Sao PauloBIOGRAPHY
Shaman was formed in 2000, when Ricardo Confessori left Angra and started a new band: Shaman.
Shaman means "the one that can see in the dark", and it is represented, in general, by the priests that can heal using elements of the nature.
Mixing heavy metal, classical music and world music, the band recorded its debut album, Ritual,in the beginning of 2002. The album was recorded in Germany, except for some parts recorded in Brazil, and was produced by the famous Sascha Paeth(Heaven´s Gate, Rapsody).
Ritual had good reviews by the Brazilian press and all around the world, being released in more than 15 countries. The World Ritual Tour lasted for over a year and a half, crossing Brazil and many other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. More than 150 shows were played, an excellent mark for a debut album tour.
In 2003, Shaman had a good position in the specialized media charts, and a great surprise came when Ritual was elected the best (not only heavy metal) album of 2002 by Folha de Sao Paulo (a very well-known and respected Brazilian daily newspaper) readers. The same accomplishment was repeated in 2004. Still in 2004, the band was the opening act for Iron Maiden at the Pacaembu stadium in São Paulo, for an audience of approximately 45.000 people.
To celebrate the huge success, the band decided to register a special live show on DVD. The concert was sold out in Credicard Hall, São Paulo, with fans and friends, filling the stage with special guests like Tobias Sammet, Sascha Paeth, Marcus Viana and George Mouzayek, Andi Deris and Michael Weikath. The release of RituAlive, in CD and DVD, got great reviews and sales too. According to Universal Music of Brasil , RituAlive is the best DVD of the genre released in Brazil, due to the content and the quality.
In 2005, with the second studio album practically finished and ready to be released, the name of the band was changed. The band decided to add an ‘A’ to it, so the new name became Shaaman.
On the following months, Reason, the second studio release, reached the stores. The album was recorded in Brazil , produced by the very same Sacha Paeth, who stated that “Reason was the rescue of all heaviness, feeling and heavy-metal spirit of the 80s” and that “while Ritual favored the undeniable and exceptional skills of the musicians, Reason opened up space for their hearts and souls”. The music was more organic, and helped to highlight the contrast between heavy guitars, classic keyboards and world music elements.
After the Reason Tour, that lasted one year, some misunderstandings caused the departure of 3 members, and their abandon of the band opened up space to Thiago Bianchi, Léo Mancini and Fernando Quesada.
Now, in 2007, these new members, together with Ricardo Confessori, are on the final stages of recording and mixing the new album, that shall hit the stores by the end of June.
Ricardo Confessori : drums
Leo Mancini : Guitar
Fernando Quesada : Bass
Thiago Bianchi : Vocals
DISCOGRAPHY
***********
IMMORTAL 2007 - Scarlet Record - Europe
Track Listing
1 In the Dark
2 One Life
3 The Yellow Brick Road
4 Immortal
5 Tribal by blood
6 Inside chains
7 Freedom
8 Never Yield
9 Strenght
REASON 2005 - Sequil Record
Track Listing
1 Turn Away
2 Reason
3 More
4 Innocence
5 Scarred Forever
6 In the Night
7 Rough Stone
8 Iron Soul
9 Trail of Tears
10 Born to Be
RITUAL 2004 - UNIVERSAL EUROPE
Track Listing
1 Ancient Winds
2 Here I Am
3 Distant Thunder
4 For Tomorrow
5 Time Will Come
6 Over Your Head
7 Fairy Tale
8 Blind Spell
9 Ritual
10 Pride
SHAMAN IMMORTAL OFFICIAL FAN CLUB
*********************************
ARE YOU STILL NOT IN OUR FAN CLUB??
YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME HERE!!!
http://www.fanclub...rincipal/index.php
SHAMAN IMMORTAL CD - PRESS REVIEWS
**********************************
Shaman - Immortal
5 November 2007
01. Renovatti
02. Inside Chains
03. Tribal By Blood
04. Immortal
05. One Life
06. In The Dark
07. Strength
08. Freedom
09. Never Yield
10. The Yellow Brick Road
Ricardo Confessori cleaned up the house in 2006, remaining the only active member of Shaman due to "musical differences" with former band mates André Matos, Hugo & Luis Mariutti and Fabio Ribeiro. After posting two studio releases since their previous split from Angra, could the Brazilian scene handle another split? Well, 2007 brought us the answer with a new lineup and a new fantastic album, Immortal.
With Léo Mancini filling in on guitars, Fernando Quesada on bass and Thiago Bianchi on vocals, the band struck gold to recreate the golden years of Brazilian Metal. Obviously oriented more progressive than ever due to Ricardo`s drumming, this Immortal brings furious heavy tunes and power ballads back to life.
Sure, the vocal style is very similar to André Matos but why complain? After all, that is what we would expect as Angra did the exact same thing when André left the band and replaced him by Edu Falaschi. The accentuated progressive edge of the songs renders this album the best thing coming out of the diverse projects created from the ashes of the original Angra lineup since 1996`s Holy Land. With enraged guitar work and epic compositions, this new Shaman has seduced my musical senses like never before. Songs like `Strength` and `Freedom` embody the essence of the new Shaman, fast, catchy and technical.
It remains Power Metal by all aspect as it is clear on the opener `Inside Chains`, and a handful of songs might be perceived as too cheesy. However, I strongly believe that this album is the start of something bigger. The band is younger and the new musicians all have something new to offer.
If you liked the previous Shaman albums, I strongly encourage you to check out André Matos solo project instead. On the other hand, if the thought of hearing great prog power appeals to you Immortal is definitely for you. You are standing in front of one of 2007`s best progressive metal albums, and surely one of the surprises of the year. Now, we know what musical differences arose between Confessori and his former band mates.
