Angra
Holy Land

THE REVIEW

Two years after the disconcerting debut with "Angels Cry", 1996 marks the release of Angra's second effort, "Holy Land".
As we can see from the album's title and cover, the songs are mostly inspired by the conquests made by Europeans in Brazil, the band's homeland.
Stylistically similar to the previous work, "Holy Land" is distinguished by the fact that it contains carioca influences which are heavily present throughout the entire album.

The album starts with the intro "Crossing" that, like a gentle wake-up call, with the songs of nightingales and thunder, prepares us for the sensational "Nothing To Say", which I am not ashamed to consider one of their best songs. After "Silence And Distance", the first ballad of the album, we find what I definitely consider the best song of the album, the beautiful "Carolina IV", which, over its 10 minutes and 33 seconds duration, encapsulates the true nature of the band: Brazilian folk first and foremost, along with numerous tempo changes and a convincing chorus, making it the genuine gem of the album.
Next comes the turn of the poignant Title Track, which is also very beautiful and imposes itself majestically, followed by the cute but negligible "The Shaman", which isn't bad but certainly the most understated of the album, which then regains form with the meditative "Make Believe", but watch out! An upheaval comes with the thundering "Z.I.T.O.", which brings a bit of healthy power-speed and strays slightly away from the usual patterns of the album, which in any case will never become boring.
We return to calmness with "Deep Blue", the second ballad, which leads us to the concluding "Lullaby For Lucifer". Thanks to its melodies that convey serenity and the sound of the sea crashing on the rocks in the background, it relaxes us, almost as if to make us sleep, to close the fantastic day that began with the pleasant awakening of "Crossing".

In conclusion, this album can absolutely be considered among the best works of Progressive Metal, thanks to the remarkable performance of the five Brazilians and Matos above all, with a voice that reaches high levels, making the cute little LaBrie drool...

A record that I wholeheartedly recommend to all die-hard fans of Symphony X and especially Dream Theater, but in any case, a must-have or at least a must-listen for anyone with good taste or who enjoys TRUE music...
Now, excuse me, but writing this review has made me want to run to my room, insert this "Holy Land" into my stereo, now worn out from use, and listen to it at full volume!!!!!!!!