Ashtar
Rock Symphony

Brazilian bands, as we know, pop up like the proverbial mushrooms in a forest abundantly soaked by very rainy days. If the '70s weren't too prolific for Brazil in terms of progressive bands, the following years (the '90s in particular) turned out, on the contrary, to be quite generous with new groups dedicated to our favorite genre. I used the term "too" because, obviously, quantity does not necessarily correspond to quality: it is undeniable that the records produced by bands such as Apocalypse, Acidente, Aether, Anima Dominum, Anno Luz, Arion, just to name a few that start with A, are certainly pleasant but nothing more. However, it is also true that, from a simple statistical standpoint, the greater the number of bands, the higher the probability of finding some very good ones, and indeed groups such as Sagrado Coração da Terra, Quaterna Requiem, Bacamarte, Dogma, Tempus Fugit, Angra (for prog metal) have what we call an extra gear and are the most representative of the Brazilian prog movement (they keep the green-and-gold flag flying high!).

To which category do these Ashtar belong? Unfortunately, not the second, although it's worth noting that the band, at least, stands out from most others for a certain originality. The music produced by Ashtar is indeed a curious mix of prog, folk, Irish music (very present), prog metal, and a pinch of death metal (yes, you read that right...). The effect is at the same time rather curious and disorienting since a piece can start with bagpipes and flutes typical of green Ireland, be followed by acoustic guitars supporting a decent female voice, and then suffer the intrusive crash of a double bass drum at full speed, a hyper-technical guitar solo, and even the harsh growl of a child-eating ogre (if you've ever heard a track by fellow countrymen Sepultura, champions of Carioca death metal, you know what I'm talking about). Honestly, the effect isn't exactly the best, and it must also be said that even when judged separately, the two components of Irish prog-folk and progressive metal do not certainly induce one to shout a miracle.

In conclusion, the group possesses a range of potentials with technique, professionalism (the record is quite well recorded), and the desire to create something original... it's up to them to try to channel everything into something more homogeneous and balanced. Sufficient, but we await a second attempt.