TEMPLE OF SHADOWS

"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.