When we speak of Folk Metal, many people would think of European music. That's a mistake, because we have Folk music throughout the world, and from culture to culture, we can hear and have in mind the ample range of culture mankind has. Here in Brazil, a great part of Metal public despises the Folk rhythms of our nation, preferring to copy what comes from foreign bands, in a typical puritan preconcert. But fortunately, there are many that prefer to explore new possibilities, as the quintet ARANDU ARAKUAA, from Brasília, that comes with their third album, "Mrã Waze".

We can say that they research a lot into Brazilian Indians social groups to put as many cultural elements as they can. And on "Mrã Waze" (that means "respect to the nature" on Akwẽ Xerente language), we can hear that they are using more the Folk/Acoustic side of their music, but never leaving their extreme Metal influences (as the guttural voices and some aggressive parts). It's a total and new conception on Metal, and let me tell you: it's not so easy to explore their melodies, but once you get used to it, you will look for more. On the production once more they had Caio Duarte (from DYNAHEAD) working as producer and he did the mixing and mastering as well. He gave the band what they needed: sound clarity on the Folk and clean parts, along weight and aggressiveness (and some filthy) on heavier moments. And to work with such ample range of musical instruments of Brazil is not so easy. Along it, the artwork for the cover is amazing, showing a bit from our Indian tribes' cultures.

To say the truth, once more the band released a masterpiece. Using the language of Tupi, Xavante, and Akwẽ Xerente Indian social groups on their lyrics (except for the name of the instrumental "KoKri", where they used from Krahô language), it's another personal and different feature that we don't see often in Brazil. The contrasts between melodic and harsh moments presented on "Gûaîupîá" (what lovely female vocal parts and caipira guitars), the tribal and catching "Îasy" (excellent guitar riffs), "Danhõ're" with some different regional touches on their harmonies, the positive atmosphere of "Huku Hêmba" (where aggressiveness and melodies live all together), the perfect blend of weight, melodies and instrumental technique shown on "Îagûara Kûara" (the show all beautiful sides of this musicl diamond that is their work), and the melancholic "Abaré Angaíba" can be pointed as the album's finest songs.

"Mrã Waze" is a great album, a masterpiece of art, and I truly recommend you to pay attention on ARANDU ARAKUAA's music.

As a token of respect to the readers, I'll write here the meaning of their song's names.

Sy-gûasu - Great Mother on Tupi language
Gûaîupîá - Spirit of Good Pajés (Pajé is a simular being to shamans) on Tupi language
Îasy - Moon on Tupi language
Danhõ're - To Sing on Xavante language
Huku Hêmba - Onça's Spirit (onça is a great feline from Brazilian fauna) on Akwẽ Xerente language
Ko Kri - Cold Water on Krahô language
Jurupari - God of Dreams on Tupi language
Gûaînumby - Hummingbird on Tupi language
Îagûara Kûara - Onça's lair on Tupi language
Abaré Angaíba - Bad Priest on Tupi language
Rowahtu-ze - Teaching on Akwẽ Xerente language