The metal does not rest and already in January 2015 some bands will launch new productions, among them are the Brazilians of Angra who we did not see and listen to a studio album from 2010 with Aqua. These 4 years have brought certain changes for the band, starting with the departure of the former vocalist for 11 years Edu Falaschi; and the second goodbye from Ricardo Confessori who was in charge of the tasks in the battery, first from 1993 to 2000 and later from 2009 to 2014.
To the liking of many (and displeasure to few?) The chosen one to replace Edu was the well-known singer of Rhapsody of Fire, Fabio Lione, also famous for his vocal contribution in other bands like Vision Divine, Symmetry, Kamelot, among other. Here in Mexico we could already see it with Angra in the past Hell & Heaven Metal Fest, leaving his followers satisfied. After the battery it was decided to Bruno Valverde who already played in the solo project of Kiko Loureiro, guitarist of the Brazilian band.
This Secret garden It has been conceived as a concept album in which each song narrates, through the lyrics, the story of a man who seeks again the happiness he lost after the death of his wife. Such a concept requires diverse emotions and landscapes, elements found on a large scale throughout the entire journey of the album.
The album cover shows an entry, which opens in 'Newborn Me' and immediately we find direct sounds, progressions typical of this band, symphonies, percussions and varieties that hook the first one. The distinctive touch is given by the Spanish guitars that appear in the middle of the song, an ingenious ingredient prior to the racket of solos that come from it.
With Fabio Lione involved it is not unexpected that 'Black Hearted Soul' It has an epic and ostentatious start very Rhapsody of Fire with those bombastic choruses. The theme later gives way to a totally Power Metal sound of fast guitars, double bass drum and melodic voices. It is also a very rich song in solos.
Brazilian percussions mix with solid riffs on 'Final Light' where we listen to a superb Lione who would eventually convince everyone just by paying great attention to the highly successful choir. 'Storm of Emotions' exhibits a veritable storm of emotions (translating as in Universal Stereo) that go from the ambient to the resonant with halftones, and which is left to serenely crumble as the song passes. It is the first where guitarist Rafael Bittencourt appears with his voice to sing along with Fabio; the same Rafael Take all the reins in 'Violet Sky' with a great demonstration of vocal melodies.
The following song will seem very strange especially for the habitual listener of Angra. The song that gives the album its title, 'Secret Garden', is not sung by Fabio not for Rafael but Simone simons (Epica), in addition to the fact that this theme is far from the sound of Angra to opt for one in the style of a theater musical that would fit more in the band Simons. Even so, it is a good song but if you listen to it separately and without knowing that it is from Angra, you would doubt that it is theirs.
The album returns to Latin with the percussions of 'Upper Levels' how quickly they fall behind and leave the way ready for harsh riffs and the return of Fabio Lione to the voice. This cut strongly reflects the already classic Latin vein in Angra and that way it gains in diversity. Bassist's work stands out Philip Andreoli and in general it is a song that serves to show the technical quality of each musician.
The band has the honor of having the participation of Doro Pesch for 'Crushing Room' in a duet with Rafael Bittencourt, both huge in this kind of power metal ballad. It would be great if I do and Angra Play this song if you happen to meet on a tour.
In case there is a lack of sugar cane themes, Pure Power is 'Perfect Symmetry' with symphonic parts. To end the album you will find Silent Call, a rock song in the style of long-standing bands like Eagles, Boston or Toto, in case there wasn't enough variety in Secret garden.
With this you already know that the return of Angra is commanded by the diversity of tones, voices and impressions. Admirable return of the Brazilians.