FOOLED EYES

Awesome debut for this young Brazilian sextet. It's easy to imagine why Shawn Gordon (president of ProgRock Records) said that the first time he listened to this album he had decided immediately to go and sign with the band. They have an obvious musical skill, with excellent contributions of all the members and a very good creative stuff.

Fooled Eyes is a rock opera, a little in the wave of Ayreon's The Human Equation. In this case, Marcelo Quina gives life to the five characters.

Thessera belongs to the metal tradition of Pain of Salvation, Symphony X or Dream Theater, there is not break but continuity with such previous models, without lack of their own personality that is declared, for example, in some jazz-flavour moments here and there. The surprising thing of Fooled Eyes is the perfection with which the band puts all these influences together.

Although the 9 themes constantly change their music orientation, transitions are kind and natural. From the powerful instrumental opening in Le Chef D'oeuvre to the dramatic finale in Heaven's Gate, there's no fade in the interest. The Gallery is a very good theme; Broken Psyches is another great track, and The Leading Roles a very beautiful song. Party's On manifests lots of ideas and talent. With Inverse and Conflagration the emotional tension of the story rises.

4 stars, and waiting for their next release.