TEMPLE OF SHADOWS

This cd is just great!!! If you like ANGRA you have to buy this cd because is a step for a NOVA ERA (new era/age =) ) to ANGRA . In that album the new players show all capacity and ability of them. Rafel Bittencourt is a amazing composer and Edu interpret very well the history in his voice (the lirics are about the catholicism in xi century).

IT IS A WONDERFULL ALBUM!!!!!!!!!

Quite simply, this is the best epic metal I have ever heard, period. The unbelievable blend of complexity and power just leaves me awed every time I hear it. Their albums before this, either before or after Nova Era, don't even begin to compare. I've not stopped listening to this album since it was released. Now, I realize that this is open to interpertation, so I leave this caveat: If you are looking for harsh metal, or growling, harsh vocals, this isn't the album you want. But if you like any prior Angra albums, this is the same thing, just raised to a higher level of technical and musical excellence.

This is one of the few albums I kept listening to since I first had to hear it. Excellent blend of different music styles, from power metal to acoustic, from heavy riffs to latin passages. With this album Angra demostrates an enourmous musical growth, both in composing and playing their quite complex compositions. Nice female voice interludes in some tunes too! If you enjoyed the previous albums, you'll love this one!

Well, this band is more on power metal than on prog, even though there are prog passages / styles I can find throughout this album. I know the band quite late, i.e. when they released "Rebirth" album. I was hooked to "Rebirth" album. I have also watched the video of the band's "Rebirth Live" - what a great and exciting concert! With this new album, the band demonstrates their abilities to compose great and cohesive album. No wonder, this band is one of top notch bands in metal arena. It's as excellent as other bands such as Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian, Nightwish, Helloween, Rhapsody, Kamelot, Adagio, Andromeda,etc.

I do enjoy this album as I enjoy "Rebirth". But, I think this album is better and has proven that the band is more mature in their music. It has better songwriting, tighter structure with many variation of styles and tempos; and it has great guitar riffs.

This album is highly recommended for those of you who enjoy with speed and heavy part of rock music. For those who have never heard any of the above mentioned bands, you might be struggling to adjust your ears with the speedy double pedal bass drum sound. That was my first experience with this kind of music. My suggestion is: please clear the double pedal drum sound from your mind. You might hear a beautiful and melodic music.

Some tracks in this album have some flavors of prog music such as "Waiting Silence", "Wishing Well" (reminds me to Kansas music especially in "Leftoverture" album), "The Temple of Hate" (great keyboard piece during interlude) and "The Shadow Hunter". "The Shadow Hunter" is really a great track with stunning acoustic guitar fills.

"Wings of Destination" is really the best track (to my personal taste). It starts of with violin-like sound followed by great riffs and flows nicely in cohesive way. The quieter part at approx min 2:25 is accentuated with piano and vocal ine. It's very melodic. Bravo Angra!! "Sprouts of Time" is track that surprised me as I never heard the band has ever performed this kind of music dominated with percussion and piano works. It moves to faster tempo with the kind of Angra music. "Late Redemption" is another great track with prog element. There is a passage that reminds me to Pain of Slavation music.

An excellent album. GW, Indonesia.

When the brand new ANGRA line-up released the breathtaking "Rebirth" back in 2000- 2001, after the departure of 3/5th of their personnel (later to form SHAMAN).I was convinced that the ANGRA banner would still be flying proudly again in the years to come, but nothing could have prepared me for the second new-ANGRA release! "Temple Of Shadows" is just simply amazing, stunning, jaw-dropping melodic power metal with a healthy doze of progressive overtones. This time ANGRA integrates more prog and technical playing throughout their Melodic Power Metal based compositions. The sullen intro "Deus Le Voit" sets the perfect mood before the five Brazilians open fire (pun intended) with opening track "Spread Your Fire".a brilliant up tempo power metal song with vibrant galloping rhythms, blazing guitar solos and Edu Falaschi commanding vocals spread on top of it. The next track, "Angels and Demons" begin with a riff that's firmly rooted in Prog-Metal; the track also boasts some of the best metal riffs and melodies I've heard all year! The guitar solos and interplay are also just as mouthwatering.slurp! Overall, musically ANGRA have produced another solid release.who am I kidding. they've come up with an album that's so damn near perfect.a masterpiece...at least to my ears. The music is just simply remarkable and very well crafted, the playing is superb and the whole vibe is very positive. Lyrically, "Temple Of Shadows" is also quite intricate.telling a dark story of an eighth century crusader (The Shadow Hunter) and his plight as he questions the teachings of the Catholic Church. ANGRA manages to bind the attention-grabbing concept story with music that's equally attractive. The calmer moments of tracks like "Wishing Well" are perfect lulls before the band slams the pedal to the metal again.and again. The band still makes use of keyboards very effectively to enhance their sound and to accentuate the heavier chops. The eight minute plus opus "The Shadow Hunter" sees the Brazilians shifting their moods and tempos, taking you -the listener- through a maze- like journey.and when you come out at the end of the tunnel, those eight long minutes seem to just flash by. And yes, you're then tempted to hit the "previous track" button to relive the experience once again. On this lengthy track ANGRA injects a plethora of musical influences, including progressive/fusion solos and some singing that vaguely sounds like something YES would come up with! Yup, genuine Prog-Rock sounding arrangements! (The band also flirts with Progressive Rock passages on a few other tracks, most notably on the album's three closers "Sprouts of Time", "Morning Star" and "Late Redemption"). The thick double bass drums still dictate the faster segments, and massive chunky metallic riffs intermingle with softer acoustic passages. Some Latin music and Samba interludes also creep in on a couple songs.sporadically jutting out amongst the more constant Power Metal rumble. I can't help to notice Edu Falaschi's amazing range and powerful delivery also. Some notable guest musicians - Kai Hansen (GAMMA RAY), Sabine Edelsbacher (EDENBRIDGE), Hansi Kürsch (BLIND GUARDIAN) - also help out on "Temple Of Shadows", but I consider them to be just marketing gimmick, as these five musicians are more than capable of handling everything themselves on this album.well maybe not the soothing female vocals of Sabine Edelsbacher. One thing that strikes me throughout this album is the beauty of the melodies that just cries out ANGRA. This is also without a doubt the most progressive album from ANGRA. The best metal album of 2004? In my book definitely a big affirmative! * DD - Paradigma Records/Star 105.5 FM (Surabaya, Indonesia) *

This is absolutely a brilliant album! -Actually, for melodic progressive power metal genre... Whatever, I don't give a [&*!#] for music genre classification-. Powerfull, dynamic, progressive, heavy, ethnic, you name it. "Temple of Shadows" will take you on a wild ride. Edu's performance is getting better than what he did on "Rebirth". The guitar section as always, a perfect combination which completes the album. The keys are great, the drumming is excellent. Everything is on the right track. This album of mine also includes a bonus DVD of "Rebirth World Tour-Live in Sao Paolo" which is entertaining with a bunch of bonus materials! "Temple of Shadows" is highly recommended for progmet lovers!

