Temple of Shadows
Temple of Shadows
Editorial Reviews
Product Description
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 has always been its trademark.
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).
Temple of Shadows,Angra,Steamhammer Us [Spv],Heavy Metal,Neo-Classical Metal,Pop,Progressive Metal,Rock
Average customer rating:
- Epic
- "Water, wind and fire...will take our spirits away"
- Unbelievable
- Good Album/Great band
- The best thing to come out of Brazil since tobacco and coffee beans
|
Temple of Shadows
Angra
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
 General
| Alternative Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Metal
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Pop Rock
| Pop
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Rebirth
- Aurora Consurgens
- The Black Halo
- Enigmatic: Calling
- No Gravity
ASIN: B00042YKVE
Release Date: 2004-10-25 |
Tracks:
- Deus Le Volt!
- Spread Your Fire
- Angels And Demons
- Waiting Silence
- Wishing Well
- Temple Of Hate
- Shadow Hunter
- No Pain For The Dead
- Winds Of Destination
- Sprouts Of Time
- Morning Star
- Late Redemption
Tracks:
- In Excelsis
- Nova Era
- Acid Rain
- Angels Cry
- Heroes Of Sand
- Metal Icarus
- Millenium Sun
- Make Believe
- Drum Solo
- Unholy Wars
- Rebirth
- Time
- Running Alone
- Crossing
- Nothing To Say
- Unfinished Allegro
- Carry On
- The Number Of The Beast
Album Description
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 has always been its trademark.
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).
The Special Edition comes packaged with a bonus DVD featuring a live concert recorded in Sao Paulo, backstage scenes, video clips and a photo gallery.
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
NOTE: The special edition of Temple of Shadows comes with a bonus live DVD. This isn't just some random collection of live footage either. It is the actual Live in Sao Paolo DVD that the band released a year earlier, which makes the Temple of Shadows special edition such a bonus.
NOTE 2: The import version of the Temple of Shadows special edition comes in a nice digipack with a poster, but the DVD won't play in US players. The US version of the special edition has an all-region DVD, but comes in a standard jewel case.
"Water, wind and fire...will take our spirits away".......2007-03-11
The music here frequently reminded me of Pagan's Mind with a touch of Porcupine Tree and flashes of Iron Maiden. A fantastic mixture of 1970s Progressive rock bands such as Yes and Kansas molded with European-style Power Metal and Brazilian folk music. While this can be extremely interesting there are a few moments here and there that don't quite mesh. In actuality I give the CD 4.5 stars for its superb songcraft and inspired, sometimes flawed ambition. But as an overall package, this Special Edition of "Temple of Shadows" is an excellent place for newcomers as the bonus DVD holds a concert in 5.1 surround sound that is loaded with songs from their back catalog. This is a great album filled with high quality Progressive Power Metal and a DVD concert that gives a taste of their other albums (not to mention it's just plain fun to watch as the band members are clearly enjoying themselves, smiling throughout the show). Highly recommended.
Unbelievable.......2006-09-28
I listen to a LOT of music. This album was immediately slotted into my Top 10 Metal Albums of All time the *first* time I ever heard it. I am stunned, and blown away. Like Blind Guardian, Yes, Marillion, Steve Vai and Bad Religion all got together with an orchestra and some hand drummers.
I cannot recommend this highly enough. "Progressive, symphonic speed metal". Fricking amazing.
Good Album/Great band.......2006-04-08
First off, let me say that I am by all means a good fan of Angra.
I have all their albums, and by that I mean Angels Cry, Holy Land, Fireworks, Rebirth, and Temple of Shadows. Temple of Shadows is a good album. It is sort of on the lines of Fireworks, an album which I did not like at all, but a little bit more melodic, just overall a more satisfying listen.
