Andre Matos: Mentalize
When many metal fans think Brazil, they think of bands such as Sepultura, the Cavalera Conspiracy, and all the other associated bands. Do you know that there is quite a seam of power metal seeping out of the Amazon to the world’s ears. A bit of a child prodigy, Matos started his first band at age 13. He sings, plays piano, and is seen as a composer. He was honed on a diet of Iron Maiden then went on to from the Iron Maiden-alike Angra.
Now a solo artist he has assembled a crack team of musicians for his solo efforts. This is his second since going solo. That said, he has former Angra members along for the ride to keep some consistency. This is a strong power metal release that sees him continue the work he did with Angra and build on it with maturity. This is a band primed to hit the big time internationally and join the other power metal heavy-weights. Matos does fall down a bit when he tries to do bit of a Meatloaf-esque power-ballad mid-record, but you can’t fault him for trying.
Overall this is slickly produced power metal as you’d expect. Strings all sorts of accompaniments are popped into in order to make this as epic as the genre demands. This should get Matos the attention he desires on the international scene and to the audiences he so obviously needs.
Well, that is your selection for this week. Quite a nice selection for your listening pleasure with a fairly good level of quality, if not originality. As always please stay safe and rocking.
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