This is a really exelent cd When I first listened to it I thought I would be listening it for the rest of my days, That amazing it was. The technical level of these guys is outstanding, and not only the music is great but the lyrics too. The whole history of the shadow hunter is very deep.

I honestly do not know if Temple of Shadows eclipses Rebirth, but it definetly shows off Angra's capabilities. Everything is bigger faster and heavier in this albumn compared to every other Angra albumn. I've been a huge fan of Angra for quite sometime now and this albumn is a welcomed addition to my Angra library. It appears Angra can do no wrong. Temple of Shadows along with Rebirth are masterpieces.

My 2 cents.

Whenever I get into an album that seems at the time like the best thing ever, I feel lost as to how I could ever describe in words how it is that it’s so great without going overboard and detracting from its goodness. And with this album that is exactly the case. For at least two weeks after this CD came through my door I just could not bear to go for more than a few hours without reaching for it. Yet I was afraid of listening to it too much lest I have it permanently stuck in my head and losing all sleep. At times this was actually a problem. But I can’t help having such an emotional connection to an album if throughout there are uplifting melodies that are emotional in the best way possible, but also technical and progressive moments as well as the quintessential Angra power metal sound.

To top off the musical excellence, the album follows the rough storyline of a man back in the 11th century or earlier who is questioning his role in the Catholic Church, questioning their morals and going on to form his own short-lived religion. The songs don’t follow the storyline in order apart from the beginning and end, but it’s not hard to piece it together. This is a rare form of anti-Christianity for metal, but being from what can be a strongly Catholic country, it’s not too likely that they’d get away with Satanism if they wanted to have a universal appeal. That’s not to say that Catholics won’t be offended by this album, or that there’s no positive religious/spiritual elements, but the impression left is that the listener thinks for themselves, or something like that. Onto the obligatory track-by-track guide:

01 – Deus Le Volt: The obligatory intro track, but one that leads into the next track with an exciting crescendo. Pretty standard stuff, but if executed well then what’s to complain about?

02 – Spread Your Fire: It’s the essential gung-ho opening track (barring the intro in this case) that we all love. Vocal harmonies have that power metal fists in the air awesomeness to them, as do the layered backing vocals giving a very operatic male choir effect. Rhapsody fans should be satisfied. The big shame about things like that is that they’d not be able to fully re-create that live, as good a live act as they are. If you like your guitar solos there’s a wonderfully wanky middle section where they go off on a tangent that’s not too far out of context with the song, but then anybody with that musical skill won’t go off on too much of a tangent anyway. There’s also a female soprano in there for good measure too.

03 – Angels and Demons: Another gloriously happy tune, but with a moderately prog- like sounding 7/8 time signature at the beginning.

04 – Waiting Silence: The mood takes a different turn here, and they’ve used a different rhythm and tempo to fit it, along with some mean chords. The song is in a mid- tempo rythm and contains also some prog-styled parts in the instrumental passages, which is a real great thing. The guitar solo is great on here!

05 – Wishing Well: It’s seen as a great crime in some metal circles to create an uplifting anthemic ballad, and if you hate those, steer well clear of this song. If you love them, then stop reading this and download it now. I count myself to the 2nd group and this is a great tune and contains an catchy refrain which may stuck in your head for longer!

06 – The Temple Of Hate: At first I was thinking that Edu was trying to sound evil or devilish in some way here, but on further inspection of the sleeve notes it is Kai Hansen of Helloween fame who guests on this song. What has to be heard is the abrasive ‘aah’s at the end of this song where it slows down. Just so metal, much like early ‘90s Judas Priest.

07 – The Shadow Hunter: A slightly subdued sounding epic with some great classical guitar work at the beginning, showing their Brazilian roots much like at other times in this album. “God has no mind, has no heart, has no body has no soul, and no resemblance of you” is just so blunt, and in one sense daring, but it’s sung with such conviction and I can’t help but feel with it.

08 – No Pain for the Dead: A sorrowful track that’s not without an awesome chorus, and also features the enchanting voice of Sabine from Edenbridge who also features on Track 2. Very emotional piece, which deserves named as a definitive highlight on the record.

09 – Winds of Destination: Again I was a complete moron here and wondered for ages why it is that Edu is managing to pull of a Hansi Kürsch (from Blind Guardian) impression so well. Yes, he guests on this song, and his voice works really well with Angra’s sound. There are various middle sections here that might try a few peoples’ patience, but certainly not mine. The male choir at the end wraps things up in a brilliantly pompous way.

10 – Sprouts of Time: This is where the Brazilian rhythmic elements really come into play, with Edu’s voice lowering for this one. A nice chord progression in the chorus as there is in every song.

11 – Morning Star: A sort of epic that doesn’t have lots of very different sections like most epics do, it’s more of an extended song. The rhythm guitar at the beginning is very much like that of Steve Vai in terms of atmospherics, which can be heard at times throughout.

12 – Late Redemption: A sombre ending track with some Portuguese male vocals sung in low octaves. This bit is where the main character in the story dies and is offered late redemption, hence the title.

13 – Gate XII: Since the album has been so awesome it just wouldn’t be half as good if it didn’t have an instrumental for the orchestra at the end. It’s a rough medley based on the songs. It clicks with the emotions like a good film score does, so this is like an ending credits song for a film. The main motif from Morning Star triumphantly crashes to an end, followed by a short, calm acoustic motif of Winds of Destination. The End. What an end!

Being one of those epic/awesome albums, this left an impression on me like a great film does. It’s not often that a metal album should ‘move’ me, to use the correct word, as the main reason I listen to metal is for the technical excellence rather than the sort of feelings it might invoke. Not that there’s any lack of that in this album...

I can’t guarantee that any of the songs will blow you away on first listen, but with patience you may well have a soft spot for them. You might not agree that this is the best of the best in terms of Progressive Power Metal albums, but as for albums of any genre, this stands very high. This is one of Angra's best records and the most mature so far. A masterpiece in metal terms and highly recommended for power/prog metal fans and also open-minded prog-heads!

album rating: 9/10 points = 90 % on MPV scale = 5/5 stars

point-system: 0 - 3 points = 1 star / 3.5 - 5.5 points = 2 stars / 6 - 7 points = 3 stars / 7.5 - 8.5 points = 4 stars / 9 - 10 points = 5 stars

The band made a really good job. Sounding more heavy, more aggressive and more progressive than the other albums Temple of Hate came to show that the new line-up is as talented as the previous one.

Edu Falaschi is singing in a more aggressive way, like he used to sing in his first band SYMBOLS, sometimes remembering Russel Alllen and sometis Fabio Lione. The guitar work is heavier and faster as usual but still with the amazing solos of Kiko Loureiro and very well suported by Rafael Bittencourt. Aquiles Priester is even more skilled in this album, somtimes sounding like an octopus

Sixty six minutes of missing time. I don't find this to be a particularly good release. In the booklet, the band states that the following is a concept album about a knight named Shadow. I really didn't pick up on the concept by just reading the lyrics or listening to the album. When I listen to this album it doesn't really make an impression on me.

