Ritual

It's probably true that a significant portion of metalheads are familiar with prog/power legends Angra, but the same can not be said of Shaman unfortunately. Brought into existence after the former virtually split in half, Shaman offered up their debut album Ritual in 2002. While Angra was slipping into less-unique (although far from mediocre) territory with Rebirth, a handful of its former members were redefining themselves with an album that positions itself sonically at a comfortable halfway point between Angels Cry and Holy Land.

To a casual listener, the songs on Ritual may seem far simpler than anything that Angra had put out; but a closer examination will show that, while not as speed-driven as their alternate incarnation, the complexity and musical depth of the songs here are far more than those created by nearly any other metal band. Every song (except for the blazing grand finale "Pride") features thoroughly-composed orchestral accompaniment, which sometimes even takes the spotlight over the more traditional metal instrumentation (hear the intro "Ancient Winds" or the build-up in the middle of "Fairy Tale"). In similar fashion to Angels Cry, the vocal melodies are not those of whimsical nature found on most power metal albums; the only real exception is the chorus in "Pride," which sees the legendary Tobias Sammet contributing guest vocals and also happens to be the most "metal" song on the entire album. The guitar parts are more fundamental than one might expect, often only playing what is necessary instead of what is possible. The solos are more melodic than shreddy, and when they do lean towards the faster side they maintain a modest simplicity.

Now I would argue that the real highlight of the album is the incredible vocal performance of the late, great Andre Matos. His dazzling, octave-jumping shrieks had first caught the metal world's attention nine years earlier, yet on Ritual he delivers what is undeniably his best performance ever. The sound of Matos' voice is more convincingly emotional than almost every other singer (hear "Fairy Tale" for the most popular example), and in the final pre-chorus of "Pride" he hits what might just be the highest note he ever committed to recording.

The production on Ritual is the best you can find on any metal album. The drums sound natural yet heavy; the guitars are clear, sharp, yet satisfyingly distorted; the bass is thick and driving; the orchestral elements add atmosphere yet are not overwhelming or cheesy; and the flawless vocal delivery and production are just the icing on this already-flawless cake. The mix of the whole album is completely perfect (probably the only album I can make this claim for), easily able to transport the listener to the far-away land described in "For Tomorrow" without fail (though high volume levels may play a part in this journey as well).

While I can't think of anything about Ritual that could possibly be improved, there are some moments that stand out more than the rest. These are mostly vocal moments and often are merely past passages brought back and rendered more impressive by a key change (the endings of "Fairy Tale" and "Over Your Head"); some are guitar riffs, like when "Time Will Come" really picks up speed or when the down-tuned heaviness of "For Tomorrow" hits for the first time after the acoustic intro. The harmonized shredding in the middle of the title track sound raw and aggressive, adding an interesting contrast in the middle of an otherwise ominous-yet-upbeat song.

To conclude my review, Shaman's Ritual is among one of the most criminally overlooked metal albums of all time. I believe the band has a bigger following in Brazil, but metalheads around the world need to hear this record. It is dazzling, inspiring, and overall flawless. It is impossible to choose one song over another (though "Ancient Winds" definitely takes the bottom spot, being a longer-than-usual instrumental-orchestral intro song).

Best songs: "Here I Am," "Distant Thunder," "For Tomorrow," "Time Will Come," "Over Your Head," "Fairy Tale," "Blind Spell," "Ritual," and "Pride."

The other half of Angra's original line-up is in this band together with bassist Luis's brother Hugo. When I first heard of him I was immediately very skeptical about Hugo as much as the new Angra members. Hugo's playing focuses more on being "emotional" rather than technical but I find he can walk on both sides of the street with equal aplomb.

The two years or so since Angra split suggests Shaman's members' skills have rusted; the magic gone. However such is not the case. Matos's voice still enchants but now with a raspier tinge. He is still the versatile vocalist as before, able to hit low notes and high notes with little respite in between. Listen to Fairy Tale to see what I mean. Ricardo's drumming is just as powerful, though now more "primal" than previous Angra albums. Bassist Luis Mariutti still pounds his listeners with his intense bass lines that gives a good groovy edge to the music. Overall I found the rythm refreshingly new to me and I loved it immediately.

As expected, the production by Sascha Paeth and Miro are extremely well done. I for one do not think medling classical and world music into metal/rock is a walk in the park but these guys did it perfectly.

Shaman mines a new vein in metal, "mystic" metal they call it. I don't know the name for it but it is magic. The atmosphere they create cannot be described; you have to hear it for yourself. This album is throughly unique and melodic. I swear, the first time I heard "Here I Am" my mouth was practically dropping to the floor. Never had I heard such beautiful piano playing and I doubt I will again. The choruses are the catchy climaxes of each song. As they say valleys are there to make the mountains seem higher, but in this album even the "valleys" were enchanting, making that analogy seem redundant.

Ritual is often compared to Rebirth but I cannot say which album is better. I love both and I think each have their own good points. One thing I have to mention about Ritual though, it is not as accessible as Rebirth and you have to let it slowly grow on you. If you want a new experience then try Ritual. If you would rather stick to something you are familiar with that has been perfected, then get Rebirth. If you don't want to go wrong, get BOTH. Trust me, you won't regret it.