Band profile: Shaman
Album: Immortal
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 8
Production: 9
written by Demonic Tutor | published 03.08.2008
Atlantic - 03.08.2008 at 09:02
Great album, it sounds a lot like Holy Land and Ritual the best albums of Shaman and Angra in my opinion, but it still lacks of the surprise element. Andre Matos will always be a eternal shadow of the bands he left.
Spyroid - 03.08.2008 at 13:11
I listened to the demo versions like 6 months ago, I remember that I liked them but I don`t know what I would think today. But Shaman remain one of the best power metal bands there is, so I guess I should hear it.
[Elite] GT - 03.08.2008 at 14:47
Hmm sounds like I have to give this album a listen. Have only heard One Life and didn`t find it anything special but still quite nice
BlankFile - 03.10.2008 at 22:13
This album is very good, it deserves the credit that has receveid. Ricardo Confessori has the whole merit, for not giving up of this excellent band. I honestly think that this member change that happened in the band was for the better for all the parts involved, no doubt about it. All the songs are extremely catchy, lots of tecnique and strong riffs, beautifull environments, and amazing vocals. Songs like Immortal, In the Dark, Tribal by Blood or Strenght are hard to forget. Indeed this band has a lot to give, lots of talent and magic.
Stay Metal people |m|
Angätuprý - 04.03.2008 at 07:08
i`ve waited too much to buy this album.. have to get it very soon, im crazy to listen.
juanopereira - 04.09.2008 at 02:06
Absolutely agree! I would give it a 9. I think this is an excellent album and like you said, this is the beginning for something bigger. For me, it`s their best one. Matos it`s an excellent musician but his voice it`s too melodic and sweet for me. I prefer something with more power like this new Shaman.
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Poohkali
Nov 09 2007
4.50 stars
[Rating12065870] Excellent combination of power metal, progressive power metal, symphonic heavy metal and thrash metal with kick-ass vocalist Thiago Bianchi and majestic drummer Ricardo Confessori (ex-Angra). If you consider yourself a headbanger, I severely urge you to listen to Immortal at the very first possible opportunity. Immortal is one of the few albums, that it is impossible to disappoint. If you like metal, that is.
From: http://rateyourmus...haman_f1/immortal/
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Essential: a masterpiece of progressive music (0%)
Excellent addition to any prog music collection (50%)
Good, but non-essential (0%)
Collectors/fans only (50%)
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
From: http://www.progarc...album.asp?id=16473
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Shaman - Immortal
Year released: 2007
Duration: 49:01
Tracks: 10
Genre: Power Metal
Rating: 4.75/5
Date reviewed: November 21, 2007
Reviewed by: Bruce Dragonchaser
Considering Andre Matos vacated his vocal throne in Angra to form Shaman, it seems nothing short of ironic that here, five years since their storming debut, we have a second album from the melodic Power Metal outfit, their first without the driving force behind their inception. You know what else is ironic? It`s actually better than their debut. As a devoted follower of both Angra and Matos, it`s hard for me to admit that new vocalist Thiago Bianchi does a better job here than Matos ever could, and if Edu Falaschi ever parted ways with the aforementioned rulers of Brazilian prog/Power Metal, this guy could certainly step up to the challenge.
What Shaman have done with their money on "Immortal", is take the band`s history into consideration, and ignored all exceptions, creating an album full of blazing Power Metal anthems that span influence from the likes of Vision Divine, Symphony X and of course, Angra. Bianchi manages to glide his incredible vocal ability through fields of ethnic flavour, battling guitar duels, and storming double bass with ease, making every single track on "Immortal" stand out compared to the ream of disappointing follow ups by top name bands this year. Opening with the two most uneventful tracks is an obscure move, but it only improves the quality of the album`s second half, making the heavenly "One Life", the sprawling "Freedom", and the celeritous "Strength" some of the best tracks Angra never wrote. Ex-Angra stickman Ricardo Confessori is so hot on his kit you`d think his feet were on fire, and as I mentioned, the vocals are some of the most sublime I`ve ever heard. A triumph for both Shaman and Scarlet, if you`re looking for your next Power Metal fix and you`re in doubt over what to pick this coming Christmas, you`re search is over. Angra, Matos: sleep with one eye open.
***************************************************
Shaman: Immortal
Power/Progressive Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0
http://www.shamanimmortal.com
http://www.scarletrecords.it
http://www.myspace.com/shamanimmortal
Most readers know the beginning of Brazilian power metal band, Shaman: it was formed by Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti and Ricardo Confessori after leaving the legendary Angra. Their first release `Ritual` displayed the oft necessary pains of a new genesis. The second studio release (third work), `Reason,` showed the promise of coherence and maturity. It was a pretty good effort. After a successful tour supporting `Reason,` problems arose and everybody but Confessori bailed on this fledgling band. Shaman was now on life support, but Confessori vowed to continue on.
Welcome another new birth as Shaman has filled the empty slots with Fernando Quesada on bass, Leo Mancini on guitar, and Thiago Bianchi on vocals, all of whom create no blip on the metal radar. But flying under the radar is not necessarily a bad thing, nor does it mean a lack of talent. For instance, Mr. Mancini taught for five years at the Conservatório Musical Souza Lima and played for Jeff Scott Soto when toured Brazil; and Mr. Bianchi formed to bands on his own and has done some producing including a work for Angra. Shaman is the sum of its parts and after listening to `Immortal,` the whole is even better. `Immortal` is a very good album.
First, let me say that the production is brilliant on `Immortal.` As for the style, this is basic power metal with a good dash of progressive metal thrown into the mix. After the very good instrumental intro, `Renovatti,` we are treated to solid power metal in `Inside Chains.` When you hit third cut `Tribal Blood` you hear the power of Mr. Bianchi`s vocals and the thrilling riffs of Mr. Mancini`s guitar. Confessori opens up the title track with some unique and creative drum work. The song itself is diverse in arrangement proving to be immensely satisfying.