The album is more Power Metal than Progressive Metal, but even for Power Metal standards, I don't find anything particularly good about this album.

The vocals are bad for a Power Metal standard, so natrually they aren't any better for Prog stands. Edu Falaschi doesn't show a diverse range or a natrual tone of voice. The vocals are much more of a distraction than an addition to the music. He's not off key, but he's much more dissonant than most vocalists are of this genre. Not a very good vocal performance.

The guitars can shread, but other than the short Spainish motifs, there isn't much diversity on this album. It's distorted guitar tones almost start to finsih, the tone gets quite repeatative. The harmonies are particularly boring and fail to excite or intrest the listener.

The bass is nice where it gets it's moments, but it's inconsistent throughout the album. I can't exactly say I liked the perfomance, but I can't say it was bad either.

The drums are fast, and that is all I have to say about them.

The production is typical for a larger budget album. The sound isn't bad, but it isn't exactly innovative. There isn't an aspect of the sound that makes me want to be like "yeah I want to listen to that Angra album. The production isn't great, but it isn't exactly poor. it is boring.

I had this album recommended to me by the guy at the record store. I purchased Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence by Dream Theater, and wanted to get another album. I originally brought up a Stratovarius album, but then he recommended this one. I put it in the CD player and was blown away. I hadn't previously heard this band at all, nor was exposed to metal much past Dream Theater.

This album should probably be broken up in halves, about half of it being more speed metal than progressive (although the third track, "Angels and Demons" opens up in 7/8 time, which makes me automatically like it because I"m a sucker for songs in 7), and the second half being progressive. It isn't strictly first half = speed, second half = prog, either. It has a great balance. The first 3 tracks are speed metal, but are amazing. "Spread Your Fire" is the second best track on the album. It isn't until the 4th song, "Waiting Silence", where the music begins to slow down enough to a progressive standard in my opinion. This song sounds almost like Dream Theater in it's sound.

Where this album begins to stand out is the seventh track, "The Shadow Hunter." This song starts off with almost a latin feel, and then bam, here comes the prog. It's amazing. The next track features an orchestral section written and arranged by one of the members of the band. The next track "Winds of Destination" blends both prog and speed.

The second to last track is great as well, because they sing in their native tongue of Portuguese, and it's a great closer. I wish the album ended on this note, as my only dislike of the album is the last track, "Gate XIII", an instrumental that sounds like it could have been done using just a keyboard.

A plus is the DVD included with an entire concert on it, featuring songs from previous albums, exposing a new listener such as myself to more of their music.

Highly recommended to fans of Dream Theater and Symphony X.

Well this band has something that catches my ears. What a powerful album in every way. Those two guitar players choose right when they got into the band those 3 new musicians. Very talented musicians, specially the drummer. Great album, and I like very much the voice of Edu Falaschi, it fits very well in the music of Angra.

Some tracks are here super: Angels and Demons, Waiting Silence, Wishing Well, Late Redemption (very interesting the voice in Portuguese). All in all a good album, the prestation of the guest musicians are outstanting. You must listen to this one because they worth it, one of the biggest bands around in prog music, no doubt. Great band. 4 stars for Temple of Shadows.

I think that this album is "the" masterpiece of Angra career. I put too high so "Scenes from a Memory" of Dream Theater or "V - A new Mitholgy Suite" of Symphony X. One of the better vocals i'd hear, "Edu", remember me Michael Kiske but more stronger an masculin, with thin passages sound like Bruce Dickinson, and a perfect interpretation, demonstrating his vocals studes. The guitars are simply amazing, the couple formed by Bittencourt and Loureiro is just terrifying!!!!!! But I think that the higher point of this album is the level of compositions, using the own structures of his sound they can make a new thing, a pretty thing. Definitively Angra is one of the bests bands over the world.

Temple of Shadows is an amazing album, featuring their most solid work yet. Angra really goes through the motions on this release, showing off the technical ability and song-writing talent of every member of the band. The production quality is astounding as well. Although ToS is different from many of Angra's earlier CDs, it still maintains the band's Progressive Brazilian Power-Metal style. Overall, this is a rockin' album and if you buy the Special Edition you get a bonus DVD featuring an awesome Live performance in Sao Paulo. I guess my only gripe (and this is completely subjective) is that the album really doesn't calm down very much -- It's a very loud and powerful release that doesn't take any pit-stops. This however, is just a matter of personal taste. I guess the ideas just sort of flowed when they sat down to write this stuff and therefore they didn't feel the need to include what some might call "filler". Not a single throw-away song on here, and if you're in the mood for high-energy music with epic themes and incredible complexity, Temple of Shadows is the perfect listen.

Overall Rating: 5/5

Final Word: If you like Power Metal or Progressive Metal with some exotic stylings and epic writing, definitely check this one out. Even Angra fans who've become disenchanted with the band since Maatos left may want to check this one out. It certainly surprised me.

Huge progressive symphonic metal and probably the first LP of the band deserving 5 stars since..." Holy Land". The balance between energetic power metal anthem ( "Spread your Fire", "Temple of Hate" ), power ballads ( "Sprouts of Time", "Wishing Well" ) and progressive tracks ( enormous "Shadow Hunter" with its flamenco theme and its evolutive structure ) is truly enjoyable. So, musical variety + great instrumentation and melodic lines + anthems + no filler tracks = 5 stars. This Lp confirms Angra as one of the bigger band of the progressive metal world and Edu Falaschi as a talented substitute for Andre Matos.

Okay, before I start I have to tell you that I'm not really objective when writing this, this is definately one of my favourite albums of all time and also the best work so far by the brilliant progressive power metal kings from Brazil. You will probably read my praise after praise with anoyment but I still really wan't to share my opinion on this one because I really think everyone should hear it. (the album, not my opinion maybe...)

Well, when I first heard this album (the day after it was released or something), I had heard maybe 3-4 songs by Angra and I wasn't much of a progressive metal fan at all so I didn't really fancy all the folk stuffs and so... I got Rebirth and listened to it and loved it, but I couldn't really get the thing with Temple of Shadows. But I realized that this was not bad music, this was probably REALLY hard to play and I could really feel a wave of quality coming towards me when I listened to it. So I told myself that I had to start liking this album. I listened to it maybe 10 times, and then I got it at last! (I don't think I really understand a lot about good and bad music by that time, everyone has been a newbie and I'm still xP)

I'll talk a bit about the rating before I go to the songs:

