Rhapsody of Fire Shines with Witherfall, Striker, and Enforcer at The Garrison

📍Powered by Inertia Entertainment

The Garrison hosted a packed and electrifying night, where four major metal acts showcased the power and diversity of the genre. Once again, Inertia Entertainment brought an impeccable lineup to Toronto, turning the venue into a true metal temple.

Witherfall opened the night with a short but intense setlist. The California-based band is known for their fusion of dark melodies and refined technique, and the audience responded warmly to every note. Even in a brief set, they created an emotionally charged atmosphere, setting the stage for what was to come.

Setlist – Witherfall:

• They Will Let You Down

• Moment

• Ode

• Insidious

• Vintage

Next up, Striker brought their unmistakable traditional heavy metal energy. Always colorful and infectious, they once again showed why their name is synonymous with fun on stage. Not even the sweltering heat of The Garrison could slow down their relentless pace, and the audience followed along perfectly.

Then came the spectacular Enforcer from Sweden. With a vibrant and glamorous stage presence, the band stood out for their tight synchrony and strong connection with the crowd. Their fast-paced, attitude-filled heavy metal set the venue on fire, creating one of the night’s highlights.

The climax of the night was delivered by the Italians of Rhapsody of Fire, a true institution of symphonic power metal. For nearly three decades, the band has been crafting their epic musical saga, continuing to carry a devoted legion of fans worldwide — and Toronto was no exception.

The show was an epic journey, balancing classics that marked generations of headbangers, such as Emerald Sword and Land of Immortals, with newer tracks that demonstrate the vitality of their current phase. Giacomo Voli was a spectacle on his own: his powerful, refined voice brought both emotion and technical brilliance. His emotional delivery brought every song to life, making classics like Dawn of Victory feel fresh and deeply moving. Beyond his technical mastery, Giacomo’s stage presence was magnetic, connecting with the audience at every moment and making the epic saga of the band feel immediate and personal. His finesse and dedication to the songs and the band were clear and delightful to see.

But he wasn’t the only one shining. Alex Staropoli, the only original member, continues to inspire since the 1990s and remains the backbone of the band’s symphonic sound with his majestic keyboards. Roby De Micheli delivered guitar lines with precision and feeling, balancing heaviness and melody in solos that thrilled the crowd. On bass, Alessandro Sala provided solidity and groove, sustaining every layer with contagious energy. And Paolo Marchesich, on drums, was pure power and consistency — each beat seemed to drive the audience to sing even louder.

The interaction with the audience was warm from start to finish. Between songs, smiles, and gestures of welcome, the Italians displayed a rare level of kindness and approachability for a band with such a grand legacy. This connection transformed the set into something greater: not just a show, but a collective celebration of what symphonic metal represents.

Setlist – Rhapsody of Fire (Toronto, 20/09):

• The Dark Secret

• Unholy Warcry

• Rain of Fury

• I’ll Be Your Hero

• Chains of Destiny

• Wizard’s Dream

• Challenge the Wind

• Kreel’s Magic Staff

• Lux Triumphans

• Dawn of Victory

• Triumph of My Magic Steel

• The Village of Dwarves

• Dargor

• Holy Thunderforce

• A New Saga Begins

• Land of Immortals

• Emerald Sword

Beyond the power of the performances, it’s import to mention again the detail that made the night even more special was the interaction between all the bands and the audience, both on stage and after the shows. All four bands showed warmth, simplicity, and respect: chatting, taking photos, and welcoming everyone naturally. A gesture that reinforces the connection with fans and makes the experience truly memorable.

It was a night where each band delivered its own essence, proving once again that Toronto continues to be a privileged stage for major metal gatherings. Rhapsody had my heart that night, but all the bands were the finest. Looking forward to their return.

🎸 Support these incredible bands and bring a piece of the night home! Check out their official merchandise:

Witherfall Official Merchandise – Explore a range of items including shirts, vinyl, and bundles from the dark melodic metal band.
Striker Official Store – Find exclusive tour shirts, albums, and more from Canada’s heavy metal powerhouse.
Enforcer Official Merch – Shop for limited edition shirts, vinyl, and accessories from the Swedish heavy metal kings.
Rhapsody of Fire Official Shop – Discover a selection of symphonic power metal merchandise, including shirts, vinyl, and exclusive items.

Every purchase helps these amazing bands continue creating the music we love and keeps the spirit of metal alive!

GALLERIES