Comments:
ANGRA have established themselves over the years as one of the front
runners of the Brazilian music scene as well as a key player on the
European metal market. With Edu Falashi, the band presented the follow
up to the critically acclaimed André Matos on “Rebirth”.
The man proven to be a perfect follow up and offers a director and
more heavy direction with his wide ranging voice. Not only that, Angra
has managed to create an upward growth expanding their horizon and
kicking down the barriers of metal. No limitations left, the Brazil
quintet brings Aurora Consurgens, their stronghold!
Aurora
Consurgens depicts a much heavier Angra sound with more progressive
elements and a more frontal guitar sound gripping the listener. Not
a typical concept album, though all songs handle about different mental
conditions in direct relation to a person’s dreams and thoughts,
the album is held together by this threat.
“The
Course of Nature” is a perfect indication of the sheer quality
of this extraordinary melodic metal band. Angra inflicted the typical
European metal sound with Brazilian percussion and arrangements. This
opening track features all that, as well as a remarkable ear mingling
melody and some awesome guitar shredding from the band's driving force,
the 6-string tandem Rafael Bittencourt and Kiko Loureiro. But it is
the wide range of Falashi that truly shines again. His voice is crystal
clear, loud, and diverse; much like the dream of every metal band!
Another
unloading quality song is “The Voice Commanding You” with
its battling, hard riffing guitars and twin solos, and bridge featuring
chants. The song is an up speed metal explosion with mega melodic
refrain.
“Ego
Painted Grey” is a slow creeping metal track depicting the grey
state of mind, where “Breaking Ties” is a much lighter and
more melodic rock song easily to have been picked as the single release
and a far better choice than the band’s current pick: the opening
track. “Salvation: Suicide” is an upbeat slightly Teutonic
metal track again, setting free the fury. Guitars and keyboards roaring
during the immense progressive mid section, with a spot light on the
amazing double bass drumming of Aqualis Priester. “Window to
Nowhere” proceeds the high pace, yet has some entries of the
wider metal spectre, as well as a mid section with some of the finest
humming guitars around today.
“So
Near So Far” is the band’s best accomplishment of blending
native Brazil percussion and arrangements with that of modern metal.
The slightly jazzy undertone provided by Felipe Andreoli on bass creates
depth and passion without falling into mellowness, due to the heavier
and gripping refrain and bridge and a section featuring flamnco sound
and arpeggios flying all over. The craftsmanship is remarkable the
7-minute epic song manages to cling to you instantly. “Passing
By” is mid tempo, where “Scream Your Heart Out” puts
down the pedal once again but stays melodic like its predecessor.
Wrapping up this surf through emotions and mental states is the acoustic
ballad “Abandoned Fate,” which is a worthy closure to a
remarkable album that brings something to metal for everyone. The
diversity of styles and sounds is welcomed by many, I’m sure.
The
new Angra and their much wider sound is convincing. The band succeeds
in blending their music with ingredients from all over the world and
musical spectre with such finesse that it enlightens. The raging and
fine tuned guitars and keyboards build a wall of sound over which
Falashi can shine with his powerful and diverse voice. The foundation
is rock-hard and heavy, and all is packed solid with musical craftsmanship.
In the meanwhile, you can download the opening track “The Course
of Nature” for free, including artwork to enclose with your CD
single, on their website www.angra.net.
The song being one of the best the band has released thusfar, this
is a must!
HRH
Rating: 7.4/10
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