DragonForce at Riviera Theatre

Ensiferum is a Finnish folk metal band from Helsinki. The name is Latin (ensiferum, meaning “sword bearing”). The members describe their style as “melodic folk metal”. The band has released nine studio albums. Ensiferum was founded in 1995 by guitarist Markus Toivonen, bassist Sauli Savolainen and drummer Kimmo Miettinen. In 1996, Jari Mäenpää joined as vocalist and second guitarist. The band released its first demo in 1997, containing three songs. In 1998, Savolainen and Miettinen left and were replaced by Jukka-Pekka Miettinen and Oliver Fokin. In 1999, a second demo was recorded, followed by a third demo, “Hero in a Dream”, which led to a record deal with Spinefarm Records. The band’s logo, used on later releases, was designed for this demo period. Work on the debut album began in 2000, and “Ensiferum” was released in 2001. Keyboardist Meiju Enho joined the band in the same year. After the completion of the second album “Iron”, Jari Mäenpää left in 2004 due to scheduling conflicts with his project Wintersun. Petri Lindroos from Norther replaced him on guitar and vocals and later became a permanent member. In late 2004, Jukka-Pekka Miettinen left and was replaced by Sami Hinkka. Drummer Oliver Fokin left in 2005 and was replaced by Janne Parviainen. The EP “Dragonheads” was released in 2006, including a title track, reworked demo material, a cover version of an Amorphis song, and traditional Finnish pieces. A live DVD, “10th Anniversary Live”, was released in 2006. The third studio album “Victory Songs” was released in 2007. The single “One More Magic Potion” preceded it, and a video was later released for the song “Ahti”. Keyboardist Meiju Enho left the band in 2007 and was temporarily replaced by Emmi Silvennoinen, who later became a full member during the recording of the next album. During this period, Ensiferum toured widely, including appearances at the Paganfest tour in Europe and North America, and supported bands such as Megadeth and Amon Amarth on selected dates. During a 2008 Russian tour, Lindroos was unable to participate due to illness, and former member Jukka-Pekka Miettinen temporarily filled in on guitar while Sami Hinkka handled vocals. In 2009, the band performed at multiple festivals and toured North America on the Summer Slaughter Tour. The fourth studio album, “From Afar”, was released in 2009. It was produced by Tero Kinnunen and Janne Joutsenniemi and mixed by Hiili Hiilesmaa. A limited edition included a cover song featuring guest vocals by Heri Joensen of Týr. The band toured internationally following the release. The fifth studio album, “Unsung Heroes”, was released in 2012. After this release, the band ended its contract with Spinefarm Records and later signed with Metal Blade Records in 2013. The sixth studio album, “One Man Army”, was released in 2015. During touring, Emmi Silvennoinen was temporarily unavailable and was replaced by Netta Skog, who later became a full member. Heri Joensen also contributed guest vocals on the track “Heathen Horde”. The seventh studio album, “Two Paths”, was released in 2017. It was recorded with a focus on a more organic production approach. Netta Skog left the band in late 2017. In 2020, recording began for the next album, and Pekka Montin joined as keyboardist and clean vocalist. The single “Rum, Women, Victory” was released in 2020, followed by “Andromeda”. The eighth studio album, “Thalassic”, was released in 2020. The ninth studio album, “Winter Storm”, was released in 2024. Full Wikipedia article: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ensiferum Studio albums Ensiferum ("Sword Bearer", 2001) Iron (2004) Victory Songs (2007) From Afar (2009) Unsung Heroes (2012) One Man Army (2015) Two Paths (2017) Thalassic ("Of the Sea", 2020) Winter Storm (2024)

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)