When I reached the midpoint of the album, I found the second best cut on this work, `One Life.` Here we discover the versatility of Biachi`s vocals: he`s not just another metal screamer. Confessori is so strong and consistent and with Mr. Quesada on bass, the rhythm section is mesmerizing. And Mancini shows exceptional creative brilliance. The best song on the album is, by far, `In The Dark,` a true power metal balled (I`m a sucker for this stuff). The arrangement is sweeping in granduer and power. Bianchi is wonderful, strong and soothing in the same moment. I do not miss Mr. Matos. Mancini inspires with his precise acoustic and electric delivery.
As we approach the end, we are subjected to some average power metal with only small glimpses of originality. In a way, we have returned to the growing pains of a band learning to live with itself. However, there some worthy notes to make. Quesada`s bass work is fantastic on `Never Yield.` `Immortal` ends on a more subdued note with simple vocals and much acoustic guiar on the long `The Yellow Brick Road.`
Overall, I`m rather impressed with Shaman 2.0. `Immortal` is a solid effort from a band just beginning to know each other. I expect good things (again) in the future. Recommended!
http://www.dangerd...aman_immortal.html
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Band : Shaman
Album title : Immortal
Label : Scarlet
Distributor : Bertus
Release date : 12/11/2007
Release : CD
As many of you may know, Brazilian Sao Paolo based ProgMetal act Angra suffered a temporary blow when a major split in their ranks saw singer André Matos , bassist Luis Mariutti and drummer Ricordo Confessori leave in 2000. Angra recovered, the decamping party would start work on Shaman . But not before Matos travelled to Germany to work on his solo project Virgo . And while he was over in Europe, he took some time to front ProgMetal unit Looking Glass Self (started by former Sieges Even trio of guitrist Marcus Steffan , bassist Oliver Holzwarth and drummer Alex Holzwarth ) and contribute to their 2000 demo Equinox , before returning to Brazil to concentrate on the Melodic Power Metal geared Shaman !
Which would not mean the end of "solo" endeavours by the band`s members. Shaman `s keyboarder Fabio Ribeiro for instance issued his second solo album The Tide Turns under the Bleziq Zatsaz moniker in May 2002. Among the guests on this album would feature Shaaman guitarist Hugo Mariutti and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro . Matos participated in Progressive Rock outfit Abydos (instigated by producer Stefan Glas , it also included singer Andy Kuntz and drummer Andreas Lill of Vandenplas , and Elegy singer Ian Parry ), and put in a guest appearance on Brazilian Sagga `s album Planetude .
Shaman `s debut Ritual came in late July 2002, released on Italian label Lucretia for Europe, Universal for South America, and JVC Victor for Japan. A month later the band would start Brazilian tour dates, and in March 2003 guitarist Luis Marietti would also join the ranks of Henceforth . The band signed to AFM in early 2004, and part of the deal included a re-issue of the debut album in March, the new version adding bonus DVD material. Meanwhile, NTS released the CD/DVD package Ritualive in May of the same year (in Japan, it was released on JVC Victor during September).
Shaman would start recordings for their sophomore album Reason (out in May) in early 2005, announcing a subtle name change to Shaaman in February. By October 2006, it seemed that things for Shaaman had come to an end when an official announcement of fan club members stated that the band had folded due to "personal and musical differences" (whére have we heard thàt before?). But Ricardo Confessori is not only a more than excellent drummer, he`s also a very persistent little bugger and, taking back the moniker of Shaman , he reformed the band in lte 2006 with Karma singer Thiago Bianchi , Sunsarah guitarist Léo Mancini , and bassist Fernando Quesada .
And, you know something? Bianchi has thé voice to make forget that Shaman was ever fronted by the excellent Matos ! Truely! To say that the band`s come full circle is no small thing, and we`ll still have to wait to see if this line-up holds, but musically everything sounds wonderfully tight. The album kicks off with the nearly instrumental (only some – faked with keyboards, I`m sure – choral singing) shortie "Renovatti" , and the title says it all! I haven`t had time to find a website for you to listen to some samples of the new album, due to a too busy reviewing schedule (and limited access to Internet), but I`m sure you`ll find sómething after some surfing on the Net (try shamanimmortal.com for starters). What with the rather high-pitched and somewhat heady lead singing, and the almost continuous high pace, comparisons to top German bands in the Melodic Power Metal genre are quickly made, but you`ll have to admit the band has an aftertaste of its own. The band has recently recorded a video for semi-ballad "In The Dark" (a true ballad coming with album closer "The Yellow Brick Road" , followed on the album by an unannounced instrumental which partly resounds with the sounds of a forest) and they will soon embark on a worldwide tour to promote the album.
Great stuff, even if in the guitar department at least, there`s a couple of over-dubs, making one wonder hów the band is gonna make the same sound on stage without either relying on a hired hand, or programming.
88/100
Tony.
http://www.concret...haman/cdshaman.htm
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Artiste/Groupe Shaman
Album Immortal
Date de sortie 11/2007
Style Power-Metal
Chroniqueurs
Christian, Florent C
Note (Christian)15/20
Note (Florent C)9/20
Site Officiel http://www.shamanimmortal.com/
C H R O N I Q U E (Christian)
Après Angra, Shaman, Shaaman : revoici Shaman !
Si vous avez manqué le début du feuilleton, une piqûre de rappel : la scission d`Angra a donné naissance au Shaman 1ere formule avec Matos, Mariutti et Confessori mais 2 albums plus tard, la sérénité n`est toujours pas au rendez-vous et le batteur se retrouve seul fin octobre 2006 et s`en est allé recruter des compatriotes pour "continuer l`aventure"...
Bonne pioche ?