Performance is absolutely 10, the guitarists Kiko and Rafael are both amazing and some of the best guitar players I've ever heard. Rafael is doing most of the music and (I think) all the lyrics. Kiko is also doing some music writing and play most of the lightning- speed and/or emotional really blending solos. The riffs are so complex, there are true power metal riffs, thrashy riffs and progressive riffs, and there is some really nice works on acoustic guitars aswell. The basist Felipe Andreoli is one of my favourites, though this is not an album based a lot upon bass guitars... in fact, Angra is not at all. Wich is a pity, but that doesn't ruin the overall impression very much. The drummer, Aquiles Preister from South Africa is also a great addition, I haven't studied Ricardo Confessoris (the old drummers) work a lot but I dare to say that I like Aquiles even more. The drums are technical and feel very presice, though, this is still an album based mainly on arrangement, guitars, vocals and emotions so the rythm section is not really 100 %: And then we have the singer, Edu Falaschi. People talk about him as Angras "new singer", even if he's been there a while. I think I have to say that I prefer Andre Matos but that definately NOT means Edu is bad. I really love his voice, and since the songs on Rebirth and mainly TOS is written for his voice I don't think it would fit with Andre Matos. Edu is really a different kind of singer, when Matos sings almost like Kate Bush (well...) Edu is more like Bruce Dickinson. So I'd say Matos is more a personal favourite and he does his songs better (Edu really has some problems at the live album but he solves it quite well) when Edu does the new Angra songs better. The keyboards and orchestral arrangements (made by Rafael Bittencourt) are also brilliant, I have no idea who the keyboard player is and if maybe Kiko or someone plays the keyboard in the studio, but I really think they should consider him as a part of the band. I mean, Angra uses keyboards in EVERY song and they have no official keyboard player.

The songwriting is definately 10 - every single second is perfectly composed and I don't think there is anything at all to complain about. The album is a concept album (equals PROG) wich we love of course. It's about a knight taking part of the holy wars in the 1000 century (almost sure about that).

The originality is 9:80 or something, it is of course very high but it's still as "Angra" as it could be. It is a perfect mix of all the old albums with a few new details (guest musicians, thrashy riffs, more orchestral arangements).

The production is not anything to complain about really, I love it, but it has the typicall production wich some people would comment: "oooh this is so cheeeesy! so overproduced! go make movie soundtracks instead!" I don't complain... not about that. Maybe there could be more bass guitars and I'd like some more layered vocals but otherwise - perfect. 9.

Alright, let's go to the songs! 1. Deus le Volt! A typicall Angra intro, every intro they've ever done is brilliant! This one is maybe not as good as Nova Era wich is just so powerful as it get's or like the really beautiful ones on the first two albums but there is nothing to complain about. It's kinda silent overall but the seconds when it turn to the opening track is still (after XXX listenings) enough to give me goose-bumps for a minute or two. (8/10)

2. Spread your Fire Also very typicall Angra, an extremely bombastic Angra opening track starts with furious guitars and power metal drumming. The riffs are almost like solos, maybe reminds someone a bit about Dragonforce but harder and with more emotion. Then Eduardo starts singing and we're close to perfection. Another great element to this track is Sabine Edelsbacher, a beautiful girl that normally sings in Edenbridge with does some vocals in the chorus. Also contains some thrashy and really progressive riff instead of a solo in the middle.(9/10)

3. Angels and Demons Also feels very standard in someway, this track really "has to be there". Opens with a really progressive riff and has a great chorus. The melodies and solos are really complex. VERY many complex riffs aswell. (10/10)

4. Waiting Silence A more simplistic track, still great though. This is more like a single track. I really love the chorus... the vers is played with clean guitars and then blossoms in a really bombastic chorus. (9/10)

5. Wishing Well Also more of a single track, it's the first slow down on the album, I'd call it a semi-ballad. The only track below 4 minutes (3.59...) (9/10)

6. Temple of Hate A really typicall power metal track, furious guitars, power metal drumming and most important of all - this song contains mr. Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray, Helloween) on vocals! Almost to power metal to sound Angra but it's really great and since I didn't really like the progressive touch from the beginning it was my first favourite. Reminds maybe a bit about Rhapsody since there is a nice blend of power metal and orchestral arrangements, with a great orchestral bombastic part in the middle-end wich is sooo Angra... reminds me of the part in Angels Cry. (9/10)

7. The Shadow Hunter This is when the album takes a complete turn against the progressive path - this song opens with a great aucoustic guitar intro wich probably is inspired by flammenco (what does a silly metal-head knows about that?) Also contains bongo drums =D this is also a bit like a semi-ballad, reminds me a bit of Silence and Distance maybe. There are soft and hard parts and a blending guitar solo wich I'd consider to be the best on the album. (10/10)

8. No Pain for the Dead This is also a progressive track but still a bit "lighter", so it was my second favourite song. This is the typciall bombastic Angra ballad, it's folky and the chorus is like melancholic thunder exploding in your face, it's so beautiful! Reminds of Make Believe but not as high pitched vocals of course. Sabine Edelsbacher also sings on this one wich she does perfect, it's the best I've ever heard with her. (10/10)

9. Winds of Destination I didn't relly like this song at first though it contains one of my top 5 singers all time, Hansi Kürch from Blind Guardian. Even if he sings great, his voice is maybe not get's to its right to 100%. It's of course not a bad track but maybe a small bit below average of the album. It contains maybe the heaivest parts on the album, it might be therefore. (9/10)

10. Sprouts of Time A progressive and folky semi-ballad with a great bombastic and cosy chorus, wich also slows down a bit. Contains a really cool bossanova part wich is one of the most different parts of the album, and it fits in so great. This is another of my favourites, maybe the most progressive track on the album. (10/10)

11. Morning Star Morning star enters with a percussion piece wich maybe reminds a bit of Carolina IV and after a while it turns into vers and chorus very nicely. Then one of thoose heavy riffs kicks of just to turn into a "soloisch" riff with arpeggios or something and after that a short guitar duell. The climax of the song is really brilliant and in the end it turns into a orchestral arrangement wich fades out. (10/10)

12. Late Redemption I first considered this track as a filler but now (maybe since I've almost overlistened the others) I really like it. This is a calm and cosy track with a bombastic chorus, and a fast guitar solo, another semi-ballad? The famous brazilian singer Milton Naschimento (compared to Frank Sinatra) is doing guest vocalson french and I really like his voice. Half a year ago I'd given this 8 but now it's deffinately: (9/10)

13. Gate XIII This is maybe the part that makes the album a definate masterpiece, it is a perfect way of ending an album and I'm suprised that no other artist have ever used it. Gate XIII is a totally orchestral track wich contains parts of almost all the songs on the album with some extra features. And just when you think it's over the part from Winds of Destination finishes the album of. Since I was (am?) stupid I didn't realise this at first but still I just can't imagine how brilliant the whole idea is! Arranged by the guitarist Rafael Bittencourt.

So, the overall impression. Masterpiece, 'nuff said. Think you've got my point. This is deffinately an album that every progressive metal fan should buy before you buy anything else - only beaten maybe by Ayreons "The Human Equation". Also for people who likes touches of spanish and brazilian folk music in metal.

Hail Angra!

I remember when Andre Matos left Angra, people thought the magic was gone, but they couldn´t have been more wrong! Edu Falaschi is in my opinion the greatest prog metal vocalist of them all. His singing on this album is phenomenal!

