Just the second album in the last six years of self-imposed hiatus (disbanding?), sees our Brazilians friends offer nine new prog hymns, plus a minute-long ‘Viderunt te Aquae’ introduction, chosen from over thirty possibilities written in the downtime. Once the intro’s out of the way, Angra leap into lickety split guitar runs, courtesy of ‘Arising Thunder’, which really is the lone tune of that nature. Thematically, guitarist Rafael Bittencourt claims the album’s connected to Shakespeare’s The Tempest. ‘Awake From Darkness’ is progressive rock, so much so, it suddenly breaks into a brief piano and strings solo (out of nowhere) around the three and half minute mark. Anyone expecting the prominent power metal vibe of Rebirth or Temple Of Shadows should look elsewhere, as this is more akin to Holy Land, or Fireworks, at least in spirit, showcasing their heritage via native rhythms/influences (note hand drumming to open ‘Weakness Of A Man’). ‘Hollow’ features acoustic guitar and lengthy instrumental section. The ‘Ashes’ finale begins as a mournful piano and vocal exercise, before a slight emotional lift, but overall, remains as pensive as the name implies. Can I say it’s watered down?
