This is a band I had never heard of before, but the description including phrases like "melodic metal," "bombastic, hard rocking sound," and "combining progressive themes, orchestral arrangements, and even local folklore" was very attractive to me. It sounded like something that I would really enjoy. Upon starting my listening of the album, I immediately heard something that I really liked. Heavy, melodic, progressive, everything the description said. It reminded me of bands like Dream Theater, Iron Maiden, Queensryche, and Iced Earth. A blending of different sounds in a distinctively progressive metal environment.
The band is from Sao Paulo, Brazil, which I believe is the same city that gave us Sepultura. I have noticed that bands from other countries give us some very interesting music. Coming from a culture separate from my own, they integrate different perspectives on music making. Not only influences from American bands, but from their culture and local stylings, combining to give us something new to listen to. A blending which can reinvigorate a genre. I noticed this with Sepultura when they released Beneath the Remains, now Eyes of Shiva could have an invigorating effect on progressive metal.
I've listened to this album through a few times, each time I come away hearing something new. I have seen other reviews which compare this album, unfavorably, to the works of bands like Shaman, Angra, and Stratovarious. I can neither confirm nor deny this, as I am unfamiliar at this time with those other bands. What I can say is that this album is a strong piece of work. There are many layers to be peeled away, each time gaining a new listening experience. The instrumental parts are tight presenting us a nice crisp sound which can batter it's way in as easily as it can lull us with it's beauty.
Article comments
1 - Yensid Tlaw
Nice review. Thanks. I'll check it out.
2 - Eric Olsen
this fine review selected for Advance