The second release for the highly-regarded Brazilian band takes the genre of Power/Prog into new territory. A concept album based on the settlement and cultural mix of Brazil, the musical style perfectly matches the concept: it's a mixture of traditional Brazilian tribal rythms with modern European Speed Metal, reflective of the blending of the European culture with traditional Brazilian backgrounds when South America was settled. There's a clear Progressive slant as well. There are shades of Edguy and early Helloween, but more intricate and bottom heavy in general. Fans of the band's debut release will probably need to give it a few spins to get used to, as it's just different enough to cause some concern. But those that do will be rewarded with a fine, fine album.
The album opener "Nothing To Say" is a fascinating song, and a true study in contrasts. There are speedy double-kick passages, thunderous stutter riffs, and an orchestral interlude. Time changes abound in this standout track. "Silence and Distance" is intricate and proggy, and sounds a bit like very bottom-heavy Dream Theater. The Brazilian rhythms really come out in force on "Carolina IV," an eleven-minute epic, and are prominently featured on the title track and "The Shaman" as well; the latter is one of the heavier pieces on the album. "Make Believe" is an excellent power ballad, and comes closest to the 'Angels Cry' sound; "Z.I.T.O." is a speedy Euro double kick song, and the melodic yet heavy bonus track "Queen of the Night" wraps things up nicely. A limited edition digipak is hard to find, but features a bonus disc with three live acoustic tracks, and spectacular packaging that makes it worth looking for.

TRACK LIST:
1. Crossing
2. Nothing to Say
3. Silence and Distance
4. Carolina IV
5. Holy Land
6. The Shaman
7. Make Believe
8. Z.I.T.O.
9. Deep Blue
10. Lullaby for Lucifer
11. Queen of the Night

Review by Dave Sobecki