I hadn't listened to the Shaman's debut in a looong time. I've always liked it, but I have to say it aged REALLY well. I mean, I just revisited the Matos-era Angra records, and I think I might like this one better than Fireworks. The one obvious step down is, well, no Loureiro/Bittencourt on guitars, but other than that this is some delicious (proggy) power metal, with lots of great melodies and cool ideas. Stylistically kinda in between Angels Cry and Holy Land. The only song that's a little out of place is the closer, Pride...it's more standard power metal with Tobias Sammet guesting on vocals, and it ends the record on a slightly meh note.
Also - a bit surprised the Ashes Divide album wasn't more successful. It's another one I always greatly enjoyed. As one would expect, there's a lot of A Perfect Circle in there. Billy Howerdel on vocals is certainly no Maynard Keenan, but the music here is a bit darker, almost 80s gothic/wave-ish at times, which really hits the spot for me. And Josh Freese on drums is great, as usual.
Haven't posted in a while here.
Spent some time going mostly old school today.
Ha! Transcendence is in my queue for next week commutes...and I have F&J's High lined up...although Cuatro is quite tasty too.