I have heard of this band before but never actually heard their music. Not surprising, since the only band from Brazil I am familiar with is SEPULTURA. ANGRA have been around since the early 90s with the staple of the lineup consisting of guitarists Rafael Bittencourt and Kiko Loureiro. Their first album 'Angels Cry' was released in '93. 2001 saw the band revamp its lineup with Edu Falaschi on vocals, Felipe Andreoli on bass and drummer Aquiles Priester. The first album with this lineup was appropriately titled 'Rebirth'.

The new album 'Temple Of Shadows' is a concept album based on a story by guitarist Rafael Bittencourt. I'm sure it's a great story but I'm not much for conceptual lyrical content. If a record sounds good, it sounds good. I have a hard time relating to warriors on majestic crusades. Musically these guys are incredible. Bittencourt and Loureiro are two of the finest guitarists I have heard in a long time. They are true virtuosos in every sense of the word. Both are very classically influenced, but also let their latin jazz roots show throughout the record. This is very melodic, technical metal and If you are into bands like TAD MOROSE, ANGEL DUST, and 90s era HELLOWEEN, you will love this band. In the opening track ''Spread Your Fire'' vocalist Edu Falaschi reminded me a bit of Minoru from LOUDNESS. He is a very capable singer, but I must admit after awhile his voice began to wear on me. There are some guest appearances on this record, most notably from Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY / HELLOWEEN) who shares vocal duties with Falaschi on the sinister ''Temple Of Hate'." The following track, "Shadow Hunter'' has an amazing acoustic flamenco-style intro, showing the versatility of the guitarists. There is a lot of great latin drumming and percussion throughout the album as well. I think the best way to describe these songs in a word would be 'triumphant' -- like something that would come out of Germany or Scandanavia.The album ends with a symphonic piece. I wasn't sure why they would chose to do that, other than to prove that one of them could write a symphony. But hey, they pulled that off too.

This is not an album that I would go out and buy, nor is this the type of band that I get into at this stage of my life. But I will have to admit that I did enjoy listening to this disc. Lots of interesting and melodic musical passages particularly the acoustic stuff. If you're into some of the bands listed above this should be a good addition to the cd collection. If you are a guitar player it may frustrate you. Recommended to any diehard metal fan.

- Peters

OFFICIAL SITE: www.angra.net

MP3 SOUND SCRAP: Sprout of Time

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