Shaman - Origins [2010]

Angra has always been an exceptional force in power metal, blending the conventional catchiness of the genre with little nuances of their folksy Brazilian culture. So when three members split after the release of Fireworks, it wasn't surprising that a beast of similar style and quality rose from the ashes. Shaman has admittedly been a perplexing beast in the past, however. When Andre Matos ditched again, it seemed as if this band would give in to extinction. That's when Origins arrived. Origins is undoubtedly the highlight of 2010 in power or progressive metal, and a remarkable release that a fan of the genre shouldn't live without.

First of all, let me just say that if you like Angra, buy this now. Don't read the rest of this; just buy it. The similarities are inarguable and noticeable immediately. The guitarists are fast flying when they need to be (Lethal Awakening, No Mind), acoustic and sentimental when the time is right (Finally Home, S.S.D.), and melancholically neo classical in the parts in between (Inferno Veil, Blind Messiah). Vocalist Thiago Bianchi is the perfect hybrid of Angra's Andre Matos and Edu Falaschi, capable of both the former's piercing highs and the latter's low, growly delivery, all with that charismatic Brazillian accent one never grows tired of hearing.

Bianchi's performance takes the already mesmerizing choruses, which are uplifting and memorable without being too "singalong," to the next level; and my, this is catchy! Insanely catchy, almost ad nauseam, but since I just can't stop listening to the damn thing, how can I complain. This is an element assisted by the concept going on here, and though I don't care enough to really look into them like I might with The Detached, they are adept all the same. The more compelling benefit of having a concept is the perfect flow and the ease with which Origins is experienced. I never get bored with any of the songs or feel any urge to skip any. Sure, there's a couple that don't touch the catchiness of the rest (like Rising Up to Life), but even those tracks have enough variety to justify their inclusion. The "Ego" suite (Pt. 1 and Pt. 2) is the ultimate highlight of the album. I love the beauty of Pt. 1 and how it complements the energetic and introspective Pt. 2, leading to another highlight chorus.

"Please ignite the sky so I can find myself!
Give me some insight, so light can prevail
I've found my foe...
This man behind my Ego will and must go!"

Origins is, without a doubt, an astounding achievement in every way necessary. I'd dare say that this bests anything Angra has ever done, and quite convincingly. None of their albums, even the mighty Temple of Shadows, rival Shaman's consistency or cohesion on this release. There are no overt flaws, and if one can get over Bianchi's acquired taste vocals and a somewhat muted production quality, a fan of any style can find hours of joyous entertainment with this monument of power metal. Who knows; you might just find yourself.

   Overall: 9.5/10 (Incredible)