In the last twenty years, Italy has given birth to some of the genies of symphonic and classical music with strong rock attitudes ! The mighty Luca TURILLI and Alex STAROPOLI, fathers of RHAPSODY OF FIRE, are the key characters of this movement, but it seems Italy is not going to give it a break right now. Cristiano FILIPPINI is the new undisputed maestro, starting from the Conservatory Diploma, he then managed to get tremendous attentions of fans and musical insiders all over the world. His debut album "The First Crusade" is proving this, being a first-page-must of the most well known italian newspapers ! An orchestral masterpiece, taking ispiration by the saga of "Conan The Barbarian", "The Lord Of The Rings" and "Troy", cleverly mixing arrangements never for granted with a really first-class creative streak !