Edu Falaschi sang very very well on Rebirth but on Temple of Shadows, in my opinion, his singing is mediocre. I also don't like this new heavy style that Angra has gotten into. I miss the old days of Holy Land with the masterpieces like Carolina IV and ZITO. Unfortunately, those days are gone, and it is time I suppose for all of us to judge Angra from what it is now rather than what we remember Angra to be before.
The production is fairly good, but the singing is toned down a bit(probably good considering, as another reviewer said, Edu Falaschi sings as if he has a piece of pizza stuck in his throat; in fact it ruins the song 'wishing well' completely).
But there are some good songs, Angels and Demons, Spread your Fire, Temple of Hate, and Shadow Hunter are all great. Overall, Angra gave me the impression that they put a lot of time and effort into the release and its a high quality product. The reasons I give it a four, not a five are because:
1) the singing really isn't what it was on rebirth
2) A heavy style which I do not like very much (Rebirth was good, it seems too heavy, I don't know)
3) Somewhat weird production, still very good, but a bit of a messy sound
So fans of Fireworks, go for it, and the same to the rest of you. But if you're a first time Angra fan, I recommend Rebirth, Holy Land, Angels Cry, and then maybe this Album (avoid fireworks!)
The best thing to come out of Brazil since tobacco and coffee beans.......2006-02-22
THE BAND: Edu Falaschi (vocals), Rafael Bittencourt (guitars), Kiko Loureiro (guitars), Felipe Andreoli (bass), Aquiles Priester (drums & percussion).
THE DISC: (2004) 13 tracks clocking in at approximately 67 minutes. This is Angra's 5th full length studio album (they have 2 live albums and 2 EP's as well). Included with the disc is an 18-page booklet containing song credits, song lyrics, band pictures, and thank you's. There are 2 versions of this album available... the single disc version, and the limited edition version containing a 2nd disc - with approximately 160 minutes of backstage scenes and concert footage from their 'Rebirth' tour in Brazil, Japan, Taiwan and Europe. For avid Angra fans, this 2-disc set is a must have. Label - SPV/Steamhammer.
COMMENTS: Bittencourt's story, "Temple Of Shadows" is a neat concept album (if you're into this kind of thing). Lovers of ancient history delight, because this is right up your alley. In the booklet, there s a brief paragraph prior to each song giving you a flavor of what's to come. It tells the story of a knight crusader known as The Shadow Hunter, who joins an army of the Pope during the 11th century... songs dealing with Holy Wars, angels & demons, destroying cities, the main character being injured, death and heaven. Musically speaking, the band is tight, poised and professional. Falaschi's voice is dead on - singing (not screaming), harmonious and melodic. Electric guitars shred. Beautiful guitar solos. Thunderous drums (lots of double bass pounding - if that's your thing) are the back-bone of Angra. Power progressive metal - pianos, orchestras, matching the intensity of the band in their softer moments. Favorite songs are the 7+ minute "Morning Star" and the epic 8 minute "Shadow Hunter". Fans of Dream Theater, Symphony X, Kamelot, Pain Of Salvation and Shadow Gallery will be happy with this release. The sound production is crisp. The only complaint I have with this album is that it isn't long enough. Angra - perhaps Brazil's finest export (5 stars).
Average customer rating:
- Epic
- Fine music, befuddled storyline
- Tell me they're joking. Please
- Heaven forbid...
- Oh,Another Crapy Power Metal Album
|
Temple of Shadows
Angra
Manufacturer: Steamhammer Us [Spv]
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Metal
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Rebirth
- Aurora Consurgens
- Hunters & Prey
- Triumph Or Agony
- Ghost Opera
ASIN: B00061F86O
Release Date: 2005-01-11 |
Tracks:
- Deus Le Volt!
- Spread Your Fire
- Angels And Demons
- Waiting Silence
- Wishing Well
- Temple Of Hate
- Shadow Hunter
- No Pain For The Dead
- Winds Of Destination
- Sprouts Of Time
- Morning Star
- Late Redemption
Album Description
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 has always been its trademark.