The first three songs on this album are more in the power metal vein, but after that it gets really progressive. If anyone has doubts about Angra being listed under the Prog Metal genre, they have to hear this album.

It is a concept album about organized religion through the centuries (All the lyrics are written by Rafael Bittencourt) Sabine Edelsbacher of Edenbridge gets to sing a duet with Edu Falaschi on "No pain for the dead" which is truly magnificent. Brazilian legend Milton Naascimento can also be heard on this album. In fact, there are a few Brazilian musical styles in between some of the songs which makes the songs even more interesting.

The twin guitars of Bittencourt and Loureiro work so well together, moving from one speaker and then going together in unison. Lightning fast guitar work is heard from Kiko Loureiro. The playing is extremely tight and fast on the first songs that one could think they are listening to Sonata Arctica, but after a while it slows down a bit. The greatest surprise on this album is Edu Falaschi´s vocals, the man sounds incedible on this release.

I would say this is the strongest Prog Metal album of this century!!

This album can be divided into two parts. In the first one from "Deus le Volt!" to "Temple of Hate", you will find First class power/heavy metal with the remarkable excellent musicianship, the drum sounds a lot like Portnoy's and the guitars are amazing with the great solos of Kiko Loureiro. The second part is the part the majority of the people on the Progarchives will find interesting. from "The Shadow Hunter" to "Gate XIII" you will find a masterpiece of progressive metal like no other. Take brazilian and european music elements, the participation of great vocalists as Hansi Kursh from Blind Guardian, Sabine Edelsbacher from Edenbridge and the brazilian legendary singer Milton Nascimento, mixture with excelent arrangements, a lot of feeling and emotion. The result is just amazing. Too ahead from the former works of the band, i got shivers since the fist time that i listened to it 'till now, 2 years after. The album tells the story of a cruzader knight in the XI century who faces his deepest beliefs and the antagonism of the war. A magic work of Rafael Bittencourt the guitarrist who wrote all lyrics and the concept of the album.

Definitely a Progressive Metal masterpiece and one of the best albuns i ever heard in my life. 10/10

Great album, great listen. First album I heard from Angra, and I'd have to say that I wasn't at all disapointed wtih the CD. Good power/progressive Metal band. Angra's Temple of Shadows takes you into the time of the crusade with a unique man known as the Shadow Hunter. Pretty much, this album rocks, they've got the talent, the heavy metal style with good double-bass action there and great vocals to take you one this cool little concept! With mexican influence, being a band from Brazil, Angra knows how to make good music and not dissatisfy. Now, I must say, these guys are hard and very fast paced, you could put them next to bands like Adagio, Kamelot, Stratovarius, and many others. But still this album proves that they're actually a very unique band.

Some of the stronger songs I found happened to be Angels and Demons, Wishing Well, Waiting in Silence, Shadow Hunter, and the rest of the album.... I'm too lazy to name them all.... Best song would have to Shadow Hunter to me, it starts out with a mexican style of music and breaks out later, but it's incredible! Vocals are good and there's plenty of power to go around. Spread Your Fire is a good song to throw someone who isn't familiar with metal for a loop, I've already had some fun with that song! They have good ballads and great fast paced up beat cool songs as a 17 year old would put it. Anywho, The entire album is something to look into, there was a couple of songs that didn't appeal as much for me to give the album a 5/5, but it's definiately a 4/5 and worth it too!

Good music, good style, good alot of things, go Angra! You guys rock! Progressive Metal album that knows how to really rock!

Guauuu... I like so much this album, without doubt is my Angra's favourite record, the songs are absolutely catchy all of them, the sound is great, Aqulies Priester is a monster of drums (to listen the rhythm section of "angels and demons") is awesome, besides this and of course there are influences of Brazilian music as always, for example in; "Sprouts of time", "morning star" and "late redemption" (in this last one, was very important the contribution of the great Brazilian musician Milton Nascimento, he gave it a special feeling to this song, he sings it in Portuguese). Well, this album has much more details to discover and if you like the good music, you will like with this work, is a fact. I recommend it from begin to end. Excellent Angra!!!

By: Epsilon

You never know what to expect next on this new album. While a song can start as yet another boring Power Metal ballad turns out into a strong mid-paced tune with a huge chorus ("Wishing Well"). On the other hand, when you think the song will only be yet another speed of light, high octane number, it turns out to become a progressive track ala TIME MACHINE ("Winds Of Destination"). There is even a slight return to the flavours of HOLY LAND, with the South American influences of "Sprout Of Time". All in all, the strong asset of this new ANGRA album is the effort they put into the song writing, which never sounds rushed, thus no filler songs can be found on "Temple Of Shadows". Also, there is a big thumb up to be send to the band for their vocal melodies, which are one of the best in this genre since maybe HELLOWEEN's "Keepers Of The Seventh Key Part I And II".

It is easy for a band to state that they mix influences, but to make it sounds polished and unforced, this requires a song writing talent that not so many bands possess. In this case, with "Temple Of Shadows", ANGRA won't be accused of blending influences just for the sake of it, as many bands could learn a valuable song writing lesson while listening to the songs featured on this new CD. With blazing and tasty solos, Loureiro and Bittencour, with their strong sense of melody, proves the Metal World they are still capable of great guitar abilities.

There are also some interesting guests to be found on "Temple Of Shadows". Adding their own identity to their respective songs part, it sounds like the parts where in fact written with them in mind. Just a quick listen to the Hansi Kürsch parts in "Winds Of Destination" will make you wish this was a BLIND GUARDIAN song. Sabine Edelsbacher (EDENBRIDGE) and the renowned GAMMA RAY singer, Kai Hansen, also sing some parts in this more than diverse Power Metal album. Tired of hearing the same Power Metal clichés and pattern? "Temple Of Shadows" is the perfect prescription for the sick fans out there who needs a remedy for Power Metal Boringness! (Online February 12, 2005)

When talking about this kind of music for me is somehow hard to be really objective because I always had a languor for this kind of power metal approach pioneered by Helloween back in '87-'88 with their Keeper of the Seven Keys 1+2.

I like very much the vocals from Eduardo Falaschi one of the most memorable and melodic I ever heard. Every time when I'm listening to Waiting Silence and his incredible beginning I feel goosebumps rising on my skin. Beside this there are also some other enjoyable moments. Something for everyone of you. For example the symphonic approach on No pain for the dead or the flamenco style from the seventh song The Shadow Hunter or just straight forward power metal songs like The template of hate. The last song, Gate XIII, reminds me of the sound track of Finding Neverland movie

Kai Hansen from Gamma Ray is a guest here on The Temple Of Hate and I was really surprised in a good manner to hear his voice on this very good album. He is not the only guest musician here but also Hansi Kürsch from Blind Guardian on Winds of Destination or Milton Nascimento who is also invited on Late Redemption singing.

