Aurora Consurgens

After the landmark release of Temple of Shadows in 2004, Angra's notoriety in the power metal world has skyrocketed, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating their 2006 release, Aurora Consurgens. Unfortunately, while this album is a true Angra release and a good album, for anyone expecting an album on the level of ToS, they will be sorely disappointed.

Aurora Consurgens is yet another Angra album inspired by the history of Catholicism, focusing on the writings of St. Thomas Aquinas concerning mental illness and madness. As before, the content is translated beautifully to vocals and lyrics and makes for a thoughtful read.

From the opening track, "The Course of Nature," it is evident Angra has opted for a more mainstream approach to their brand of power metal this time around, leaning toward more traditional song structures. Those looking for swift technical guitar work from Kiko will not be disappointed by tracks such as "The Course of Nature," "The Voice Commanding You," and "Ego Painted Grey." Yet again, Edu also delivers rich, emotive vocals that we all know and love from their previous release.

Angra seems to almost have all together abondoned their rich assortment of instruments from previous albums for more electronic sounds dispersed throughout the songs. Unfortunately, it does not seem that they are placed with the meticulous care that each distinct sound in ToS seems to possess. Additionally, while this album follows the fast beginning with a slower middle pattern, the slower songs don't possess the emotion that songs like "Morning Star" from ToS plant in our minds, and besides a memorable chorus or two and a few decent riffs, they are nothing more than good power metal songs.

Kiko's inventive guitar work also seems less focused than their previous album, which leaves the songs to not be as coherently driven along. Even though there is a blistering pace present in the beginning of the album, songs from this album cannot surpass the watermark of "Spread you Fire" for a power metal anthem, nor can they trounce "Angels and Demons" for the sonic pleasure that is the handiwork of Kiko.

This album definitely possesses some memorable solos, powerful vocals courtesy of Edu, and a coherent but strikingly sorrowful theme. It also sports excellent production that gives us nice wailing guitars as well as crunchy riffs, and of course, solid drumming to boot. Their international influence does peak through in the Arabian-esque intro of "So Near, so Far." Yet, it seems to be in big brother envy of their previous album, where the consensus was to modify previous form by eliminating some of the progressive tendencies for more traditional song structures. For many others, this may spell disaster, but for Angra, it earns them a spot less than a 90%. It should also be noted that if ToS never happened, this will still be step forward for the power metal monolith from their reincarnation album, Rebirth as it delivers a matured voice from Edu and more stimulating song writing and performances courtesy of Kiko.

As such, this album is still recommended for another pleasing performance from Edu, a dual-guitar attack still to be envied, and songwriting that will still serve to make most of power metal hopefuls jealous, even though some may find themselves wanting as they progress to later songs in the album.

Standout tracks:
Course of Nature, The Voice Commanding You, Ego Painted Grey