Après une entrée en matière samplée ("renovatti"), on est en terrain connu avec "inside chains" et on regrette que Matos n`y pousse pas sa chansonnette tant le refrain semblait fait pour lui... Avec "tribal by blood", changement de style : fini les préliminaires ! Shaman 2 affirme sa personnalité : le chant se distingue et la guitare enchaîne avec bonheur...La voix de Thiago Bianchi se fait ensuite plus profonde dans "immortal" : il montre alors l`étendue de son talent, va-t-on finir par oublier le fantôme d`André Matos qui planait jusqu`alors ? Côté guitare, Leo Mancini fait une démonstration particulièrement dans "strength" : un passage speed qui décoiffe, et le solo suscite l`admiration... "freedom" permet au bassiste de trouver lui aussi sa juste place mais le combo parait s`essouffler un peu, on sent poindre le déficit d`inspiration alors rien de tel qu`un retour aux sources pour mettre tout le monde d`accord : "never yield !" sur le modèle Angra avec coeurs, rythmique effrénée puis retour au calme bien géré dans la nuance au chant : assurément, Confessori a déniché là des musiciens qui tiennent la route et qui ne demandent qu`à s`affirmer... Dommage que l`album se termine sur un "the yellow brick road" pas très original, à moins que l`ambiance qui y règne (balade acoustique, chant maîtrisé, bruitages...) soit un clin d`oeil à "hollyland" : l`album qui a révélé Angra !
Bref, on y croit d`entrée : on en a l`eau à la bouche mais sans arriver à étancher notre soif !
Thiago a l`étoffe d`un grand chanteur, Leo fait preuve d`une hallucinante habileté technique et Ricardo n`a rien perdu de sa pêche...
Y`a de l`espoir ! Laissons-leur le temps de se défaire de leur lourd héritage et de nous convaincre tout à fait avec leur prochain album !
C H R O N I Q U E (Florent C)
Shaman est un cas à part. Formé par des ex membre de Angra dont le frontman Dédé Matos, le groupe nous a offert un chef d`oeuvre nommé Ritual en 2002 puis un second opus moins percutant où l`on sentait déjà la fin... Après seulement 2 albums et un (excellent) live, le split est bel est bien là, Ricardo Confessori (batteur) restant seul à bord du navire (ici c`est plutôt le radeau de la méduse). Il décide de continuer l`aventure et voilà qu`aujourd`hui débarque "Immortal", titre évocateur lancé au nez de Matos qui se sent enfin libre avec son nouvel album solo. Comme la vie est bien faite, les deux albums sortent en même temps...
Au vu de la pochette, on sent que le groupe est revenu aux sources, à savoir un power metal teinté de musique sud américaine. Autant le dire de suite, la flamme ne jaillit plus !!
Jamais de la vie je n`aurais dit avoir à faire à un album de Shaman ici ! Le groupe nous sert un metal bien ficelé certes mais tellement fade ! Les titres s`enchaînent inéluctablement sans qu`il en ressorte quelque chose, c`est triste.
De plus le groupe a nettement proguisé (une invention de ma part) ses compositions en rajoutant des solos de guitare et claviers à la Dream Theater ("Inside Chains").
Tout n`est pas insipide, la chanson titre et "One Life" me rappellent à mes bons souvenirs, avec leurs accents exotiques forts sympathiques. La power ballade de rigueur "In The Dark" est réussie, sans être non plus un chef d`oeuvre !
C`est très rare que je n`arrive pas à accrocher à un album à ce point là, un grand ouf de soulagement s`est emparé de moi lorsque le disque s`est arrêté, et même avec des écoutes supplémentaires je reste sur le même avis : le groupe joue bien, mais ça sent la seconde zone. Je préfère m`attarder sur l`album solo de Matos qui, lui, est inspiré et réécouter un bon Angra et un bon Ritual des familles !
Shaman reste et restera certainement le groupe d`un seul album, mais fort heureusement un album de génie.
http://www.auxport...aman/immortal.html
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Artist: Shaman
Title: Immortal
Type: Album
Label: Thurbo Music
Consisting of members from Angra, Shaman, formerly `Shaaman`, may represent what Firewind are to Dream Evil perhaps. The underlying core of the sound remains through both bands. Needless to say, Shaaman stand up as Brazil`s finest export of power metal today following the demise of Angra.
The intro track `Removati` takes you through 3 minutes of tense, orchestral build up before the direction quickly switches with `Inside Chains` to the sort of metal riffage that sounds not a million miles away from what Firewind do these days. The keyboards add to the faint stirrings of prog that can be picked out before the heavy and melodic guitar work washes over you. This is undeniably upbeat power metal with a strong focus on song writing over distracting soloing such as that seen from the likes of Dragonforce. The problem is that even by the third track, `Tribal by Blood`, you could start to worry if there`s enough here to set them apart from their contemporaries. The prog sound makes several appearances though, utilizing piano accompaniment and subtle tribal sounding percussion and wind instruments you can almost get a sense of the Brazilian influence coming through, particularly in the title track `Immortal`. Thankfully this is not overpowering and throughout the album the strong vocal talent of Andre Matos provides a richness of melody. Half way through the CD we`re given an example of just how well Shaman can combine the classic metal power ballad and the prog-like folk influence with `One Life`, a track that really stands out. Joining Andre from their previous band is the highly acclaimed drummer Rcardo Confessori. The real pleasure lies in the fact that the other members, including Hugo Mariutti, who was brought into the band to complete their line up back in 2000
For fans of Shaman`s previous work, `Immortal` will not disappoint and could earn them new listeners if fans of more commercially viable power metal dare step out of their comfort zones. No doubt, devout appreciators of power metal will have come across them before, particularly fans of Angra. Shaman deserve some success outside of their homeland and it would be right for them to play alongside the European power metal bands in their own territories. They are planning on a world-wide tour so they may just do that before long.
http://www.shamanimmortal.com
http://www.myspace.com/shamanimmortal
Owain Richards
http://www.metalte...reviews-shaman.htm
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Shaman was formed in 2000, when Ricardo Confessori left Angra and started a new band: Shaman.
