Angra
Temple of Shadows (SPV)
by Tim Den
When Angra released Rebirth in ’01, it was both a personal triumph for the revamped band (new vocalist, bassist, and drummer) and an artistic victory for power metal. Rebirth was every bit as melodic, symphonic, and majestic as the band’s earlier efforts, but with an even stronger sense of power and heaviness. They had nothng left to prove.
Still, Temple of Shadows shows Angra progressing as a unit, however involved and meticulous they’ve become. The rhythm section has grown into a cohesive team, with detailed performances from both bassist Felipe Andreoli and drummer Aqualis Priester. Band leaders/guitarists Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt continue to astound as well, particularly during an intense “trade off” riff war on “Angels and Demons.” And, of course, vocalist Edu Falaschi is as commanding as ever, never being overshadowed by the music and always soaring like a hawk. “Spread Your Fire,” by far the album’s highlight, will no doubt go down as a classic.
Temple of Shadows might be sensory overload, but power metal fans everywhere will still find enough in it to love. Angra are one of the best in the genre. Even when they overcompensate, it’s a trip well worth taking.
(www.spvusa.com)