Band:	Angra
Album:	Angels Cry
Style:	Progressive power metal
Release date:	October 1993
A review by:	Dream Taster

01. Unfinished Allegro
02. Carry On
03. Time
04. Angels Cry
05. Stand Away
06. Never Understand
07. Wuthering Heights [Kate Bush cover]
08. Streets Of Tomorrow
09. Evil Warning
10. Lasting Child
    1 - The Parting Words
    2 - Renaissance
11. Evil Warning [edited version] [bonus]
12. Angels Cry [remixed version] [bonus]
13. Carry On [remixed version] [bonus]

1994. When one first get in touch with the bases of Metal, some country names clearly emerge such as Germany, Sweden and the USA. But very soon, these list expands to other lands and if Brazil doesn't come to one's mind at first [at least for Europeans], bands like Sepultura back then in the 90s made themselves a worldwide fame and soon after another Brazilian phenomenon known as Angra broke through the European Heavy/Power Metal scene with their acclaimed debut release, "Angels Cry".

Recorded and engineered in Germany by master Sascha Paeth, the first effort from the Sao Paulo-based combo quickly conquered fans throughout the old continent, mainly due to their original style, groundbreaking songwriting and flawless production. The leader of the band, extraordinaire singer and talented pianist Andre Matos, along with the duo of guitar players Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt was the core of the band.

While the CD's cover could have been the most appealing thing at first, memorable songs confered "Angels Cry" its status of cult album. The powerful 'Carry On', which is still regarded as Angra's finest composition by some, and excellent acoustic guitar work coupled with the beautiful voice of Andre on 'Time' and 'Stand Away' come to mind as highlights. It wouldn't make this record justice to resume it to these three songs though, as lots of efforts and different influences were put into track such as 'Evil Warning' or 'Angels Cry'.

A touch of progressive elements, a pinch of folk elements and a hint of orchestration here and there, this debut album has the merit to try diverse and daring things. They even went as far as recording a cover of Kate Bush's 'Wuthering Heights' and you have to hear it to believe it, but Andre Matos is actually doing a good job if you consider that it was written to be sung by a woman. While it isn't an essential track on the record, it's still fun and if you aren't bipolar when it comes to your music, you may even like it yourself!

"Angels Cry" has a couple of somewhat experimental songs such as 'Never Understand' and 'Streets Of Tomorrow' but none of them are as powerful as the delightful 'Evil Warning'. Finally, the album end on a quieter note with the piano-led 'The Lasting Child', during which Andre Matos is once again showcasing his talents as a singer.

Although Ricardo Confessori already appeared in the booklet as Angra's drummer, the drums were performed by Alex Holzwarth, future drummer of the band Rhapsody. As usual when Sascha Paeth is producing, lots of guests are credited on the album among which Kai Hansen [of Helloween/Gamma Ray/Iron Savior fame] and? Sascha himself.

The results are in, "Angels Cry" is an incredible release for a first album, and it's part of the great success that Angra knew before their split. It doesn't stand the test against their following famous release, "Holy Land", but it remains a solid effort.