Shaman means "the one that can see in the dark", and it is represented, in general, by the priests that can heal using elements of the nature.
Mixing heavy metal, classical music and world music, the band recorded its debut album, Ritual,in the beginning of 2002. The album was recorded in Germany, except for some parts recorded in Brazil, and was produced by the famous Sascha Paeth(Heaven´s Gate, Rapsody).
Ritual had good reviews by the Brazilian press and all around the world, being released in more than 15 countries. The World Ritual Tour lasted for over a year and a half, crossing Brazil and many other countries in Latin America, Europe and Asia. More than 150 shows were played, an excellent mark for a debut album tour.
In 2003, Shaman had a good position in the specialized media charts, and a great surprise came when Ritual was elected the best (not only heavy metal) album of 2002 by Folha de Sao Paulo (a very well-known and respected Brazilian daily newspaper) readers. The same accomplishment was repeated in 2004. Still in 2004, the band was the opening act for Iron Maiden at the Pacaembu stadium in São Paulo, for an audience of approximately 45.000 people.
To celebrate the huge success, the band decided to register a special live show on DVD. The concert was sold out in Credicard Hall, São Paulo, with fans and friends, filling the stage with special guests like Tobias Sammet, Sascha Paeth, Marcus Viana and George Mouzayek, Andi Deris and Michael Weikath. The release of RituAlive, in CD and DVD, got great reviews and sales too. According to Universal Music of Brasil , RituAlive is the best DVD of the genre released in Brazil, due to the content and the quality.
In 2005, with the second studio album practically finished and ready to be released, the name of the band was changed. The band decided to add an ‘A’ to it, so the new name became Shaaman.
On the following months, Reason, the second studio release, reached the stores. The album was recorded in Brazil , produced by the very same Sacha Paeth, who stated that “Reason was the rescue of all heaviness, feeling and heavy-metal spirit of the 80s” and that “while Ritual favored the undeniable and exceptional skills of the musicians, Reason opened up space for their hearts and souls”. The music was more organic, and helped to highlight the contrast between heavy guitars, classic keyboards and world music elements.
After the Reason Tour, that lasted one year, some misunderstandings caused the departure of 3 members, and their abandon of the band opened up space to Thiago Bianchi, Léo Mancini and Fernando Quesada.
Now, in 2007, these new members, together with Ricardo Confessori, are on the final stages of recording and mixing the new album, that shall hit the stores by the end of June.
Ricardo Confessori : drums
Leo Mancini : Guitar
Fernando Quesada : Bass
Thiago Bianchi : Vocals
DISCOGRAPHY
***********
IMMORTAL 2007 - Scarlet Record - Europe
Track Listing
1 In the Dark
2 One Life
3 The Yellow Brick Road
4 Immortal
5 Tribal by blood
6 Inside chains
7 Freedom
8 Never Yield
9 Strenght
REASON 2005 - Sequil Record
Track Listing
1 Turn Away
2 Reason
3 More
4 Innocence
5 Scarred Forever
6 In the Night
7 Rough Stone
8 Iron Soul
9 Trail of Tears
10 Born to Be
RITUAL 2004 - UNIVERSAL EUROPE
Track Listing
1 Ancient Winds
2 Here I Am
3 Distant Thunder
4 For Tomorrow
5 Time Will Come
6 Over Your Head
7 Fairy Tale
8 Blind Spell
9 Ritual
10 Pride
SHAMAN IMMORTAL OFFICIAL FAN CLUB
*********************************
ARE YOU STILL NOT IN OUR FAN CLUB??
YOU CAN ADD YOUR NAME HERE!!!
http://www.fanclub...rincipal/index.php
SHAMAN IMMORTAL CD - PRESS REVIEWS
**********************************
Shaman - Immortal
5 November 2007
01. Renovatti
02. Inside Chains
03. Tribal By Blood
04. Immortal
05. One Life
06. In The Dark
07. Strength
08. Freedom
09. Never Yield
10. The Yellow Brick Road
Ricardo Confessori cleaned up the house in 2006, remaining the only active member of Shaman due to "musical differences" with former band mates André Matos, Hugo & Luis Mariutti and Fabio Ribeiro. After posting two studio releases since their previous split from Angra, could the Brazilian scene handle another split? Well, 2007 brought us the answer with a new lineup and a new fantastic album, Immortal.
With Léo Mancini filling in on guitars, Fernando Quesada on bass and Thiago Bianchi on vocals, the band struck gold to recreate the golden years of Brazilian Metal. Obviously oriented more progressive than ever due to Ricardo`s drumming, this Immortal brings furious heavy tunes and power ballads back to life.
Sure, the vocal style is very similar to André Matos but why complain? After all, that is what we would expect as Angra did the exact same thing when André left the band and replaced him by Edu Falaschi. The accentuated progressive edge of the songs renders this album the best thing coming out of the diverse projects created from the ashes of the original Angra lineup since 1996`s Holy Land. With enraged guitar work and epic compositions, this new Shaman has seduced my musical senses like never before. Songs like `Strength` and `Freedom` embody the essence of the new Shaman, fast, catchy and technical.
It remains Power Metal by all aspect as it is clear on the opener `Inside Chains`, and a handful of songs might be perceived as too cheesy. However, I strongly believe that this album is the start of something bigger. The band is younger and the new musicians all have something new to offer.
If you liked the previous Shaman albums, I strongly encourage you to check out André Matos solo project instead. On the other hand, if the thought of hearing great prog power appeals to you Immortal is definitely for you. You are standing in front of one of 2007`s best progressive metal albums, and surely one of the surprises of the year. Now, we know what musical differences arose between Confessori and his former band mates.