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).
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
Fine music, befuddled storyline.......2007-03-26
Angra represents the cross cultural pollination of the metal genre, and they do it with style and virtuoso performance for the most part. Yeah, some of the cuts, like Sprouts of Time sound like being transported back to a 1980's concert at the Copa, but the metal work which some reviewers call a "rip off" of Euro metal, is good metal with a little Brazilian flavor. What's wrong guys, can't you dig a little palm oil on your bratwurst? Besides, metal has elements that make it what it is--double bass, shredding leads, power chords, dampened notes--and the ever present full range vocalist. Alot of these bands write a fantasy story to blow changes and shred to, and they record it. Sounds like fun to me.
That brings us to the storyline, which simply said is garbled. Yeah, yeah, we know the Catholic Church was responsible for the oppression of the masses, the virtual enslavement and supression of the Jews, and tended to want everyone to do it their way. But the Crusaders, for all their excesses, did hold the Muslims back from Europe enough times as to allow the Enlightenment to go on unmolested in Europe while Islam sat in a culteral backwater for 1000 years. Had they and Charles Martel not held them back, we would not be talking about Euro-Brazilian Metal on computers, we'd be on our knees on a prayer rug if we survived the usual childhood diseases and our daddy didn't displease the Sultan.
Tell me they're joking. Please.......2006-11-07
Angra are a great band. Always have been and hopefully always will be. But this album is seriously wrong. Firstly it's a concept album about some dude in the Crusades called The Shadow Hunter. Yeah whatever guys. Secondly their synopsis of the story has that many grammatical errors you can't help be put off by it. Yes that's a pedantic point to make but all it takes is to get one native English speaker at the record company to proof read the thing before sending it off to the printers. Thirdly so many songs on this album are naff. They just don't work no matter how seriously they attack the task at hand and despite the obvious musical talent at the bands disposal.
Where this record does score it's points is in the aforementioned musical skills department. It's also tru that a few of the songs here do rip it up. Spread Your Fire is psychologically nastier than it first appears and Angels and Demons clips along nicely, as does Waiting Silence which rides a lovely Edu Falaschi vocal hook. And Temple of Hate really comes alive on stage.
But so much of the album is tainted by the dubious storyline this concept album rides. At least it's once again well produced - this time by Dennis Ward - and there are again a number of guest musicians including Kai Hansen and Hansi Kursch.
I'm giving this three stars - just. It is lovingly crafted, well played/produced Euro-metal. But because I'm a fan I somehow wanted more. My tip? Buy this with the live DVD if you can as it adds hugely to the value of the package (and will save you buying the DVD separately!).
Heaven forbid..........2006-02-07
...a band try to be original. Never really meets with approval, people like their usual old. Im giving Temple of Shadows five stars because I think reviews by some tasteless people have been far too unfair. I think this new style sits angra great. It needs some polishing, of course, but I think its a great start and this cd is fantastically different. There may have been one or two songs (no more) that I havent enjoyed, but for the rest its definitely worth it. But this isnt the only great album by this group, every single one i've bought I've enjoyed, and that is very rare for me. About the "brazillian" influences in some of their songs: dude, if you don't like them, you can go dig yourself a grave that says "here lies an uncultivated person"
Oh,Another Crapy Power Metal Album.......2005-09-01
This is another crapy album I got suckered into buying.There is one good song on this album,The Temple Of Hate.Hansi Kursch is on this album I believe it's number 9 (but I'm not sure)I got rid of this awful album right away.The song Wishing Well is pure gay,I couldn't believe how bad that song is.This band has like Brazilian beats on this album(sucks),this band is from Brazil.DON'T WASTE YOUR MONEY ON THIS CRAPY,CRAPY ALBUM.
