FLECHA

This is the most orchestrated of the Sagrado albums I have heard, which include all but their eponymous debut. It comes across more as a pleasant romantic soft rock album than a progressive rock album. The naturally romantic sound of the Portuguese language is well suited to this style, particularly on songs like "Seres Humanos" and "Carinhos Quentes". The longest track, "Cosmos X Caos", combines sugary sweet vocal sections with intense orchestrations featuring Viana's many flourishes on violin. The closer is basically a classical piece.

While this early Sagrado album largely lacks the requisite edge for most fans on this site, it demonstrates an abundance of composition and arranging skills, and provides some hints as to the launching of this sacred arrow and the marvelous trajectory it would ultimately take. 2.5 stars rounded up.