What I have to remind you is to check also the lyrics which are really simple on some part but in the same time very inspired, like on Sprouts of Time:

I lay my eyes in the past

From the first day to the last

Several things we had to learn

Countless mistakes from times of yore

Now we restart, we recreate

Your present is your fate

As a minus I would point out the fact that the concept behind it is not really evident and one may have difficulties in understanding the storyline behind. Nevertheless, this is one the best albums from power progressive genre which is very melodic and well played even if it is more or less in the same "Angra" style. For sure this release is their best effort up to now.

Excellent and Prodigius Minds...Angra's most distinctive progressive rock tendencies have grown by the year.The "The Temple of Hate", Homonim theme is magistral and amazing.Comparatively speaking, more concise material such as "Angels and Demons" and "Waiting Silence" turn the focus toward memorable choruses and inmortal melodies structures.Excellent production of shining moments; that it gathers best of the progressive metal and the Brazilian traditional rates in one sinergia without precedents; in a history which they relate the life of the hunter of shades, a soldier of century XIII.

Songs that are in the memory like: Morning Star and the prodigious Waiting Silence; they allow that Edu Falaschi makes a decent debut; without nostalgia of its previous vocalista André Mattos.

For the followers of the structures of Power Metal, this disc corresponds to them with the standard (Spread Your Fire and Winds Of Destination); this last with the collaboration of Hansi Kürsch de Blind Guardian.

Found feelings and the inherent virtuosity of the musicians who compose angra under the central tandem of Kiko Loureiro (multi-instrumentalist) and Rafael Bittencourt (Guitar) find in the subject Morning Star, all the pretexts to acquire this musical work. Temple of Hate, emblematic subject and homónimo of the production, has preponderant relevance in reference to the set of songs, that compose the conceptual work. It is without a doubt a robust production and totally elaborated; that it did not disappoint the listeners, lovers of the sort and close friends to the movement of the progressive metal. Although the style of angra has changed, the personality of each production has elements that respect their initial musical lineamientos and make contributions of great weight in the music of our days.

Audible compositions, characterize their appearances of colorful and Latin flavor (Not pain for the Dead, The shadow Hunter, Sprouts of Time and Late Redemption). Under the production of Dennis Ward, mature Angra the concept and Kiko Loureiro (orquestales Keyboards and Adjustments) improves the symphonic adjustments with Gate XIII. This movement deserves special attention, at the rate of being the epilogue of the musical work, in where all the signifcativos elements of the central subject can be listened filarmónico way. Being his tenth production, Temple of Hate, surpasses its predecessors, thanks to the collaborations of Milton Nascimento, Kai Hansen and Hansi Kürsch. It is Disco very recommended if you wish that their songs are in the memory of the eternity.

well,talking about more power metal than progressive music..but with some progressive elements..this brazilian band simply is amazing the way that their have been created...the amazing thing on this album is the prehispanic elements...really!,is new,and makes this album more unique and complete..this album start very powerfull and agressive...but in the middle of the album the music changes and is when start the progressive thing...the whole album is in the concept of power/metal/progressive music...such like gamma ray,blind guardian,helloween,thunderforce...but this album have more creativity...they make their songs more progressive than the previous ones..also the melody is more tastefull...and the vocals are more epic...with back vocals...thats the way of the prehispanic thing that angra creates with this album...also in this album is incorporated the voices of bling guardian singer,and the voice of kai hansen ,actually the fundator of gamma ray..and makes this album more great...this album is not so easy to listen than Rebirth,..that the way of the progressive thing..really,i need a couple of listens to accept this album..

a great album..just need to listen to it..

Keep on the good creation..

I don't know anything of Angra before this release, but by the time of Temple Of Shadow any prog Angra may have contained previously is AWOL. What's left? Straight Power metal with the typical power metal singer, fast drums, rarely heard bass, shredding guitars and not much else besides the occasional Spanish guitar motif.

Like I said the album is typical in about everyway. The singer you swear you've heard a hundred times before shrieking over the guitar tone you swear you've heard a thousand times before. By the time you reach the second half of the album you'll start to wonder if you hadn't heard the song you're listening to in the first half. There's little distinction between songs. Besides being pure Power Metal, the Power Metal fails to deliver anything special even for its genre. I heard a few songs I enjoyed, but if I want to listen to this I can find plenty of other bands who deliver the exact same thing more effectively or plenty other who give me power metal with something interesting.

Poor Iron Maiden imitation or Dream Theater clone?

I managed to get a special edition of Temple Of Shadows that came with a bonus DVD. I got it just after I had bought "Holy Land" and "Angel's cry" that came on a double disc edition.

Anyone who did already read my review on "Holy Land" or "Angel's cry" knows I am not particularly a fan of Angra. To me it all seems like abundance of metal with a huge lack of prog. On the bonus DVD they even do some weak imitation of IRON MAIDEN' s Number Of The Beast. Well, I do like MAIDEN, but I definitely DO NOT like Angra. This is it for me! After having listened to their highest acclaimed work on PA I simply can say I will never buy another Angra album again. If you want to get into Prog Metal try Green Carnation, Opeth, Pain Of Salvation or Riverside, but forget about bands like Angra or Dream Theater!

Wow! This is without a doubt one of my favourites. Angels and Demons.. Wait In Silence.. Wishing Well.. The list goes on. This so cool! Such variation on this album. The only track I don't like is the one with Kai Hansen - and I've always been a Helloween fan funnily enough. The album has a couple of 'metal' tunes on it, but its unique in that there is a huge Spanish style throughout the album. I've never been one for Spanish guitar style music but this album is really cool. I disagree with the remarks of one of the other reviewers - Angra is by no means an Iron Maiden or Dream Theater clone.. More like a Helloween clone with a unique style. This album rocks. End of story.

Finally another great album from this amazing band. After Holy Land and especially after André Matos left the band, Angra became a very uninteresting band. I believe that with this release they recovered some of the elements that made me a fan in the mid 90's. That brazilian touch that includes samba and amazing acustics guitar is back and that's excellent. Kiko Loureiro is one of the best guitar players out there and the rhythm section is just amazing. From my point of view, the only weak point of this band is the vocalist. He has a good voice but unfortunately he isn't as goog as André Matos. Songs like The Shadow Hunter and No Pain For The Dead are great examples of what good power/progressive metal should sound like.

"Temple Of Shadows" is a concept album about an 11th century Crusader who is questioning his faith. There are several guest vocalists including Kai from GAMMA RAY and Hansi from BLIND GUARDIAN. Once again we get a Power-Metal style mixed with some Prog-Metal and lots of orchestral intrusions. They are intrusions to me (haha). Not a fan of the ballads either or the double bass drumming. While i'm on a roll here where is the bass ? Having said all that this is probably the best ANGRA album i've heard, yes there is lots to like here.

