Hard to believe Brazil's progressive power metal veterans have been around for 15 years, but it's true. And what a better time to come out with a new release in celebration of their longevity. Aurora Consurgens is a return to their more symphonic style that was evident on their classic Holy Land, as they have toned down the frantic power metal that was all the rage on their last album Temple of Shadows. Perhaps they have learned a little from Edguy, who also cut back on the speed over the last couple of years and concentrated on writing songs that were still metal, but much more reliant on melodies and dynamics.
"Breaking Ties" is a perfect example of this new direction, a melodic and memorable rocker with soaring vocals from Edu Falaschi, and tasty guitar leads from Kiko Loureiro & Rafael Bittencourt. Other tracks that feature a more symphonic and progressive style include the wonderful "Ego Painted Grey", "The Course of Nature", and the majestic "The Voice Commanding You". Lest you think the band has abandoned power metal, look no further than the blistering "Salvation: Suicide", a song that is littered with Helloween-styled neo-classical guitar shredding and manic double bass drums. Brazilian themes mix with virtuoso harmony guitars and heavy riffs on "Window to Nowhere", a song that also sees Falaschi delivering an almost Dio-ish vocal performance. More ethnic themes rear their head on the mini-epic "So Near So Far", a progressive piece that shows the band firing on all cylinders with a multitude of acoustic and electric passages.
Now that it's been a few years with their new line-up, Angra sound as if they are ready once again to take over the power metal world. This is polished, melodic, and progressive stuff that is highly recommended.
Track Listing
01. The Course Of Nature
02. The Voice Commanding You
03. Ego Painted Grey
04. Breaking Ties
05. Salvation: Suicide
06. Window To Nowhere
07. So Near So Far
08. Passing By
09. Scream Your Heart Out
10. Abandoned Fate
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