And yes.... after an absence of more than three years Angra are back! This time with the new album Rebirth which, by the way, is a total rebirth of Angra themselves too. With three new members in their line up, they seem more able than ever to imbue us with some melodic metal.
Rebirth it is then! Leaving intact the melodic songwriting, founding  guitar duo, comprising of Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, Angra have moved to a complete renewal of persons in the band. New (ex-Mitrium) vocalist, 28-year-old Edu Falaschi along with drummer Aquiles Priester and bassist Felipe Andreoli, are the renewed Angra.
Enough said though for the band itself.  Let's move to the juicy part...
From the opening instrumental song called 'In Excelcis' their well known rhythm is apparent. The symphonic parts are more well balanced than ever before in this album and the guitars simply awesome, which manifests itself on 'Nova Era'.
Edu Falaschi's capabilities seem to go beyond even those of Andre Matos. His voice has the maturity, hue and depth a band of Angra's caliber demand. He goes through the songs of the album with an ease and melody that is hard to find nowadays. This is evident particularly in 'Millenium Sun'.
In this album Angra are more symphonic, more lyrical in their own special way. The opening sequence of 'Acid Rain' gives credit to this but they do not seem to forget their musical hallmarks and the 'Unholy Wars' is a testament to this, bringing in mind the 'Holy Land' era and 'Carolina IV'. The sound is full of lyricism and tribal hints, with all the instruments filling in at just the right moment. The Brazilian folk rhythms mingle within the  melody as in 'Judgement Day'. The outcome is a musical feast for our ears.
I think I could go on for several paragraphs describing the songs of their new album, but then what would be the reason for you to go grab it?
I have to admit that I was a little sceptical after so many band member changes. My uncertainty is nullified though after listening to their work. They seem more mature and strong than ever! In my humble opinion 'Rebirth' should be part of your discography. I know, you might be a little sceptical about it too, but, trust me the rebirth of Angra is a fact. I hope their future is as creative as ever.