Band profile: Shaman
Album: Immortal
Performance: 9
Songwriting: 8
Originality: 8
Production: 9
written by Demonic Tutor | published 03.08.2008
Atlantic - 03.08.2008 at 09:02
Great album, it sounds a lot like Holy Land and Ritual the best albums of Shaman and Angra in my opinion, but it still lacks of the surprise element. Andre Matos will always be a eternal shadow of the bands he left.
Spyroid - 03.08.2008 at 13:11
I listened to the demo versions like 6 months ago, I remember that I liked them but I don`t know what I would think today. But Shaman remain one of the best power metal bands there is, so I guess I should hear it.
[Elite] GT - 03.08.2008 at 14:47
Hmm sounds like I have to give this album a listen. Have only heard One Life and didn`t find it anything special but still quite nice
BlankFile - 03.10.2008 at 22:13
This album is very good, it deserves the credit that has receveid. Ricardo Confessori has the whole merit, for not giving up of this excellent band. I honestly think that this member change that happened in the band was for the better for all the parts involved, no doubt about it. All the songs are extremely catchy, lots of tecnique and strong riffs, beautifull environments, and amazing vocals. Songs like Immortal, In the Dark, Tribal by Blood or Strenght are hard to forget. Indeed this band has a lot to give, lots of talent and magic.
Stay Metal people |m|
Angätuprý - 04.03.2008 at 07:08
i`ve waited too much to buy this album.. have to get it very soon, im crazy to listen.
juanopereira - 04.09.2008 at 02:06
Absolutely agree! I would give it a 9. I think this is an excellent album and like you said, this is the beginning for something bigger. For me, it`s their best one. Matos it`s an excellent musician but his voice it`s too melodic and sweet for me. I prefer something with more power like this new Shaman.
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Poohkali
Nov 09 2007
4.50 stars
[Rating12065870] Excellent combination of power metal, progressive power metal, symphonic heavy metal and thrash metal with kick-ass vocalist Thiago Bianchi and majestic drummer Ricardo Confessori (ex-Angra). If you consider yourself a headbanger, I severely urge you to listen to Immortal at the very first possible opportunity. Immortal is one of the few albums, that it is impossible to disappoint. If you like metal, that is.
From: http://rateyourmus...haman_f1/immortal/
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Essential: a masterpiece of progressive music (0%)
Excellent addition to any prog music collection (50%)
Good, but non-essential (0%)
Collectors/fans only (50%)
Poor. Only for completionists (0%)
From: http://www.progarc...album.asp?id=16473
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Shaman - Immortal
Year released: 2007
Duration: 49:01
Tracks: 10
Genre: Power Metal
Rating: 4.75/5
Date reviewed: November 21, 2007
Reviewed by: Bruce Dragonchaser
Considering Andre Matos vacated his vocal throne in Angra to form Shaman, it seems nothing short of ironic that here, five years since their storming debut, we have a second album from the melodic Power Metal outfit, their first without the driving force behind their inception. You know what else is ironic? It`s actually better than their debut. As a devoted follower of both Angra and Matos, it`s hard for me to admit that new vocalist Thiago Bianchi does a better job here than Matos ever could, and if Edu Falaschi ever parted ways with the aforementioned rulers of Brazilian prog/Power Metal, this guy could certainly step up to the challenge.
What Shaman have done with their money on "Immortal", is take the band`s history into consideration, and ignored all exceptions, creating an album full of blazing Power Metal anthems that span influence from the likes of Vision Divine, Symphony X and of course, Angra. Bianchi manages to glide his incredible vocal ability through fields of ethnic flavour, battling guitar duels, and storming double bass with ease, making every single track on "Immortal" stand out compared to the ream of disappointing follow ups by top name bands this year. Opening with the two most uneventful tracks is an obscure move, but it only improves the quality of the album`s second half, making the heavenly "One Life", the sprawling "Freedom", and the celeritous "Strength" some of the best tracks Angra never wrote. Ex-Angra stickman Ricardo Confessori is so hot on his kit you`d think his feet were on fire, and as I mentioned, the vocals are some of the most sublime I`ve ever heard. A triumph for both Shaman and Scarlet, if you`re looking for your next Power Metal fix and you`re in doubt over what to pick this coming Christmas, you`re search is over. Angra, Matos: sleep with one eye open.
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Shaman: Immortal
Power/Progressive Metal
Rating: 4.0/5.0
http://www.shamanimmortal.com
http://www.scarletrecords.it
http://www.myspace.com/shamanimmortal
Most readers know the beginning of Brazilian power metal band, Shaman: it was formed by Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti and Ricardo Confessori after leaving the legendary Angra. Their first release `Ritual` displayed the oft necessary pains of a new genesis. The second studio release (third work), `Reason,` showed the promise of coherence and maturity. It was a pretty good effort. After a successful tour supporting `Reason,` problems arose and everybody but Confessori bailed on this fledgling band. Shaman was now on life support, but Confessori vowed to continue on.
Welcome another new birth as Shaman has filled the empty slots with Fernando Quesada on bass, Leo Mancini on guitar, and Thiago Bianchi on vocals, all of whom create no blip on the metal radar. But flying under the radar is not necessarily a bad thing, nor does it mean a lack of talent. For instance, Mr. Mancini taught for five years at the Conservatório Musical Souza Lima and played for Jeff Scott Soto when toured Brazil; and Mr. Bianchi formed to bands on his own and has done some producing including a work for Angra. Shaman is the sum of its parts and after listening to `Immortal,` the whole is even better. `Immortal` is a very good album.
First, let me say that the production is brilliant on `Immortal.` As for the style, this is basic power metal with a good dash of progressive metal thrown into the mix. After the very good instrumental intro, `Renovatti,` we are treated to solid power metal in `Inside Chains.` When you hit third cut `Tribal Blood` you hear the power of Mr. Bianchi`s vocals and the thrilling riffs of Mr. Mancini`s guitar. Confessori opens up the title track with some unique and creative drum work. The song itself is diverse in arrangement proving to be immensely satisfying.
