Angra released their highly anticipated tenth studio album this Friday, the 3rd. Called Cycles of Pain , the album explores the concept of the various facets of human pain in an epic and cinematic journey that captivates beyond technique or grandiose arrangements, but through the deeply human note of emotion woven into the songs.
Throughout the album's 11 songs, Angra demonstrates why manager Paulo Baron believes this is one of the best (if not the best) moments for the Brazilian band, especially considering the phase with vocalist Fabio Lione , which now marks their third album, the successor to Secret Garden (2014) and Ømni (2018).
In Cycles of Pain , the current Angra lineup delivers a robust and touching work within the lyrical and sonic framework, striking a balance between the band's well-known DNA and new possibilities. From the fast-paced beginning with the sequence of "Ride Inyo The Storm," "Dead Man on Display," and the excellent parts 1 and 2 of "Tide of Changes," the album showcases Angra's characteristic Brazilianness and boldness in the incredible "Vida Seca," a collaboration with Lenine , whose organic transition between styles was perfectly crafted.
After the thought-provoking “Gods of The World”, the album slows down beautifully and charmingly with the stunning “Cycles of Pain”, one of the highlights of Angra's new album. This new facet of the album's intense and hazy atmosphere also features “Faithless Sanctuary” and “Here In The Now”, another standout from the first listen, before the frenetically accelerating “Generation Warriors”.
To close the tour, the band opted for a more theatrical approach, drawing inspiration from The Phantom of the Opera for the dramatic "Tears of Blood," a narrative of guilt and pain experienced by a femicide perpetrator tormented by the ghost of his victim.
Listen to Cycles of Pain below.
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