Music reviews. CD reviews. Critically hip!

Angra, for all intents and purposes, is a new band with a new beginning eg: "Rebirth." The remaining guitarists, Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, two-fifths of the original band, were left with the daunting task of having to carry on after the rest of the band decided to walk away sometime after the release of their last "Fireworks" LP in '98. Many in Metal circles had a right to leave them for dead, satisfied with their previous accomplishments and ready to unleash an altogether new project for the future. But such did not happen and thus against the odds "Rebirth" was… born.
Necessarily, Angra went about the challenge of carrying on by giving rise to an impressive past, one that carries with it an excessively heavier baggage than had more recent works. "Rebirth" capitalizes on the strengths of the core members and showcases the talent of new vocalist Edu Falaschi whose "rise-above" vocal dexterity harbors images in the manner of an early Helloween, Pink Cream 69 or Stratovarius -- a potent range that's quickly accessible during those more subtle moments.

The songs indeed carry on with their Power Metal origins, mixing well with the more updated and up-tempo effects consistent with the many European heavyweights with Angra's expectant Brazilian twists and classic melodies. Highlights include but are not limited to the battle-ready "Nova Era," and its "Angels will arise-back to life" significance; the slower sensuousness of "Heroes Of Sand;" and the brilliant eight-plus minute two part "Unholy Wars" which takes us on a lyrical journey appropriate enough to close out our work here.

"Rebirth" is an impressive return to prominence for a once hallowed band having stormed through expectations. "The battle is over, but the war still rages on!"