Brazilian metal band, Angra returns with their next studio album, Temple of Shadows, musically picking up where the band left off from Rebirth. Temple of Shadows has a heavier sound than past Angra albums but otherwise leaves the core sound of the band intact. This after the seemingly destructive departures of ex-vocalist Matos, ex-bassist Mariutti, and ex-drummer Confessori, the newcomers have held up Angra's sound admirably, providing new punch that elevates Angra rather than reduce them.
Diehard Angra fans will not be disappointed with this melodic progressive power-metal effort filled with speed and some great progressive elements as well as strokes of their native Brazilian music although they may find the bass playing of Felipe Andreoli to be somewhat shackled and underwhelming as it technically covered by a guitar assault.
Angra is a unit possessed of a high-level of expert musicality and grand concept. Couple those elements with fantastic epic songwriting and this conceptual album based upon the events of a knight crusader called The Shadow Hunter showcases Angra’s storytelling acumen that elevates Temple of Shadows.
The album starts off with “Spread Your Fire”, providing the familiar Angra sound; heavy, melodic and fast-paced with blistering guitars and melodies. Bonus to this track is a guest vocal appearance by Sabine Edelsbacher of Edenbridge. The next track, the best in my opinion, is“ Temple of Hate”, a fast-paced song with Latin flavored rhythms and a song that also hosts a guest vocal appearance, this time by Kai Hansen of Gamma Ray. Another, "Winds of Destination” includes guest vocals by Hansi Kürsh of Blind Guardian.
Temple of Shadows is a brilliant album, filled with melodies and choruses, and nearly flawless from start to finish; an album that easily captures the running for album of the year. With the epic sound and song-writing of Angra and surprise guestings, this album becomes a ‘must have’ for all Angra fans and Epic Rock fans. If you purchase the Limited Edition of Temple of Shadows, you’ll also get a bonus DVD that presents Rebirth World Tour – Live in Sao Paulo.
Highly Recommended!
