| Musical Style: Melodic Power Metal | Produced By: Prelúdio X |
| Record Label: Independent | Country Of Origin: Brazil |
| Year Released: 2019 | Artist Website: |
| Tracks: 5 | Rating: No Quote |
| Running Time: 21:14 |
Prelúdio X has tons of melodic power metal potential. This much becomes obvious after listening to the Recife, Brazil based groups January of 2019 independently released 5-song EP Triunfo da Vida (Triumph Of Life), which it recorded after going on extended hiatus beginning in 2012. With its name standing for ‘the first act of a work we do not know’ or ‘the first part of a future we do not know’, Prelúdio X traces its origin to 2009 when it put out (also independent) its debut 6-song EP Origem (Origin). Of note is how Triunfo da Vida makes as its focal point the newly reformed Prelúdio X lineup in addition to re-recorded versions to three songs that made their initial appearance on Origem.
Following a short (1:14) keyboards instrumental introductory number “Gênesis” (“Genesis”), album moves on to first of the three in “Origem” (“Origin”). Atypical but very good melodic power metal with firm guitars backed by symphonic keyboards, “Origem” effortlessly courses through its composed verse section only to break out for a galloping refrain to stress classic tenor front man Leandro Silva. Clean production allows emanating bass and neo-classic guitar leads to rise above the mix.
Second, “Rei dos Judeus” (“King Of Jews”), is this reviewers choice track. A light progressiveness manifests from how it begins to a two-minute instrumental build up in which Gregorian chanting and church bells transition to portent guitars and classical keyboards. The technical landscape maintains ascending forward, as choir vocals, intricate bass and unmistakable melody reinforce the darker overtures at hand. Do I detect a faint hint of countrymen Eterna?
“Precioso Sangue” (“Precious Blood”), third, reflects upon the symphonic. Another extended instrumental opening finds the group exhibiting its musicianship, as jazzy fusion-ish bass trades off with up-tempo guitars and double kick drum. A minute and a half in and a falsetto gets things going, with elevated heaviness found in continued double kick drum and said symphonic facets revealed in the mezzo-soprano operatic presence of guest vocalist Gleice Vieira (Lilium Vitae), whom forms a duet of sorts with Silva. Piano carries the stilly done final seconds.
Album closes to its lone original vocal cut “Triunfo da Vida” (“Triumph Of Blood”), a medieval tinctured semi-ballad (somewhat akin to Wytch Hazel) affluent to classical guitar, woodwinds and atmospheric keyboards. A Spanish guitar solo carries the instrumental moments.
If Triunfo da Vida represents the shape of things to come, then the melodic power metal of Prelúdio X has a very bright future. I also do not wish to be musically limiting either in that you will also find strong leanings towards the symphonic, neo-classical and progressive in terms of its sound. All things added up, the three re-recorded songs highlight the Prelúdio X strengths in the areas of vocals and musicianship but also only barely whets my appetite. In other words, a full-length follow up effort in the 50 to 55 minute range encompassing original material comes with the highest anticipation.
Review by Andrew Rockwell
Track Listing: “Gênesis” (1:14), “Origem” (4:14), “Rei dos Judeus” (5:27), “Precioso Sangue” (5:58), “Triunfo da Vida” (4:21)
Musicians
Leandro Silva - Lead Vocals
Gerson Souza - Guitar
Jorgeano Abreu - Keyboard
Cristiano dos Santos - Bass
Tarcílio Soares - Drums
Additional Musicians
Gleice Vieira - Lead Vocals
