holzwarth departed in 2014, replaced by Alessandro Sala. "Into the Legend" was released in 2016. Fabio Lione and Alex Holzwarth left the band in 2016.

Former members conducted the 20th Anniversary Farewell Tour (2017–2018), performing the album "Symphony of Enchanted Lands" in full. Giacomo Voli and Manu Lotter joined as vocalist and drummer. "Legendary Years," a re-recorded collection of fourteen classic songs, was released in 2017.

Rhapsody of Fire began The Nephilim's Empire Saga with "The Eighth Mountain" (2019) and released "I'll Be Your Hero" EP (2021), followed by "Glory for Salvation" (2021). Singles from the album included "Glory for Salvation," "Magic Signs," "Terial the Hawk," and "Chains of Destiny." "Kreel's Magic Staff" was released in 2023, and the band released "Challenge the Wind" (2024), the third chapter of The Nephilim's Empire Saga, with additional singles "A Brave New Hope," "Diamond Claws," and "Mastered by the Dark."

Studio albums Legendary Tales (1997) Symphony of Enchanted Lands (1998) Dawn of Victory (2000) Rain of a Thousand Flames (2001) Power of the Dragonflame (2002) Symphony of Enchanted Lands II (The Dark Secret) (2004) Triumph or Agony (2006) The Frozen Tears of Angels (2010) From Chaos to Eternity (2011) Dark Wings of Steel (2013) Into the Legend (2016) The Eighth Mountain (2019) Glory for Salvation (2021) Challenge the Wind (2024)