Aurora Consurgens, the new album by Angra, Brazil's finest prog/power metal stalwards. So what can you expect? When their former singer left (I think 2 albums ago) no one gave a nickel for the band anymore because he was an essential part of it. But, as it goes, Angra proved everyone wrong, got a new singer and released one of their finest moments in their career.

 

So, how does this new one match up? Well, a lot tougher at first listen. Angra has stepped on the gas and the lads have forgone a lot of their progressive elements for a more straightforward power approach. While it sounds more powerful than we are used to, it also sounds a bit more generic. Quite a few times I heard sections reminiscent of bands like Rhapsody (Of Fire), albeit not as cheesy as they can and tend to sound. The twin solo's in tracks like 'Window To Nowhere' are way cool though, and those are the moments where the band stands out. The speedy power sections are really not my thing, as are the high flying vocals. The most memorable moments to me are earlier mentioned twin solo's, a more midpaced metal assault and the little more restrained vocals.

 

So if you wanted a more aggressive and straight up Angra record, here's your thing. People like me, who liked the progressive side of them a bit more can be a bit disappointed.