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Angra
“Aurora Consurgens”
(SPV)

With the Angra’s colossal world tour ending and thus bringing closure to ‘Temple of Shadows’ , one was left with the thought of what the band would undertake for their next opus. Titled after a 13th century book written by St Thomas of Aquin, “Aurora Consurgens” is based on Jungian theories on the mind relationship between dreams and mental states. Given that all the lyrics cover various condtions ranging from sociopathy to depression to schizophrenia (any room for happiness guys?) the initial impression is that Angra’s 6th album is a continuation of their aforementioned concept album. Its worth further noting that the medieval cover artwork is once again designed by Isabel de Amorim, and the album mix was handled by Dennis Ward. However, upon listening to “Aurora Consurgens”, its clear from the first few tracks that the sound on this album is much heavier although I’m pleased to say that Angra haven’t lost their classic fast n furious-albeit-with-melody sound in ‘Salvation: Suicide’ or their latin rhythms in ‘So Near So far’. The band have also tried some new stuff in ‘Breaking Ties’ which is almost reminiscent of an 80s rock ballad and strong doses of prog are clearly evidenced in ‘Passing By’ and the sci fi guitar sound of ‘Ego Painted Grey’ showing that on this album the band are quite content to go from outer space to explore the inner space of the mind.

-Shan Siva

Angra
“Temple of Shadows”
(SPV)

I dunno why Angra are referred to as a prog rock band - they’re just too much of a classy power metal act in the same vein as Freedom Call and Rhapsody to be placed in the same genre as Spock’s Beard or whatever - and all this from a buncha Brazillians! Still, there’s nothing remotely Brazillian at all about these guys on the face of it, who appear and sound so European (not that thats a problem) that I’m struggling to see the band’s love of traditional Brazillian music! Added to this is that “Temple of Shadows” - Angra’s fifth opus - is a concept album that tells the tale of a crusader who questions the Catholic church’s ideals. Its also an album that contains some of the band’s fastest and most intricate work to date. Angra is the name of the ancient Brazillian goddess of fire, and these guys are nothing short of that!

-Shan Siva