LENDAS ENCANTADAS

This is somehow worse, than their other releases. And we'll spend this entire review with finding out what it can be. So let's dive into waters of unknown, submerge our prog (and also freshly painted by yellow colour) submarine and swim around in this sea of so called symphonic music. Because it's somehow bad. There indeed is something fishy that makes this stench, this foul smell that destroys it all. I think that it's pathetic element, it sounds like parody on sympho/neo prog a little bit. Some parts at least. I don't understand it, album that they released before was perfect, but this one, lost something, somehow. Somewhere in process of making, of ideas that stood at the beginning of creation process. Even maintaining their average quality (which means very good), this is weighted down. It sounds like early 80's for bands that were famous in 70's. Change of direction, where band wants to head. Even in case of "The Bridge Of Light" it worked perfectly.

4(-), I'm afraid that even I can at least a little bit enjoy this, there's somethin' bad (as I numerously pointed out already). Proto stage of their new sound, still in development.

This is the second album I have discovered from this Brazilian band.

After the excellent "Aurora Dos Sonhos", this follow-up sounds more neo with still a fine symphonic angle. It is immediately obvious since this aspect is already available while the opening number is being played ("Miragem"). It is very dynamic and powerful song (reminding me at times "Parallels" but with a "Genesis" angle!).

This good start is not really confirmed with the other tracks: somewhat repetitive recipe: lots of keys, upbeat music and fully (good) neo mood. It is amazing to see how fast the band has changed from style of music. The whole sounds melodic ("Virada do Século") but unachieved. Half of the songs are quite short (around the three minutes mark). This format doesn't allow much research and there is little room for instrumental passages ("Luzes da Vida").

One has to wait for the eighth song to listen to a brilliant and emotive guitar break. Finally! Great ?but too short, unfortunately. Most of the songs though only holds the basics of the neo-prog style ("Chamando Por Ajuda" which almost means "Crying For Help" but there is no relation with "Arena").

Symphonic lovers will probably be disappointed (as I am) with this release which couldn't confirm the excellent "Aurora Dos Sonhos". Even the epic and closing number features little passages to be remembered. Three stars (but this is on the upside).