Label Web Site: http://www.spv.de
Release Date: November 15, 2004
Band Web Site: http://www.angra.net
Ive never been a big fan of ANGRA. Their classic, Holy Land, flew right under my radar. I dont think I even heard an ANGRA song until I learned they would be performing at ProgPower III, to which I already had tickets. So, I went out and bought Rebirth, which at that time was their latest CD. I thought it was a respectable effort, but nothing special. About a year later, I finally got my hands on Holy Land. After spinning it a few times, I could see why so many fans of the Power Metal genre consider it a classic. However, while I was curious to hear ANGRAs latest offering, Id hardly say I was waiting with bated breath. Now that Ive had Temple of Shadows for a few weeks, and have listened to it a dozen times, I think I can safely sum up this disc with one word; Wow!
Lets start where any review of this disc should start, with Edu Falaschi. On Rebirth, his first CD as ANGRAs front man (after the departure of André Matos), he came across as a good, but not top-tier, vocalist. However, with his debut CD firmly under his belt, Edu has taken his performance to the next level. The release of Temple of Shadows should solidify Edus place among the genres elite vocalists. Whether it be the more subtle moments of Wishing Well, the pure Metal bliss of Angels and Demons, or when going head-to-head with Metal legends Hansi Kürsch and Kai Hansen, Edus star shines brightly.
Temple of Shadows is a loosely tied concept disc about an eleventh century knight, known as The Shadow Hunter, whose beliefs are at odds with those of the Catholic Church. The CD follows his evolving ideals, with each song representing a chapter in the story. Unfortunately, I wouldnt have known any of this from the lyrics alone. It is this lack or lyrical clarity, to support the CD's concept, that represents this CDs lone shortcoming.
ANGRAs music, for those who are not familiar with it, can best be described as a mirror image of SYMPHONY X. Where SYMPHONY Xs latest release blends a full serving of Prog Metal with a healthy helping of Power Metal, ANGRA offers listeners the exact opposite recipe with a dash of Brazilian spice for an extra little kick.
Much of what makes Temple of Shadows such an excellent CD, is its variety. There arent many bands who can open a song with a beautiful flamenco guitar passage, then transition it into a traditional Metal riff. ANGRA accomplishes this without breaking a sweat. Much of the credit for this must go to the incredibly talented guitar duo of Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt. Their rhythms have crunch, and their leads have melody. Together they represent not only the most underrated dual guitar attack in Metal, but easily one of the best.
With most bands, the rhythm section is a mere afterthought. Thats hardly the case with ANGRA. Bassist Felipe Andreoli and drummer Aquiles Priester not only hold down the bottom end, but occasionally move to the forefront to add some extra punch. The backbone they provide to the lead instruments is at once powerful and fluid.
Whether its their masterful blend of Power and Prog Metal, the way they infuse their Brazilian roots into Heavy Metal, their fantastic musicianship, or their amazing sense of melody, ANGRA has delivered a nearly flawless CD. ANGRA breathes fresh air into an often stale genre. If youve heard ANGRA before and werent impressed, now is the time to revisit their music. If youre a current fan, and have yet to hear Temple of Shadows, prepare to have your highest expectations exceeded.
Rating: 9/10
Reviewer: General Zod
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