FLECHA

As with almost every Sagrado Coracao da Terra release, the follow-up of the self-titled debut had a vastly different line-up with flutist Andersen Viana being the only member linked to both albums, except of course for Marcus Viana.The ''Flecha'' album was released in 1987 in CD by Sonhos e Sons and LP by Arteciencia, while the next year it was also issued in Japan, where the band was already quite popular, on Crime Records.

The eponymous opening track became very popular after being included in the soundtrack of the TV series '' Que Rei Sou Eu?'' and shows the sensitive approach of the group.The whole first side of the original LP is actually pleasant Symphonic Pop with some very sweet vocals by Viana and the two guest female singers, always directed by some melodic violin lines and dreamy keyboard and piano parts.The Classical influences are obvious through these tracks, which however hold a very ballad-esque attitude.On the other hand the limited room for some instrumental themes works nicely, featuring beautiful soundscapes with violins, piano and synthesizers in evidence.

The second side is a good proof of Sagrado's more adventurous side.The short intro ''Tocatta'' is nice instrumental Electronic/Symphonic Rock with balanced organs and synthesizers, leaving its place to the long ''Cosmos x caos'', an ethereal Symphonic/Fusion composition, like THE ENID performing with JEAN-LUC PONTY.The vocal parts still have a poppy flavor, but the music is quite great with sudden breaks, bombastic violins and keyboards and symphonic textures with a dramatic atmosphere.''O futuro da terra'' sounds extremely close to THE ENID.Long piano interludes, ethereal flute melodies and floating synthesizers combine with Viana's crying violin to offer another nice piece of mellow Symphonic Rock.

Sagrado's style still retains this unbalanced delivery of Symphonic Rock mixed with Pop aesthetics, but the instrumental textures of the album have been developed in a great way, thus delivering at moments highly melodious yet demanding music.Good and recommended album.