Angra – “Temple of Shadows”
When a traditional power metal band acquires an identity that can no longer be simply compared to other, more established bands, that’s when the music is interesting and, more importantly, fun to listen to. After many times now, these songs keep getting better. This is good news because this band has gone through some line-up problems, which made me wonder whether they would be able to continue making quality music. Fortunately, they have closed ranks and have become a cohesive team and have made a very good traditional, concept power metal album. Air raid siren/wailing vocals, lots of guitars and double bass drumming and songs that simply rock: Angra is tighter than ever and more ambitious, too. Plus, the range of music on here goes from fast, tight, energetic power metal, which balances well with the slower, moody songs. The album opens with three high-energy songs, all three are really catchy and melodic. However, the cool part is that the rest of the album explores different moods and succeeds at it. The use of Portuguese, some Brazilian melodies, as well as the guest spots by power metal grandaddy Kai Hansen from Gamma Ray and Blind Guardian’s Hansi Kürsh makes things multidimensional. The fact that Kai Hansen is guesting should tell you about what specific type of power metal this is. Better than ever.