#82 - Angra

Symphonic prog-power metal band Angra is the only Brazilian band on this list and one of very few I know.  Yes, I suppose I am giving away that you won't hear Sepultura touted as one of my all-time favorites.  I'm pretty sure that won't be the only potentially disputed omission, and probably not the most arguable either.  Angra plays a really ambitious take on Euro power metal, which is a bit ironic given their geographic origin, but they're apparently pretty tight with some of the pioneers, having had Helloween's Kai Hansen as a guest and producer very early in their career.  Like a lot of bands of that sub-genre, they play a lot of notes, and fast. They also feature the soaring, high-pitched vocals and machine gun double kick characteristic of the style.  But they're more inclined than most to change meter and time on a dime, to layer large orchestrations, and to incorporate folk elements.

Holy Land is the title track off of Angra's second album from 1996.  At that early stage, they were still essentially a power metal band, but you start to hear some of the progressive influences that become more predominant as they mature in later albums.  I really love the use of Brazilian instruments and themes in this song, as well as the orchestral parts, which I think work really well.  The album features chorus and flute as well on some other songs (the flutes on this one are synthesized).  There are some cool bass fills early in the sparsely orchestrated beginning of the song, and I also like the phrasing of the main piano riff.  The drums and guitars don't enter until 2:06, but there are folk percussion instruments throughout.  The surprise orchestra interlude happens at 3:13, and is the climax of the tune.  I'll allow there's some cheese here, but we've been over that in the Nightwish post.  There's a recap of the softer opening before the groovy outro on the main riff.  The whole album's supposed to be a concept thing about beautiful Brazil.  Check out the title track below and see if you think it's as fun as I do.