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"Vandroya is definitely one of the most exciting names in metal today, as well as one of the best kept secrets from Brazil. Led by the fantastic vocalist Daisa Munhoz (Soulspell) they bring something new to the melodic metal table with their epic progressive power metal." This are the first two lines of the info sheet. When I read something like this, I already have some doubts. Are they the best kept secret, do they bring something new? The second question can immediately be answered with no!, they don't bring anything new to the overwhelmed power metal genre. Are they one of the best kept secrets then? Well, the band is certainly worth listening to and their musical performance is quite good. But to put the stamp secret on it is more a marketing trick. That doesn't mean that I can't understand the enthusiasm around the band, I certainly do. After a short intro, the first track "The Last Free Land" opens in Stratovarius, Angra, Sonata Arctica style. This style forms the blue print for the rest of the songs too. Most different from these bands is the singing of Daisa, she has a powerful voice and bands like Benedictum and White Skull enter my mind. The tempo of the biggest part of the tracks is high (almost speed metal), but most interesting is the more progressive songs. "No Oblivion For Eternity" is the first track that shines; variation in tempo, interesting keyboard parts and nice instrumental pieces, everything passes by. Next song "Within Shadows" is a pure power metal track again, but with a surprising piano part. I find "Anthem (For the Sun)" a lot more interesting, this song is again a more progressive track with more variation. In the ballad "Why Should We Say Goodbye" you hear Daisa singing on her best. On "Change the Tide" the male guest vocals are filled in by Leandro Cacoilo (Ex. Eterna), again a pure power metal song. Before the longest progressive and last song "Solar Night" finishes the album, the track "This World is Yours" opens very fast, but then turns into a very variable track. Opening with piano (keys) the last track shows all the elements Vandroya stands for. Personally I think that the more progressive tracks are their best and I hope this is the path they will explore even further on a next album. An interesting piece of music this debut album and I know for sure it will find its way to fans of Angra, Sonato Arctica, Kamelot, Benedictum, White Skull and Avantasia. | ||||||||||||||||||
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