"Deus Le Volt!" is a short intro of orchestration and piano. "Spread The Fire" hits the ground running but too much double bass drumming here for my tastes. Vocals and guitar shine. "Angels And Demons" is more of the same really only better. The guitar cries out 1 1/2 minutes in followed by riffs then a guitar solo. Nice. "Waiting Silence" has a cool intro but the highlight for me on this one is the vocals. "Wishing Well" is lighter with strummed guitar. A power ballad I guess you could say. "The Temple Of Hate" features Kai on vocals and is uptempo with the drums out in front. And there's that orchestral vibe again. "The Shadow Hunter" opens with intricate guitar and percussion. It's a nice change actually. It kicks in some before a minute and vocals follow as contrasts continue. "No Pain For The Dead" is mellow with reserved vocals. It does kick in powerfully as the contrasts continue. Strings too.

"Winds Of Destination" features Hansi helping out on vocals. A heavy drum onslaught to start as vocals come in around a minute. It then settles as cello and piano come in. Kicks back in around 4 1/2 minutes. "Sprouts Of Time" is mellow with piano, percussion and reserved vocals. It does get fuller but i'm not a fan. "Morning Star" is probably my favourite. I really like the drum style here. Excellent guitar after a minute followed by synths. Vocals before 2 minutes then it gets heavy. Love the riffs after 4 minutes.The guitar rips it up before 5 minutes. Unfortunately it's orchestral to end it. "Late Redemption" opens with acoustic guitar and violin as vocals join in. It does get fuller as contrasts continue. "Gate XIII" is pure orchestration and i'm surprised I like it but I really do. Go figure.

Anyway this is a band I admire for their talents, but their style is what keeps me from embracing them. 3.5 stars.

For those of you who have read my last review you will know that im a big fan of this band and to be honest i just recently checked them out and found out i needed to buy a few of their albums, so i did, i bought the last album i reviewd 'Rebirth' along with this album 'Temple Of Shadows'.

Now although i highly praised the last album i feel that this one was just as powerfull but at the same time it just didnt pack the same punch as 'Rebirth' feeling ever so slightly darker in tone and more in line with an album like Helloween's 'The Dark Ride' or even 2007's 'Gambling With The Devil' album, just a slightly darker sound to me, Which i dont mind it just kinda supprised me, in songs like SPREAD YOUR FIRE and the brilliant ANGELS AND DEMONS the tone of the guitars i feel is a little bit heavier and sound a lot like Helloween, there are some incredible songs on this album like the cheesy but powerfull ballad WISHING WELL or the epic of the album THE SHADOW HUNTER thses songs really prove that Angra still have that catchy songwriting ability that made 'Rebirth' so good in the first place just with someting added;

Deus Le Voit Intro Spread Your Fir - 8/10 Angels And Demons - 9/10 Waiting Silence - 8/10 Wishing Well - 9/10 Temple Of Hate -7/10 The Shadow Hunter - 9/10 No Pain For The Dead - 7/10 Winds Of Destination - 7/10 Sprouts Of Time - 8/10 Morning Star - 7/10 Late Redemption - 7/10 Gate XIII - 7/10

My Conclusion? as you can tell i just didnt enjoy it as much as Rebirth, dunno what it was maybe it was the length, still dont let that put you off it, well over half of these tracks are worth going out and buying this album stright away.

Since I was a little bit disappointed with Rebirth, I turned to this album, and to be honest I was very surprised.

I really didn't expect it to be this good, I mean, it's just a perfect album really.

Conceptually based on a pre medieval knight named "The Shadow Knight", who in his dismissal at modern Christianity, decided to find true meaning in God, but instead discovered his own religion (kind of like an early Martin Luther). I did wonder about the actual personal faiths of the band (because they're from Brazil, I expected a strong Christian faith), but reading deeper into it they seemed to have a more either Universalistic faith or they have no faith, and are just Atheists.

This album excels beyond Rebirth, with stronger and more listenable material, and interesting concept, and some amazing guest performers. Technically, these guys have excelled as well.

1. Deus Le Voit! - It's an intro; they all start of like this I think. 8/10

2. Spread Your Fire - Great kick ass song, really grabs you by the balls. Kick ass chorus. The choral arrangements remind me of Therion. 10/10

3. Angels & Demons - One of the greatest intros to a prog metal song I have ever heard. Just epic, with an amazing chorus. Best song on the album. 10/10

4. Waiting Silence - Some odd timing bits and impressive instrumental work. Great chorus as well. 9/10

5. Wishing Well - Very cheesy, but so good. Amazing chorus and a killer vocal performance. 10/10

6. Temple Of Hate - Kai Hansen's vocals in this song rule. Quite dark and very kick ass. Ja w dropping instrumental work. 9/10

7. The Shadow Hunter - Great flamenco intro. Pretty epic. The vocal harmonies in the middle section are very beautiful and really surprised me. Killer chorus. 10/10

8. No Pain For The Dead - Intro reminds me of Road Trippin' by Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Nice and laidback. Yay, Sabrine from Edenbridge is in this song, I love Edenbridge, and anything with her in it, grabs my attention. Great arrangement. 10/10

9. Winds Of Destination - Again quite dark and heavy. Hansi from Blind Guardian does an amazing vocal performance in this song. Very proggy with some odd changes in tone. The solo piano and vocal section reminds me of The Flower Kings. The guitar work is pretty impressive. 9/10

10. Sprouts Of Time - Has quite a jazzy edge. The instrumental section is just amazing. Epic chorus for an epic song. 10/10

11. Morning Star - A nice mix of heavy and light textures. Pretty nice chorus. 8/10

12. Late Redemption - The death of the Shadow Knight. I love the fact that some lyrics are sung in Portuguese, which is a very rare language to hear sung (well, if you are Irish haha). Beautiful arrangement. Great vocals. 10/10

13. Gate XIII - Credits basically. The return of some of the albums main themes wonderfully portrayed. 9/10

CONCLUSION: When it comes to Progressive or Power Metal, this is one of those albums that really stand out. Just an epic album from start to finish, with a wide range of influences and maturity of song writing. Buy this now

On Temple of Shadows, Angra present a skilled combination of Iron Maiden-influenced power metal and Queensryche-influenced progressive metal. If forced to assign it to one particular category I'd say it's more like prog-influenced power metal than powered-up prog metal, though even this doesn't tell the whole of the story, with some traditional Brazilian music from their homeland working its way into the mix here and there.

Eduardo Falaschi embodies the band's fusion style, reminiscent as he is of the best of Bruce Dickinson or Operation: Mindcrime-era Geoff Tate, and he's joined by a small cast of guest vocalists who are used tastefully to heighten the drama of the album. The band as a whole show expert judgement in playing to the strengths of both power and progressive metal whilst avoiding the pitfalls of both genres; the power metal side to them stops the prog side getting excessively pompous and technical for technicality's sake, whilst their prog side means that where some power metal bands would just cheese out Angra always manage to pull off a surprise which keeps the listener guessing. In short, it's the best of both worlds with the worst of neither.

One of the reasons TEMPLE OF SHADOWS is such a highlight in the discography of Brazilian power metal band ANGRA is because this is the album where they seriously began to incorporate progressive influences into their already powerful take on highly energetic melodic metal. They also create a behemoth of a concept album tackling the issue of a saga of a crusader knight known as The Shadow Hunter who fights against the ideals of the Catholic Church in the 11th century. The album is as energetic as any Dragonforce album but incorporates a gazillion influences like an early Dream Theater release would. The result is a diverse sounding album that takes progressive rock ideas and marries them with power metal and adds native Brazilians sounds and lots more.

