Angra – Aqua
After a four year wait, progressive metal band Angra have released their seventh studio album 'Aqua'. Inspired by Shakespeare's 'The Tempest', 'Aqua' delivers a dynamic and vibrant collection of songs. The creative Brazilians mix metal and progressive styles with Brazilian and ethnic influences to produce truly original and memorable pieces. The neoclassical 'Arising Thunder' and the equally impressive and dark 'Hollow' stand out on this exceptional album.
Concept albums can be a bit hit and miss due to the band having one or two good tracks that fit the story line and then attempt to build everything else around them; stumped for creativity, this is where they often fail. Not so here. Angra worked on numerous tracks before deciding on the final listing for this album. The result is a seamless journey through the story line with some outstanding music to boot.
The album opener 'Viderunt Te Aquć' is a short, moody vocal introduction prior to the immense 'Arising Thunder' with it's exquisite double lead guitars and rattling drums; the vocals of Edu Falaschi spurting out trying to keep up with the tempo. The high energy continues with the intricate 'Awake From Darkness', a complex mixture of prog and power metal. The sound is big, even massive.
'Lease Of Life' is a much quieter offering (in the beginning). The quiet piano and subdued vocals set the mood to a lighter tone. The song soon builds up to deliver a very nice guitar solo half way through before returning to the original melody.
'The Rage Of The Waters' and 'Spirit Of The Air' are two tracks that sum this band up. The complexity of arrangements and versatility of their skills is very evident here; lots of guitar, change of mood and tempo and all delivered to a very high standard.
The track 'Hollow' stands out from almost all of the other tracks. This is a much darker sound, more off-beat and intricate, though still full of the energy that runs through the whole album.
The almost Celtic beginning of 'Monster In Her Eyes' is a nice diversion, likewise the middle eastern introduction to 'Weakness Of A Man' is very nice and both seem to fit in perfectly. The album closes with the slower 'Ashes', another almost anthemic song.
Angra are very competent; their vocals and musicianship coupled with some great song writing and arrangements should surely get them thrust into the spotlight.