Ascending to Infinity cover

Ascending to Infinity

Luca Turilli's Rhapsody · 2012

63 min · 10 tracks · symphonic metal

A cinematic blend of symphonic arrangements and powerful metal, weaving epic narratives through soaring melodies and intricate instrumentation.

Top tracks — play these first

  • →
    Quantum X — This opening track sets the stage with its fast-paced energy and intricate harmonies, introducing listeners to the album's grand thematic focus.
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    Dante's Inferno — This track exemplifies the album's narrative depth, drawing inspiration from classic literature while showcasing an elaborate musical arrangement that captivates listeners.
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    Of Michael the Archangel and Lucifer's Fall — At over sixteen minutes, this epic composition encapsulates the album's grandeur and ambition, blending operatic vocals with heavy instrumentation in a dramatic retelling of celestial battles.
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    Excalibur — This song merges mythological themes with powerful riffs and orchestration, representing the essence of Turilli's ability to fuse storytelling with sonic intensity.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

65 /100
Treeline
Higher than 88% of albums we've rated

The album showcases intricate compositions and a strong orchestral presence, marking a distinct evolution in Turilli's sound.

What we noticed

  • The album opens with a fast-paced orchestral introduction that transitions into heavy guitar riffs, setting a dramatic tone.
  • Each track features complex arrangements with multiple sections, often shifting between symphonic interludes and metal segments.
  • Several tracks incorporate operatic vocals alongside traditional metal singing, creating a layered vocal texture.
  • The final track includes an extended orchestral outro that gradually fades out, providing a sense of closure to the album.
Composition 25% of the score
8/10

the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics

Craft 20% of the score
7/10

production, performance, arrangement

Durability 25% of the score
6/10

whether it rewards returning to it

Distinctiveness 18% of the score
8/10

whether it sounds like itself

Sequencing 12% of the score
7/10

running order, pacing, length

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

  • cinematic storytelling through music
  • epic narratives that unfold gradually
  • immersive soundscapes for deep focus
  • moments of soaring melody
  • dynamic contrasts in pacing

Maybe skip if you

  • prefer straightforward song structures
  • want immediate gratification

Where this album fits

Career context
Released in 2012, Ascending to Infinity marked Luca Turilli's Rhapsody's first album after the split from the original Rhapsody band. This album was a significant pivot, showcasing Turilli's vision for a more orchestral sound while still rooted in the band's signature power metal style, following the 2009 release of The Frozen Tears of Angels.
Stylistic neighbors
Rhapsody of Fire· Nightwish· Epica

Tracklist

Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.

  • 1 Quantum X 2:25
  • 2 Ascending to Infinity 6:15
  • 3 Dante's Inferno 4:56
  • 4 Excalibur 8:06
  • 5 Tormento e passione 4:51
  • 6 Dark Fate of Atlantis 6:29
  • 7 Luna 4:15
  • 8 Clash of the Titans 4:14
  • 9 Of Michael the Archangel and Lucifer's Fall 16:02
  • 10 March of Time 5:49

Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata