Paolo Marchesich

Paolo Marchesich has been Rhapsody of Fire's drummer since 2020, part of the band's current line-up. His function in the genre is among the most physically demanding. Symphonic power metal works with continuous double kick at high speed, sustained across whole tracks, and in Rhapsody's case that comes with long structures, orchestral sections and frequent changes of tempo — the band's compositions work like film score music, with development instead of repetition. The drums must at once keep the constant intensity the genre demands and signal the narrative transitions the concept albums impose. It is endurance added to structural reading. He came in replacing Manu Lotter and took part in Glory for Salvation (2021) and Challenge the Wind (2024), the recent output with which Alex Staropoli kept the band in regular activity.