When Italian guitar player and composer Luca Turilli in the beginning of 90′s formed Rhapsody probably didn’t even dream that exactly his band will become one of the most influential bands when it comes to power/symphonic metal. The story named Rhapsody Of Fire we all know so we won’t repeat it here and now. Rhapsody, leaded by Turilli whose vocal domination is taken by incredible Alessandro Conti has today released the new studio album „Ascending To Infinity“, another masterpiece of perfect Turilli’s mind.
The new album but also the feelings of working with great composer and guitarist were, to celebrate the release of the album, subject of our talking with Alessandro Conti.

VENIA: Before I ask you about the album ”Ascending to Infinity”, how happened you’ve become part of symphonic metal band after being a part of progressive metal band Empty Tremor?
ALESSANDRO: To be part of Rhapsody is a great honor. Actually I’m not a big fan of prog-metal, Empty Tremor are friends but has never been my band, I did only 3-4 concerts some years ago to replace their lead singer.I sing also in Trick Or Treat, an Italian power metal band. In the future my efforts will be concentrated in these bands, Trick Or Treat and Rhapsody.

VENIA: For those who still didn’t have the chance to meet you, what you can tell of your musical background in general, which bands had the most influence on you and your musical expression when you’ve stared with music and which are now?
ALESSANDRO:  I started singing about 15 years ago. I was impressed by Helloween album “Keeper of the Seven Keys”, it was my main inspiration. I’m also fascinated by opera music and lyrical singing, these are my another passions! On my last experience with Luca I worked really hard to improve my vocal range and sing with different kind of voice. I hope you’ll like the final result on “Ascending to Infinity”!

VENIA: Rhapsody will ”Ascending to Infinity” release today, on June 22nd. How would you present the album to your fans but also to people who are not familiar with Rhapsody’s work?
ALESSANDRO: Sure! As the trailer of the album says: this work sound very “cinematic”! Overall, it’s an album full of orchestrations, fast songs, full of parts that are very difficult to sing! Ahah at the same time is a very variated album, it goes from musical-oriented songs to a  classic Rhapsody-style songs.

VENIA: If you need to choose only one song from the album to describe what Rhapsody today is, which one would you choose and why?
ALESSANDRO: Maybe the last song “Of Michael The Archangel And Lucifer’s Fall” as you can hear everything that we can find on the album, incredible orchestrations, epic fast accelerations and also slow epic parts!

VENIA: What is the concept of the album, what inspired the story?
ALESSANDRO: For the first time it is not a conceptual album but there are some songs related to each other. The topics are for example the origin of life, the quantum theory and the mysteries of multiverse.

VENIA: What can you tell about the songwriting process, how does one typical Rhapsody song comes to life?
ALESSANDRO: It’s hard for me to answer this question, Luca takes care of the whole songwriting . I can tell you that he worked really hard to do all in the best way.

VENIA: Let’s mention once again the title of the album, ”Ascending to Infinity”. What is hidden behind the album, what does this title means to you and the rest of the band?
ALESSANDRO: As I said, Luca has been involved in all the lyrics and therefore not easy to speak of the significance of individual songs. But many songs are written in a poetic or cryptic way, I think that everyone can find a personal meaning to their own sensibilities.

VENIA: For you as a singer, what was the most challenging during the recording session and why?
ALESSANDRO: Aha this is a good question! There are a lot of difficult parts!! ‘Ascending to Infinity’ for example, is full of really high notes! Or songs like “Luna” or “Tormento and Passione” are very complicated ’cause the operatic approach. Luca tested me very hard during the record session! Haha!

VENIA: What would you name as the biggest advantages and also disadvantages if you compare symphonic to progressive metal?
ALESSANDRO: I don’t like singing prog metal as I need to focus on the timing or anything like that so sometimes it seems to do an exam of mathematics! Haha! But I love to sing symphonic parts as those are usually very airy and full of choirs, the final effect is great and they can help intonation and timing.

VENIA: It seems Italian alternative music scene is growing each year. From your point of view how the rock/metal scene does looks like in Italy nowadays?
ALESSANDRO: I agree, the list of bands that are having a good response goes on and on. There is a lot respect and friendship between the bands. I think this will help the Italian scene to grow up again.

VENIA: Can we expect to see Rhapsody on tour this year, what are you plans for near future?
ALESSANDRO: The tour will start in November, we expect to play many live shows! We’ll play inEurope in the end of this year. In 2013 we’ll start South American tour.

VENIA:  In the end, is there some message you’d like to send to Rhapsody’ fans inCroatia?
ALESSANDRO: Sure! I can’t wait to play in your country! I’m sure it will be great! So, keep in touch and see you soon!

Official web: www.ltrhapsody.com