DEPOIS DO FIM

BACAMARTE is the strongest progressive band from Brazil. They released this perfect gem at the 80's, but it was actually made at the end of the 70's decade. Depois Do Fim (which means "after the ending") is definetely the best symphonic prog album made in Brazil, containing an unique latin flavour inside it represented by the fast and passionate guitar playing by Mário Neto and the soft and moving, though not so much present, vocal performances by Jane Duboc. The final product is outstanding, as it mixes emotion and technique in a way that few bands manage to do.

This magum-opus starts with a killer instrumental named "Ufo". It sets the album's mood in an excellent way, showing incredible musicianship and extreme creativity since this song progresses a lot, always creating new themes through its lenght. The usage of wind instruments is very appreciated, as they appear very often during the album. After this, we are led to "Smog Alado", a more upbeat track showing great virtuosity. Its intro is amazing, combining a nervous flute with a rhythmic bass playing, then followed by a really fast sequence of guitar playing. A loud keyboard announces then Jane Duboc, who appears and delivers her first lines on this album, and then the song continues in a chaotic and fast way, until it slows down to produce a relaxing ending, as a release from all the tension created before. "Miiragem" is a wild instrumental showing Mário Neto's neat skills as a guitar player. A shy flute occasionally appears on the background, but what shines here are the guitar notes magically delivered from Mário's virtuosity. At the middle of the track we have a really beautiful flute solo, and then the song returns to its original fast pace until its end. "Pássaro De Luz" is a short relaxing accoustic number with poetic lyrics. "Caño", on the other hand, is a noisy instrumental showing a lot of energy from the band members, as it usually is with latin music, full with power and passion. The next one, "Último Entardecer", it is the band's definitive song, and one of my favorite ones of all times! Starting with a melancholic piano, it segues with an amazing and touching theme delivered by Mário Neto's guitar. Jane sings some more lines here, and then the main theme returns before giving room to an insane latin guitar solo and some more vocals. The track slows down and gets a bit furious again, and then we are led to a strong climax where Jane sings before the main theme returns in a more intense way. Wow, what a perfect amazing incredible piece of music, carried with emotion from start to finish! "Controvérsia" is a short instrumental break that leads to the epic title track and its magic intro and its eerie outro. This song is also pure genius! It has some nice lyrics and a full chemistry between the band members playing their instruments. The last instrumental, "Mirante Das Estrelas" is a light and fast paced track, but it has a dark and moving section begining at around 01:40 that sets another climax for the album. It repeats its theme throughout, but manages to be incredibly catchy and progressive.

There are not enough compliments to give to this seminal work of symphonic prog music. The band members' talents are very evident and i consider this one of the best works ever done by the human race. This is music to feed the mind and the spirit, and it is a unique demonstration of how magic progressive music can be.