When I reached the midpoint of the album, I found the second best cut on this work, `One Life.` Here we discover the versatility of Biachi`s vocals: he`s not just another metal screamer. Confessori is so strong and consistent and with Mr. Quesada on bass, the rhythm section is mesmerizing. And Mancini shows exceptional creative brilliance. The best song on the album is, by far, `In The Dark,` a true power metal balled (I`m a sucker for this stuff). The arrangement is sweeping in granduer and power. Bianchi is wonderful, strong and soothing in the same moment. I do not miss Mr. Matos. Mancini inspires with his precise acoustic and electric delivery.
As we approach the end, we are subjected to some average power metal with only small glimpses of originality. In a way, we have returned to the growing pains of a band learning to live with itself. However, there some worthy notes to make. Quesada`s bass work is fantastic on `Never Yield.` `Immortal` ends on a more subdued note with simple vocals and much acoustic guiar on the long `The Yellow Brick Road.`
Overall, I`m rather impressed with Shaman 2.0. `Immortal` is a solid effort from a band just beginning to know each other. I expect good things (again) in the future. Recommended!
http://www.dangerd...aman_immortal.html
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Band : Shaman
Album title : Immortal
Label : Scarlet
Distributor : Bertus
Release date : 12/11/2007
Release : CD
As many of you may know, Brazilian Sao Paolo based ProgMetal act Angra suffered a temporary blow when a major split in their ranks saw singer André Matos , bassist Luis Mariutti and drummer Ricordo Confessori leave in 2000. Angra recovered, the decamping party would start work on Shaman . But not before Matos travelled to Germany to work on his solo project Virgo . And while he was over in Europe, he took some time to front ProgMetal unit Looking Glass Self (started by former Sieges Even trio of guitrist Marcus Steffan , bassist Oliver Holzwarth and drummer Alex Holzwarth ) and contribute to their 2000 demo Equinox , before returning to Brazil to concentrate on the Melodic Power Metal geared Shaman !
Which would not mean the end of "solo" endeavours by the band`s members. Shaman `s keyboarder Fabio Ribeiro for instance issued his second solo album The Tide Turns under the Bleziq Zatsaz moniker in May 2002. Among the guests on this album would feature Shaaman guitarist Hugo Mariutti and Angra guitarist Kiko Loureiro . Matos participated in Progressive Rock outfit Abydos (instigated by producer Stefan Glas , it also included singer Andy Kuntz and drummer Andreas Lill of Vandenplas , and Elegy singer Ian Parry ), and put in a guest appearance on Brazilian Sagga `s album Planetude .
Shaman `s debut Ritual came in late July 2002, released on Italian label Lucretia for Europe, Universal for South America, and JVC Victor for Japan. A month later the band would start Brazilian tour dates, and in March 2003 guitarist Luis Marietti would also join the ranks of Henceforth . The band signed to AFM in early 2004, and part of the deal included a re-issue of the debut album in March, the new version adding bonus DVD material. Meanwhile, NTS released the CD/DVD package Ritualive in May of the same year (in Japan, it was released on JVC Victor during September).
Shaman would start recordings for their sophomore album Reason (out in May) in early 2005, announcing a subtle name change to Shaaman in February. By October 2006, it seemed that things for Shaaman had come to an end when an official announcement of fan club members stated that the band had folded due to "personal and musical differences" (whére have we heard thàt before?). But Ricardo Confessori is not only a more than excellent drummer, he`s also a very persistent little bugger and, taking back the moniker of Shaman , he reformed the band in lte 2006 with Karma singer Thiago Bianchi , Sunsarah guitarist Léo Mancini , and bassist Fernando Quesada .
And, you know something? Bianchi has thé voice to make forget that Shaman was ever fronted by the excellent Matos ! Truely! To say that the band`s come full circle is no small thing, and we`ll still have to wait to see if this line-up holds, but musically everything sounds wonderfully tight. The album kicks off with the nearly instrumental (only some – faked with keyboards, I`m sure – choral singing) shortie "Renovatti" , and the title says it all! I haven`t had time to find a website for you to listen to some samples of the new album, due to a too busy reviewing schedule (and limited access to Internet), but I`m sure you`ll find sómething after some surfing on the Net (try shamanimmortal.com for starters). What with the rather high-pitched and somewhat heady lead singing, and the almost continuous high pace, comparisons to top German bands in the Melodic Power Metal genre are quickly made, but you`ll have to admit the band has an aftertaste of its own. The band has recently recorded a video for semi-ballad "In The Dark" (a true ballad coming with album closer "The Yellow Brick Road" , followed on the album by an unannounced instrumental which partly resounds with the sounds of a forest) and they will soon embark on a worldwide tour to promote the album.
Great stuff, even if in the guitar department at least, there`s a couple of over-dubs, making one wonder hów the band is gonna make the same sound on stage without either relying on a hired hand, or programming.
88/100
Tony.
http://www.concret...haman/cdshaman.htm
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Artiste/Groupe Shaman
Album Immortal
Date de sortie 11/2007
Style Power-Metal
Chroniqueurs
Christian, Florent C
Note (Christian)15/20
Note (Florent C)9/20
Site Officiel http://www.shamanimmortal.com/
C H R O N I Q U E (Christian)
Après Angra, Shaman, Shaaman : revoici Shaman !
Si vous avez manqué le début du feuilleton, une piqûre de rappel : la scission d`Angra a donné naissance au Shaman 1ere formule avec Matos, Mariutti et Confessori mais 2 albums plus tard, la sérénité n`est toujours pas au rendez-vous et le batteur se retrouve seul fin octobre 2006 et s`en est allé recruter des compatriotes pour "continuer l`aventure"...
Bonne pioche ?
