Rhapsody Of Fire brings their Challenge the Wind tour to Denver Colorado’s Oriental Theater September 16, 2025

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 from Los Angeles, Witherfall.  Four bands I had not seen before and that added to my excitement for covering this tour.

Striker (Juno Award winners) took to the stage to start off a night of metal with “Best of the Best of the Best” from their 2024 album, Ultrapower and right away the energy flowed off the stage and filled the venue. Though it wasn’t a packed house that didn’t stop the energy flow from the crowd as they moved about absorbing the wailing solos and rapid-fire rhythms pouring out from the stage. Watching the interactions between the band members on stage 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”. A high energy start to the night.

Striker members: Canada

Dan Cleary – vocals (2007–present)

Tim Brown – guitar (2013–present)

Pete Klassen – bass (2019–present)[3]

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

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 the highs and lows shows strong vocal control and connects with the crowd through his expressive stage presence. Crawford holds down the bass with confidence. Tsaganeas keeps everything tight on drums, while 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. A very powerful song.

Witherfall members: L.A.

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

Next up from Sweden was Enforcer and talk about the energy level sky rocketing when these guys opened their set with “Destroyer” and 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 and they are masters on their guitars along with great vocals. Drummer Jonas was not only displaying his power on the drums but backing vocals well. This would continue throughout their set and their fans were moving on the floor and a mosh pit opened up. Their set moved back and forth through time songs, “Undying Evil” from 2015, “Live for the Night” from 2010, “Unshackle Me” from 2023’s album Nostalgia. 

How they kept their energy throughout their set was beyond me, I was getting tired watching them. Enforcer finished their high energy set going back to 2010 with, “Midnight Vice”. I was talking with the tour manager Dan after their set. I said, they reminded me of old school hair bands.

I noticed just before Enforcer took the stage that the crowd was growing and by the time they were done, quite a few more people had shown up.

Enforcer members: Sweden

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

Midnight Vice 2010

The stage was set for Rhapsody of Fire and there was excitement in the air including from me. Making their way onto the stage, Rhapsody of Fire received a rousing cheer from their fans and 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 as the crowd became fully immersed in the medieval fantasy themes woven into the lyrics. This was an atmosphere that would last 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. Like the sound itself is alive and shared between artist and audience. Going back and forth in time with songs, “Rain of Fury” from 2019, “The Magic of the Wizard's Dream” from 2004, “Dawn of Victory” from 2000.  

Their fans were singing along with the songs and getting lost in the music. Some with their heads back, eyes closed and slowly swaying back and forth. Giacomo would interact with the fans bringing smiles to the faces of many 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”. 

An amazing night of music by 4 bands that poured out their hearts and souls through their music. It was such a pleasure to cover this show, thanks to them all!

Rhapsody Of Fire members: Italy

Alex Staropoli – keyboards (1993–present)

Roberto De Micheli – lead guitar (2011–present), rhythm guitar (2013–present)

Alessandro Sala – bass (2015–present)

Giacomo Voli – lead vocals (2016–present)

Paolo Marchesich – drums (2020–present)

Setlist:

The Dark Secret

Unholy Warcry

Rain of Fury

I'll Be Your Hero

Chains of Destiny

The Magic of the Wizard's Dream 2004

Challenge the Wind

Kreel’s Magic Staff

Dawn of Victory

Triumph for My Magic Steel

The Village of Dwarves

Dargor, Shadowlord of the Black Mountain

Holy Thunderforce

A New Saga Begins

Land of Immortals

Emerald Sword