SHAAMAN – Reason

This release may trouble the MER readers outside of U.S. soil since it has been in the stores elsewhere since 2005. The problem was that in the U.S. market, Shaaman’s second attempt was exclusively available as an import, so AFM Records decided that it was about time (after 3 years) to make Reason also available to American Metalheadz.

Shaaman was formed as Shaman when three members (Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti, and Ricardo Confessori) of the second most popular Brazilian band, Angra (the first of course is Sepultura), left after the release of the album Fireworks in 1998. The additional “a” in the moniker came to solve some legal problems with another band who had already been using this. So, Shaaman’s debut album, Ritual, was welcomed by the Metal scene as the continuation of Angra; and to some degree it was. Fortunately, the four-piece line-up decided to take a slightly different road in Reason.

The album keeps a safe distance from the complicated melodic lines of Angra’s work and adopts a straightforward approach through an almost German Power Metal perspective. The latter is partially due to Sascha Paeth who is responsible for the album’s sound and is also known from his work with Edguy and Rhapsody (a.k.a. Rhapsody Of Fire). These distinct characteristics are welcomed in the album opener “Turn Away;” here the down-tuned guitars build a solid galloping rhythm that perfectly support Matos’ trademark vocals that sometimes bring to mind Andi Deris of Helloween (or is it the other way around?).

“Innocence” is the classic emotional piano-voice song that definitely looks towards Matos’ past works with Angra, with some Queen finishing touches, featuring strong melodies and a fitting guitar solo. The groovy “Reason” comprises some really good twin guitar riffs (with a nicely-put vibrato) and some catchy chorus lines. The diehard fans of Goth will be something more than pleased with the excellent cover of “More” that was originally performed by Sisters Of Mercy; the band succeeds in getting the same feeling with the original while bringing in some fresh elements in the backing vocals and the additional keyboard work. “In The Night” is surprisingly heavy, especially the guitars that could be compared to Blaze Bayley solo works, while “Rough Stone” is another power ballad featuring Matos’ best performance and another excellent guitar solo. “Trail Of Tears” looks again towards the Angra side during their prime days, presenting fast-paced guitars and, of course, the high-pitched vocals.

Overall, this is a very good album that was produced by a line-up that has changed dramatically after the tour that followed. In the band’s official biography it’s stated that … some misunderstandings caused the departure of 3 members …, forcing the remaining member and drummer of the band, Ricardo Confessori, to recruit some new musicians to prepare the next and third Shaaman album. So, if you are an Angra fan and German Power Metal is your cup of tea, then Reason is a must-buy release. The rest of you, move on to the next Metal Express Radio review.