TIME TRAVELLERS

After the utter fiasco that was their hard rock take in the 1990 release, it seemed that guitarist Sergio Hinds decided to do what they did best: prog rock. Not that it was a return to their roots (as they would eventually do in the new millennium, to everyone´s delight), but in a more "modern" fashion (like early Dream Theater). So heavier guitars and new synth sounds were added. It was not a retro prog of sorts.The veteran drummer Franklin Paollilo was back in the fold, while bass duties were taken by newcomer Andrei Ivanovic. Most important now the band had a new and excellent keyboards player (Luiz De Boni, who was also a multi instrumentalist, sound engineer and good singer himself).

It was clear that the band was aiming the international market, for now they were singing all the lyrics in english. The band was enjoying a new audience abroad and they decided to take full advantage of that opportunity. The resulting album was probably their best since their comeback in the 80´s. Hinds proves again he is a great and versatile guitarist and the band is in great shape. Ok, nothing to write home about it, but very good anyway. A few weak moments here and there (like the arena rock The Rhythm Of The Universe). Vocals are average at best (Hinds heavy brazilian accent didn´t help matters) and unfortunately rarely the band exploits their great harmony vocals. However, on the instrumental side they still reign: De Boni keyboard timbres may sound a little dated now, but they are good, while Hinds guitar solos are absolutely gorgeous. Small wonder the best tracks here are the non vocal tracks like Crucis and Marear, both fine prog epics that wouldn´t be out of place in their 70´s classic albums. Flavio Venturini´s Suite gets a new recording (with vocals this time), and it is another highlight.

Conclusion: a very strong effort for a band that looked completely burnt out just two years before. Time Travelers kind of restore the fan´s faith in the band and proved they still had something to say musically. I can´t say this is an essential album for anyone but the most dedicated fans. Still, better than just good. My rating is 3.5 stars. Worth checking out if you don´t know O Terço yet.