Tenth album for the Brazilian superstars. One of the country’s most exported acts returns five years after “Omni”. The truth is that we are not talking about the most productive band in history since ten albums from 1991 until today is not exactly a huge success. But each of their works attracts our attention maybe not always for the right reasons.
Having the temperament of their country, Angra have seen many ups and downs in their career. Many member changes, from the original line-up after all only Rafael Bittencourt has remained, and a corresponding change in sound. From a band that broke power metal records with their legendary debut to several folk references to end up with today and a more progressive sound.
The entrance of Fabio Lione probably also gave the stability they needed so much. After all, he is now their longest-lasting singer. An electric chair position for the band. From 2013, actually from the very next year, and with “Secret Garden” we also saw this change of sound to a deeper, to say it in a simple way, direction, with strong progressive tendencies.
Ten years later Angra continues in this pattern. Their music may no longer be the most commercial, and we don’t find many easy to digest songs on the new album, but it certainly lends itself to careful study since the compositions are worked out in fine detail.
I would say that the album is atypically divided into two parts. Up to the first part of “Tide Of Changes” the material is harder while from the second part the descent into more progressive paths begins. Actually, the second part of “Tide” is my favorite part of the album. It is followed by “Vida Seca” with the beautiful folk opening of Lenine, famous Brazilian singer-songwriter, and we have a guest on “Tears of Blood” with Amanda Somerville. Speaking of vocals, I think that on “Cycles Of Pain” Lione gives one of the best performances of his career.
A rich album from Angra then. In its one hour it offers strong emotions and shows that the band has now found the sound it stands for, at least until the next album.
