Artist: ANGRA
Album: TEMPLE OF SHADOWS (CD)

Release date: 2004/ 2019
EAN/UPS: 0693723991627
Media type: CD

After almost a year of songwriting, arranging, pre-production, recording, mixing and mastering, Angra’s fifth full length studio album is finally ready. Temple Of Shadows is definitely the band’s most mature, creative and daring effort to date. It’s a refreshing record, even though the group has not given up embracing the melodic metal that’s been its trademark since always.
The songwriting process began in the second semester of 2003. At the end of that same year producer Dennis Ward (working with the band since the Rebirth album) went to Brazil for the pre-production. Recordings began in early 2004. There was a short break in March and April when Dennis headed back to Europe to tour with his own band, Pink Cream 69, but as soon as he was done the recordings continued.
Temple Of Shadows is a concept album. Its story was created by guitarist Rafael Bittencourt and tells the saga of The Shadow Hunter, an 11th century crusader soldier who questions the Catholic Church ideals. The series of events since his first questioning to the way it affects his whole life is narrated along 13 tracks that show the band in its prime form. Several heavy metal genres and sub-genres are portrayed in the album, masterly crafted by the talents of Edu Falaschi (vocals), Kiko Loureiro (guitars), Rafael Bittencourt (guitars), Felipe Andreoli (bass) and Aquiles Priester (drums). One can hear in Temple Of Shadows the fastest songs Angra’s recorded this far, but also some of the most intricate pieces of music the band’s ever come up with. The addition of traditional Brazilian rhythms in the music is typical of the group and it’s not different in the new album. This time though it went to further heights - courtesy of Brazilian singer and composer Milton Nascimento’s appearance in Late Redemption. Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian) and Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge) are also worthwhile guests in the album.
Temple Of Shadows is an album all good music lovers definitely look forward to listening to. Only a few privileged ones have had the pleasure of doing so this far though. But the feedback’s been amazing! After all, it’s not everyday we see an album so daring, original and as technically impeccable as this one.
The band’s just returned from a promotional trip to Japan. Kiko, Rafael and Edu introduced the new album to the Japanese press and fans by doing several interviews and acoustic showcases. Now it’s time for the group to get ready for the worldwide tour, which is also going to be the one with the biggest production in Angra’s career.

TRACKLIST:

01. Deus Le Volt!
02. Spread Your Fire
03. Angels And Demons
04. Waiting Silence
05. Wishing Well
06. Temple Of Hate
07. Shadow Hunter
08. No Pain For The Dead
09. Winds Of Destination
10. Sprouts Of Time
11. Morning Star
12. Late Redemption

Line-Up:

Edu Falaschi - Vocals
Kiko Loureiro - Guitars
Rafael Bittencourt - Guitars
Felipe Andreoli - Bass
Aqualis Priester - Drums