Average customer rating:
|
Chasing Shadows
Davy Steele
Manufacturer: Temple Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Britain
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
Ireland
| British Isles
| Europe
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| Celtic
| International
| Styles
| Music
General
| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
Celtic
| Europe
| International
| Indie Music
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000002NPC
Release Date: 1998-02-10 |
Tracks:
- Kishmul's Galley
- Brand New Day
- Loch Tay Boat Song
- Jimmy Waddell/Lochanside
- Long Hellos Short Goodbyes
- Tam Glen/Dancing In Dinan
- Tibby Dunbar/The Brothers Reconciliation
- Calton Weaver
- Leave Her Johnny, Leave Her
- Chasing Shadows
- Scotland Yet
Customer Reviews:
WOW.......2001-05-15
All I can say is Wow. Davy just recently passed away unfortunately at the young age of 52. His death though made me purchase this Cd. All I can say is wow!
Average customer rating:
|
Temple of Shadows
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock & Metal
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B0002CHPKO
Release Date: 2004-08-17 |
Album Description
Japanese pressing of the progressive metal act's 2004 release, scheduled to include bonus material. Details TBA. JVC.
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
NOTE: The special edition of Temple of Shadows comes with a bonus live DVD. This isn't just some random collection of live footage either. It is the actual Live in Sao Paolo DVD that the band released a year earlier, which makes the Temple of Shadows special edition such a bonus.
NOTE 2: The import version of the Temple of Shadows special edition comes in a nice digipack with a poster, but the DVD won't play in US players. The US version of the special edition has an all-region DVD, but comes in a standard jewel case.
Average customer rating:
|
Temple of Shadows
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock & Metal
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B000BYRBQQ
Release Date: 2005-11-01 |
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
NOTE: The special edition of Temple of Shadows comes with a bonus live DVD. This isn't just some random collection of live footage either. It is the actual Live in Sao Paolo DVD that the band released a year earlier, which makes the Temple of Shadows special edition such a bonus.
NOTE 2: The import version of the Temple of Shadows special edition comes in a nice digipack with a poster, but the DVD won't play in US players. The US version of the special edition has an all-region DVD, but comes in a standard jewel case.
Average customer rating:
- Epic
- One of the most energetic power metals I have ever heard
- Great power metal, I think....
- Long Live Angra!!!
|
Temple of Shadows
Angra
Manufacturer: Paradoxx
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Metal
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Similar Items:
- Aurora Consurgens
ASIN: B0006644O6 |
Tracks:
- Deus le Volt!
- Spread Your Fire
- Angels and Demons
- Waiting Silence
- Wishing Well
- Temple of Hate
- Shadow Hunter
- No Pain for the Dead
- Winds of Destination
- Sprouts of Time
- Morning Star
- Late Redemption
- Gate XIII
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
One of the most energetic power metals I have ever heard.......2005-04-18
For a long time, I've been looking for an album that deviates from the stereotypical power metal sound. This album has so much energy and displays so much talent, that it is impossible to hate it after a few listens. Plus, the production is as good as metal can buy.
Great power metal, I think...........2004-12-13
Well, there are some excellent power metal songs on this cd, and there is some dung. One thing I find very frustrating about this band is their inconsistency. The first release(Angels cry) was one of the best Power Metal cds of all time. The second(Holyland) was basically crap, while the third(Fireworks) was a very goo hard rock cd, but not quite power metal. Now whith a new singer on Rebirth, they totally reinvented their style once again to excellent power metal. On their latest, I find myself constantly wondering how this man who sounds like he has a piece of pizza in his mouth can be the same singer who sang beautifully and clearly on "Rebirth". I won't do a song by song review here, but it starts out with the obligatory intro, then goes into a very good fast song. The next 3 songs get progressively slower, untill track 5 you are left thinking what have I gotten myself into?! Then it all gets better on track 6! Kai Hansen swoops in and saves the day! He lends his vocals to the best and fastest song on the cd. Also, Hansi kursch appears on one song. Overall I think this is a pretty good cd, but a little dissapointing after Rebirth. There are 13 tracks total, and I think they could have scrapped at least 5 or 6. There's just not enough speed and too many slow or mid-paced songs here. Well, If they hold true to form, we should get another masterpiece in about 6 or 7 years.
