Rhapsody of Fire: A Night of Epic Metal

Sep 20, 2025

4 min read

Updated: Oct 18

I have waited a long time to see Rhapsody of Fire, and it was a real treat to finally cover them on their Challenge the Wind tour. Joining the Italians on this tour were Enforcer from Sweden, Striker from Canada, and Witherfall from Los Angeles. Four bands I had not seen before, which added to my excitement for covering this tour.

The Opening Act: Striker

Striker (Juno Award winners) took to the stage to kick off a night of metal with “Best of the Best of the Best” from their 2024 album, Ultrapower. Right away, the energy flowed off the stage and filled the venue. Although it wasn’t a packed house, the crowd's energy was palpable as they moved about, absorbing the wailing solos and rapid-fire rhythms pouring out from the stage. Watching the interactions between the band members and the crowd only added to this high-energy set of music.

Their eight-song set was mostly from their latest album, but Striker stepped back in time to close out their set with 2017's “Former Glory” and 2016’s “Phoenix Lights.” It was a high-energy start to the night.

Striker Members

Dan Cleary – vocals (2007–present)
Tim Brown – guitar (2013–present)
Pete Klassen – bass (2019–present)
John Simon Fallon – guitar (2022–present; live 2016–2017)

Setlist

Best of the Best of the Best (2024)
Heart of Lies (2018)
Blood Magic (2024)
Sucks to Suck (2024)
Ready for Anything (2024)
Circle of Evil (2024)
Former Glory (2017)
Phoenix Lights (2016)

https://youtu.be/0oX9LFx2szs?si=1PFhrAJq_wxujJOh

Witherfall Takes the Stage

With the stage set, the lights flashed, and Witherfall made their way onto the stage. Their sound is described as Dark Melodic Metal, and I found their music to be very interesting. They opened their set with “They Will Let You Down” from their 2024 album, Sounds of the Forgotten.

Dryer’s guitar playing moves easily between fast solos, softer acoustic parts, and solid riffs. He adds a touch of classical style that gives the songs extra character. Michael’s vocal range, from highs to lows, shows strong vocal control and connects with the crowd through his expressive stage presence. Crawford holds down the bass with confidence, while Tsaganeas keeps everything tight on drums. Hirschfeld adds layers with keys, guitar, and backing vocals.

Witherfall finished their set with “Vintage,” a remembrance to the original Witherfall drummer, Adam Sagan, who passed away in 2016. It was a very powerful song.

Witherfall Members

Anthony Crawford - Bass
Gerry Hirshfeld - Keyboards
Jake Dreyer - Guitars (2013-present)
Joseph Michael - Vocals, Keyboards (2013-present)
Chris Tsaganeas - Drums (2022-present)

Setlist

They Will Let You Down
Ode to Despair
Insidious
Vintage

https://youtu.be/Y8UiY5n6LFc?si=-i_56U95FsZEvHHg

Enforcer: Energy Unleashed

Next up from Sweden was Enforcer, and the energy level skyrocketed when these guys opened their set with “Destroyer.” They never slowed down. Olof, Jonathan, and Garth moved around the stage, engaging with the crowd and each other. The power from their music filled the venue, and as a photographer covering the show, I was having a blast! Watching them run about, meeting each other on different parts of the stage, leaning on each other, they are masters on their guitars along with great vocals. Drummer Jonas displayed not only his power on the drums but also provided backing vocals.

This high-energy performance continued throughout their set, and their fans were moving on the floor, with a mosh pit opening up. Their set moved back and forth through time, featuring songs like “Undying Evil” from 2015, “Live for the Night” from 2010, and “Unshackle Me” from 2023’s album Nostalgia.

How they kept their energy throughout their set was beyond me; I was getting tired just watching them. Enforcer finished their high-energy set by going back to 2010 with “Midnight Vice.” I spoke with the tour manager Dan after their set and mentioned that they reminded me of old-school hair bands.

Enforcer Members

Olof Wikstrand – lead vocals (2004–present), guitars (2004–2008, 2011–present), bass (2004–2007, 2007–2008, 2021–2022), drums (2004–2006)
Jonas Wikstrand – drums (2006–2007, 2007-present), keyboards, piano, backing vocals (2006–present), bass (2006–2008, 2021–2022)
Jonathan Nordwall – guitars, backing vocals (2019–present)
Garth Condit – bass (2022–present)

Setlist

Destroyer
Undying Evil (2015)
Unshackle Me (2023)
From Beyond (2015)
Live for the Night (2010)
Die Young (Black Sabbath cover)
Nostalgia (2023)
Mesmerized by Fire (2013)
Take Me Out of This Nightmare (2013)

10. Midnight Vice (2010)

https://youtu.be/5EExbLCeUnI?si=Qo5gvNDy3wipsvhb

The Grand Finale: Rhapsody of Fire

The stage was set for Rhapsody of Fire, and there was excitement in the air, including from me. As they made their way onto the stage, Rhapsody of Fire received a rousing cheer from their fans. They started their set with “The Dark Secret” from 2004, and an evening full of symphonic power metal began to the delight of everyone.

Giacomo Voli’s voice carried through the venue, creating a mesmerizing atmosphere. The crowd became fully immersed in the medieval fantasy themes woven into the lyrics. This atmosphere lasted throughout the night. Being my first time seeing and hearing them live was amazing! This beautiful sound, shaped by a collective of passionate souls, feels like a heartbeat shared—intimate, powerful, and unforgettable. The sound itself feels alive and shared between artist and audience. They went back and forth in time with songs like “Rain of Fury” from 2019, “The Magic of the Wizard's Dream” from 2004, and “Dawn of Victory” from 2000.

Their fans sang along with the songs, getting lost in the music. Some had their heads back, eyes closed, and slowly swayed back and forth. Giacomo interacted with the fans, bringing smiles to many faces as his amazing voice carried out over the crowd. To finish their set, Rhapsody of Fire went way back to 1997's “Land of Immortals” and 1998’s “Emerald Sword.”

It was an amazing night of music by four bands that poured out their hearts and souls through their performances. It was such a pleasure to cover this show. Thank you to all the artists for a night to remember!