Aquaria - Luxaeterna (2005)

Aquaria were a Brazillian band who has just brought out two albums thus far, this expansive, seventy minute effort being their debut. Being a mixture of power and progressive metal, it's not easy to get into, with many different segments amongst its selection of songs (no instantly catchy chorues or refrains here), even if the speed is fairly consistent, but its orchestration and grandiose presentations help make it undeniably impressive.
With references to Mother Earth, Mother Nature, Gaia and the like, it's awash in New Age, which is not really my thing, but the love and compassion found among it cannot be denied, and there are certain moments which are just beautiful.
Maybe Aquaria are a bit of a handful (or earful) at first, but if the ear is patient enough, there is much to be gained from this musical experience.

****

And so ends 2005. I think the year was consistently good, at times very good, without often reaching greatness, and it will soon be time to get going with 2006, and seeing what it has to offer.
Back soon. :-)