Long Live Angra!!!.......2004-11-28
I just could not believe what I was listening to. Angra surely proves that they are a powerful force from Brazil. They should be among the elite bands in the world. This album is such a great album. It has a grand theme as well as a concept album. Masterfully orchestrated. All 4 musicians display their virtuoso with their instruments. You could hear blistering drum beats and their songs are full of melody, memorable tunes and sing along songs. It is just an awesome album and fans of rock metal must pick this one up. This is even better than their previous album Rebirth!! This time Angra is here to stay.....for a very long time.
Average customer rating:
|
Temple of Shadows
Angra
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
Progressive Metal
| Progressive
| Rock
| Styles
| Music
Hard Rock & Metal
| Imports
| Stores
| Music
ASIN: B0006JI3BI
Release Date: 2004-10-05 |
Tracks:
- Deus le Volt!
- Spread Your Fire
- Angels and Demons
- Waiting Silence
- Wishing Well
- Temple of Hate
- Shadow Hunter
- No Pain for the Dead
- Winds of Destination
- Sprouts of Time
- Morning Star
- Late Redemption
- Gate XIII
Tracks:
- In Excelsis [DVD][Live][*]
- Nova Era [DVD][Live][*]
- Acid Rain [DVD][Live][*]
- Angels Cry [DVD][Live][*]
- Heroes of Sand [DVD][Live][*]
- Metal Icarus [DVD][Live][*]
- Millennium Sun [DVD][Live][*]
- Make Believe [DVD][Live][*]
- Drum Solo [DVD][Live][*]
- Unholy Wars [DVD][Live][*]
- Rebirth [DVD][Live][*]
- Time [DVD][Live][*]
- Running Alone [DVD][Live][*]
- Crossing [DVD][Live][*]
- Nothing to Say [DVD][Live][*]
- Unfinished Allegro [DVD][Live][*]
- Carry On [DVD][Live][*]
- Number of the Beast [DVD][Live][*]
- Special Features: Backstage Scenes/Rebirth World Tour in ...
Album Description
Limited edition pressing of the progressive metal act's 2004 album is packaged in a digipak, includes the DVD (PAL/Region 0) 'Live In Sao Paolo', & a poster. Special guests include Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge), Hansi Kursch (Blind Guardian), & Milton Nascimento). Atrheia.
Customer Reviews:
Epic.......2007-04-28
After being absolutely blown away by Angra's 2001 album Rebirth, I had very high expectations for the band's follow-up album Temple of Shadows. Part of that is due to the incredibly high quality of Rebirth, and part is due to the fact that the band made us wait 3 years for this album. Either way, once I finally heard Temple of Shadows I was both over and underwhelmed.
I was overwhelmed in that Temple of Shadows is an extremely ambitious, musically ambitious concept album. You can tell that Angra put a tremendous amount of time and energy into this album. The songwriting, musicianship, orchestration, and production quality are all on par with Blind Guardian's A Night at the Opera album, and like that album, it takes several spins to really get into ToS. The persistence pays off though, as you'll soon start to really appreciate all that Angra accomplished with this album.
Temple of Shadows is a bit underwhelming in that it doesn't have the immediate impact that Rebirth had. I know it's not terribly fair, but I was expecting another album like Rebirth, and this is a totally different kind of album. None of these songs jump out at you right away, and you probably won't find yourself humming one of these tracks hours later. Again, once you've heard the album a few times you'll start to appreciate it more.
Angra isn't the kind of band to do the same thing twice, so Temple of Shadows is as different from Rebirth as Holy Land was to Angels Cry. In fact, ToS comes across as a (much) heavier version of Holy Land. Both are ambitious concept albums that showcase a group of musicians who constantly evolve and challenge themselves. That's probably where the similarities end, as ToS is a much heavier, much more aggressive effort than Holy Land, and the Brazilian elements that made Holy Land so compelling are not as evident on ToS.
