Italian power-driven symphonic/cinematic/orchestral band RHAPSODY OF FIRE have announced the name of the second guitarist who will join them on their upcoming world tour, Italy's Roberto De Micheli.

Keyboardist Alex Staropoli says: “With so many very good guitar players to chose from, it took time and great care to find the absolute best guitar player for us. In the end, we decided on Roberto De Micheli due to his complete mastery of the guitar, his unique abilities to amaze all those who hear and watch him play live, and his complete dedication as a musician. I have known Roberto De Micheli since the early 1990s. The decision to finally chose him over all other guitarists in the world to play with us became very obvious and natural the more we considered all our options. After so many years, he is still highly devoted to his instrument. He remains passionate and enthusiastic about rehearsing and playing music many hours every day. He is also a perfect fit for Rhapsody Of Fire because he continues the band’s tradition of being a truly professional, polite and a positive person to work with. Roberto De Micheli and Tom Hess are already working together on their guitar parts for the upcoming Rhapsody Of Fire tour, that's just very exciting! The huge anticipation of the band’s new lineup, sound and upcoming world tour has been something much greater and more exciting than we have ever experienced before from fans all over the world.”

As previously reported, Rhapsody Of Fire vocalist Fabio Lione is featured in a new audio interview with The Age Of Metal. He discusses the departure of founding guitarist Luca Turilli, working with legendary actor Christopher Lee, and his current status as the temporary live vocalist for KAMELOT. Check it out via the player below:

Fabio Lione of Rhapsody of Fire interview by TheAgeOfMetal 3

Back in August - after 15 years of friendship, hard work and passion, fully invested in the creation of symphonic music and an epic saga that will remain in the history of heavy metal - Rhapsody Of Fire's Alex Staropoli and Luca Turilli agreed upon a friendly split. They issued the following statement:

"Ten albums released and the end of the saga represent, musically and lyrically, an important artistic goal finally reached, underlined by the success of our last release From Chaos To Eternity, for which we want to thank our wonderful fans once again. Now it came the time when new artistic stimulations need to be found, in respect of both parts’ visions and perspectives and of our longtime friendship."

Due to the latest legal agreements, Staropoli will go on with Rhapsody Of Fire having, between the others, Fabio Lione as singer, Tom Hess as guitar player and Alex Holzwarth as drummer.

Under the same agreements and the original band name’s common ownership, Turilli will release his future works with a new RHAPSODY band, including the faithful band members Dominique Leurquin, Patrice Guers and Alex Holzwarth.

Staropoli: "While wishing the best to Luca and his new band, I want to tell you that Fabio and myself feel motivated and stronger than ever and that Rhapsody Of Fire are already planning a great worldwide tour. More information regarding the new bass player and the new second guitar player will follow. Stay tuned!”

The website www.rhapsodyoffire.com will remain active as Rhapsody Of Fire's official homepage, and www.algalordchronicles.com will remain tthe official fan club address.

All information on Turilli's activities can be found at www.lucaturilli.com.