Diverse influences can be found in tracks like "Wishing Well" which has a neo-prog feel to it especially in the intro reminding me a bit of Marillion. "Shadow Hunter" has flamenco and a strong Spanish feel to it. Symphonic intros and interludes are plentiful beginning with the very first track but it takes little time at all for the powerful crunch of the melodic march of thundering guitars to signify the triumph of the tasty tunes taking full form. This is an album that I like quite a bit but not to the extent that many others seem to. I find this an exciting ride up to about the last few tracks when I feel the album should have ended. The intensity of the album seems to fizzle out around then and a bunch mellow ballads are not a great way to end this album. In comparison to other successful concept albums this one does not blend the songs together as brilliantly as I think they should considering the subject matter. Nitpickiness aside, this is a great progressive power metal ride.

The awkward transition from the André Matos era is over; Brazil's power metal masters are trying on a new mantle--one that really fits them well: with their usual impressive display of compositional eclecticism and skill they have made a stab a the "prog theater" realm--an operatic concept album that explores multiple musical styles within a stage theater-like format all the while retaining their metal foundations--and it works! It's good! And this doesn't even give credit for the incredibly high level of musicianship exhibited by all of the band members!

1. "Deus Le Volt!" (0:52) nice cinematic intro to ?

2. "Spread Your Fire" (4:25) rapid fire metal with lead guitar shredding that makes way for gruff Survivor-like aggressive lead vocal with antiphonal choral background vocals. Interesting. Keyboard work makes it seem as if there is an orchestra involved as well. Operatic female vocal helping out in the third minute before Hammy-speed instrumental passage ensues. Great musicianship. While I appreciate the compositional skill and technical and support prowess necessary to pull this off, I'm not sure I like the music. (8.667/10)

3. "Angels And Demons" (4:11) take a simple Thin Lizzy song and speed up all instrumental tracks by five and you'll get a song like this. Eduardo Falaschi's voice is sounding a little old (or strained). Technically quite impressive. (8.667/10)

4. "Waiting Silence" (4:55) excellent 1980s heavy metal brought into the 21st Century. Again, Eduardo's voice is sounding like he's really pressing to get his tone and volume. Nice 1980s chords and melodies. Impressive solos. (8.75/10)

5. "Wishing Well" (4:00) acoustic guitars, synth and Tommy Shaw-like vocal give this opening a very STYX like feel. Even when it hits full stride it has a classic rock feel. (8.75/10)

6. "The Temple Of Hate" (5:13) back to the Thin Lizzy school of hyperdrive. Don't like the 1980s drum sound. How those musicians retain control and synchrony when spewing out notes that fast I'll never know. (8.75/10)

7. "The Shadow Hunter" (8:04) after a very impressive acoustic guitar intro this fully Latin song turns Probably the most impressive construct on the album for its dynamics and stylistic range. That pervasive Latin flare has a lot to do with its magic--that and the more humane drumming and percussion. There are even some Yes-like moments (the multi-voice fifth minute). Great sense of melody from the guitarist--even during his solos. My second favorite song on the album. (13.5/15)

8. "No Pain For The Dead" (5:05) more awesome acoustic guitar--this time doubled up with two instruments. Eduardo tries a very gentle, stage-like ballad vocal approach until the heavy metal chords and walls of sound enter and push him into his usual gristful-belting manner. Once the music settles down, it returns to a very Broadway/theatric style--and so does Eduardo's voice style. Great cello and masterful synth strings passage preps us for the entrance of the gorgeous voice of Sabine Edelsbacher in a performance that yet again affirms the band's Broadway/theatric approach. Another top three song for me. (9/10)

9. "Winds Of Destination" (6:56) cello introduces the pace and galloping theme that follows. Impressive Metallica-like jaunt precedes and supports guest Hansi Kürsch and Eduardo's vocal duet. In the second minute, after the first verse, the music devolves into a piano-based classical section. Again, the theatricity of the live stage comes to mind here. Nice vocal here. At 3:48 we shift again onto the autostrada--this one not quite as wild and unbound as previous songs, more like a healthy drive in your convertable sports car through the Italian countryside. After some more impressive guitar shredding the music shifts into a higher gear at 5:58 in order to build toward a finish of choral vocal crescendo. (13.25/15)

10. "Sprouts Of Time" (5:09) weird, out of place song, that seems to, once again, seem to come from some kind of theatrical production--you know: how a character in the play steps to the side to sing a solo aside while the band's music takes on a whole different style not heard anywhere else in the play. It's a great song even if it does sound and feel as if we're getting to the end--or at least the dénouement of one of the characters or themes in the plot. (9/10)

11. "Morning Star" (7:39) yet another style explore! This is truly impressive! The band seem capable--even masterful--at taking on any and all musical styles. This one is a more pedestrian, laid back style --a musical style that I really like--at least that is until 2:28 when the metal power chords join in--once again transforming Eduardo into a metal singer, not just a professional stage theater performer. Nice interlude in the fourth minute to remind us of the song's pedestrian roots, but then we are transported again into a Thin Lizzy world of dizzying metal skill and instrumental prowess. Again, I am so impressed with the attention to melody within the composition and performance of these parts. If every part of every metal song could sound like this I'd be a fan. The awesome key change at 6:20 is marred a bit by Eduardo's thinning voice in those high notes. My favorite long song on the album. (14/15)

12. "Late Redemption" (4:55) gorgeous classical guitar with "strings" and the voice of Brazilian music legend Milton Nascimento leading the ghost-like background voices and first chorus. Edu's vocal performance exudes his respect for both this style of music as well as his singing cohort. Interesting rhythm percussion at the end of the second minute before the song breaks out into a heavy theme for a different chorus. From here out it's metal music at its most orchestral. Excellent! What an ingenious song construct! Mega kudos to the band for its conception and execution! My favorite piece of prog theater on the album. (10/10)

13. "Gate XIII" (5:04) an orchestral piece that sounds like an overture to a quest-themed musical or even an opera. Quite lovely. My guess is that composer and arranger Rafael Bittencourt has classical theatre dreams or leanings. (10/10)

Total Time: 66:28

Very impressive speed and technical skills on display throughout this album--even in Eduardo's "old" sounding theatric voice. But this is not always the type of music that my spirit desires. I do, however, love the concept of religious doubt and answer seeking explored in the story--especially in that it is set in the early Inquisition era.

A-/five stars; a minor masterpiece of theatric symphonic metal; a well-produced album of impressive musicianship. This is probably a masterpiece in the world of metal worship. It is also exactly the kind of album I would put forward as an example to all aspiring progressive rock musicians for what is possible: an example of the heights of planning, composition, arrangement, execution, and production that music is capable of--and not just prog metal or metal but all progressive rock music. Truly a wonderful body of songs.