In the end, Temple of Shadows is a very satisfying Angra album, even if it wasn't exactly what I had expected. It goes without saying that this is a must-have for Angra fans, but most prog/power metal fans will want to check it out as well, if for no other reason than that Hansi Kurisch (Blind Guardian) and Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray) make guest appearances.
NOTE: The special edition of Temple of Shadows comes with a bonus live DVD. This isn't just some random collection of live footage either. It is the actual Live in Sao Paolo DVD that the band released a year earlier, which makes the Temple of Shadows special edition such a bonus.
NOTE 2: The import version of the Temple of Shadows special edition comes in a nice digipack with a poster, but the DVD won't play in US players. The US version of the special edition has an all-region DVD, but comes in a standard jewel case.
Average customer rating:
- short, but good
- This is an exellent Gothic Metal band.
- Amazing,Amazing Album
|
Shadows Temple
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
Similar Items:
- Pageant
ASIN: B0001ZX4Y8
Release Date: 2004-06-29 |
Album Description
Japan exclusive single taken from the gothic rock act's 2004 album 'Nocturnal Opera'. Produced by frontman Mana (Malice Mizer). the title track is b/w three non-LP tracks, 'Night Breed', 'Night Breed' (Instrumental), & 'Shadows Temple' (Instrumental).
Customer Reviews:
short, but good.......2005-05-04
:mumbles: 4 songs.. i really wish there where more on here! i paid lotsa $$ for 4 fricken songs! but its good. it is, just if you dont have the financal means for so little, dont buy it but if you like malice mizer, or just Mana.. this is for you!
This is an exellent Gothic Metal band........2005-04-14
This band just blew me away when I listened to this cd after I purchased this demo at a Japanese Anime convention I went to in Seattle. I like all songs on the demo because this band sounds completly original. The band has a classical sound to them with the keyboards, yet are able to blend that sound perfectly into the Metal style. I highly recommend this to fans of dark Gothic/Death Metal. Hurry up and buy this cd, you won't be dissapointed.
Amazing,Amazing Album.......2004-12-13
This album shows some of the higher points in the modernization of classic music styles Some people may call this a rock opera but it has more and the band has a very good visual k look.
I recommend this to anyone who likes dir en grey,malice mizer, des row, d the pillows any kind of j rock!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Average customer rating:
|
Temple Of Shadows
Angra
Manufacturer: Steamhammer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000LX84U4 |
Average customer rating:
|
Temple Of Shadows
Angra
Manufacturer: Steamhammer
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD
General
| Hard Rock & Metal
| Styles
| Music
ASIN: B000LX872O |
Music Track:
- The Best of Deicide
- The Best of Pretty Maids: Back to Back [Import]
- The Best of Yngwie Malmsteen Live [Live] [Import]
- The Black Book
- The Welsh Connection
- Think This
- Third Age of the Sun
- Tristania [Import]
- Twilight in Olympus [Enhanced] [Import]
- Vol. 1-Malice in Wonderland [Original recording reissued]
Music Track
music track
Recommended Music:
Minor Enough
Classical Music for Lovers: Romantic Momements
Dixie Fried
Music: Volume 2
Don't Know What to Tell Ya [CD-single] [Enhanced] [Import]
Califormula
Chaval De La Peca [Import]
Chaos And Creation In The Backyard [Enhanced] [Special Edition]
Dreamer Come in [Import]
Crossroads 2: Live in the Seventies [Box set] [Live]
Blue Lines
Canciones de Amor Latinas: Las Mas Bonitas [Import]
Devil's Advocate [Explicit Lyrics]
Baltic Voices 1 / Kreek Sandstrom / Rautavaara / Part / Vasks
Mal 2