Neoclassical / progressive metal band Ring of Fire formed in Chula Vista, California in 2000. Founded by former Yngwie J. Malmsteen / Billionaires Boys Club vocalist Mark Boals, the group came together after the recording of Boals’ second solo album, Ring of Fire (2000). Inspired by the musicians he brought together to make the album, the original lineup of Ring of Fire included Mark Boals on lead vocals, Ukrainian / American keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij (Trans-Siberian Orchestra), George Bellas on guitar, Philip Bynoe on bass, and Virgil Donati on drums. After the release of the group’s debut album, The Oracle (2001), Bellas left the band and was replaced by Tony McAlpine. After the release of their second studio album, Dreamtower (2002) and the live set Burning Live in Tokyo 2002, keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij left the group and Steve Weingart stepped in to take his place. Ring of Fire released their third studio album, Lapse of Reality, in 2004 before breaking up. Nearly a decade later, Mark Boals was inspired to reunite the band in 2013 and brought in McAlpine on guitar and Kuprij on keyboards, recording the album Battle of Leningrad (2014). This reunion was temporary, and the members of Ring of Fire went their separate ways again. However, Mark Boals decided to resurrect the band once again and brought in keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij and a new cast of players for the 2022 album Gravity. Keyboardist Vitalij Kuprij died from cardiac arrest on February 22, 2024, at the age of 49.