Après une entrée en matière samplée ("renovatti"), on est en terrain connu avec "inside chains" et on regrette que Matos n`y pousse pas sa chansonnette tant le refrain semblait fait pour lui... Avec "tribal by blood", changement de style : fini les préliminaires ! Shaman 2 affirme sa personnalité : le chant se distingue et la guitare enchaîne avec bonheur...La voix de Thiago Bianchi se fait ensuite plus profonde dans "immortal" : il montre alors l`étendue de son talent, va-t-on finir par oublier le fantôme d`André Matos qui planait jusqu`alors ? Côté guitare, Leo Mancini fait une démonstration particulièrement dans "strength" : un passage speed qui décoiffe, et le solo suscite l`admiration... "freedom" permet au bassiste de trouver lui aussi sa juste place mais le combo parait s`essouffler un peu, on sent poindre le déficit d`inspiration alors rien de tel qu`un retour aux sources pour mettre tout le monde d`accord : "never yield !" sur le modèle Angra avec coeurs, rythmique effrénée puis retour au calme bien géré dans la nuance au chant : assurément, Confessori a déniché là des musiciens qui tiennent la route et qui ne demandent qu`à s`affirmer... Dommage que l`album se termine sur un "the yellow brick road" pas très original, à moins que l`ambiance qui y règne (balade acoustique, chant maîtrisé, bruitages...) soit un clin d`oeil à "hollyland" : l`album qui a révélé Angra !
Bref, on y croit d`entrée : on en a l`eau à la bouche mais sans arriver à étancher notre soif !
Thiago a l`étoffe d`un grand chanteur, Leo fait preuve d`une hallucinante habileté technique et Ricardo n`a rien perdu de sa pêche...
Y`a de l`espoir ! Laissons-leur le temps de se défaire de leur lourd héritage et de nous convaincre tout à fait avec leur prochain album !
C H R O N I Q U E (Florent C)
Shaman est un cas à part. Formé par des ex membre de Angra dont le frontman Dédé Matos, le groupe nous a offert un chef d`oeuvre nommé Ritual en 2002 puis un second opus moins percutant où l`on sentait déjà la fin... Après seulement 2 albums et un (excellent) live, le split est bel est bien là, Ricardo Confessori (batteur) restant seul à bord du navire (ici c`est plutôt le radeau de la méduse). Il décide de continuer l`aventure et voilà qu`aujourd`hui débarque "Immortal", titre évocateur lancé au nez de Matos qui se sent enfin libre avec son nouvel album solo. Comme la vie est bien faite, les deux albums sortent en même temps...
Au vu de la pochette, on sent que le groupe est revenu aux sources, à savoir un power metal teinté de musique sud américaine. Autant le dire de suite, la flamme ne jaillit plus !!
Jamais de la vie je n`aurais dit avoir à faire à un album de Shaman ici ! Le groupe nous sert un metal bien ficelé certes mais tellement fade ! Les titres s`enchaînent inéluctablement sans qu`il en ressorte quelque chose, c`est triste.
De plus le groupe a nettement proguisé (une invention de ma part) ses compositions en rajoutant des solos de guitare et claviers à la Dream Theater ("Inside Chains").
Tout n`est pas insipide, la chanson titre et "One Life" me rappellent à mes bons souvenirs, avec leurs accents exotiques forts sympathiques. La power ballade de rigueur "In The Dark" est réussie, sans être non plus un chef d`oeuvre !
C`est très rare que je n`arrive pas à accrocher à un album à ce point là, un grand ouf de soulagement s`est emparé de moi lorsque le disque s`est arrêté, et même avec des écoutes supplémentaires je reste sur le même avis : le groupe joue bien, mais ça sent la seconde zone. Je préfère m`attarder sur l`album solo de Matos qui, lui, est inspiré et réécouter un bon Angra et un bon Ritual des familles !
Shaman reste et restera certainement le groupe d`un seul album, mais fort heureusement un album de génie.
http://www.auxport...aman/immortal.html
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Artist: Shaman
Title: Immortal
Type: Album
Label: Thurbo Music
Consisting of members from Angra, Shaman, formerly `Shaaman`, may represent what Firewind are to Dream Evil perhaps. The underlying core of the sound remains through both bands. Needless to say, Shaaman stand up as Brazil`s finest export of power metal today following the demise of Angra.
The intro track `Removati` takes you through 3 minutes of tense, orchestral build up before the direction quickly switches with `Inside Chains` to the sort of metal riffage that sounds not a million miles away from what Firewind do these days. The keyboards add to the faint stirrings of prog that can be picked out before the heavy and melodic guitar work washes over you. This is undeniably upbeat power metal with a strong focus on song writing over distracting soloing such as that seen from the likes of Dragonforce. The problem is that even by the third track, `Tribal by Blood`, you could start to worry if there`s enough here to set them apart from their contemporaries. The prog sound makes several appearances though, utilizing piano accompaniment and subtle tribal sounding percussion and wind instruments you can almost get a sense of the Brazilian influence coming through, particularly in the title track `Immortal`. Thankfully this is not overpowering and throughout the album the strong vocal talent of Andre Matos provides a richness of melody. Half way through the CD we`re given an example of just how well Shaman can combine the classic metal power ballad and the prog-like folk influence with `One Life`, a track that really stands out. Joining Andre from their previous band is the highly acclaimed drummer Rcardo Confessori. The real pleasure lies in the fact that the other members, including Hugo Mariutti, who was brought into the band to complete their line up back in 2000
For fans of Shaman`s previous work, `Immortal` will not disappoint and could earn them new listeners if fans of more commercially viable power metal dare step out of their comfort zones. No doubt, devout appreciators of power metal will have come across them before, particularly fans of Angra. Shaman deserve some success outside of their homeland and it would be right for them to play alongside the European power metal bands in their own territories. They are planning on a world-wide tour so they may just do that before long.
http://www.shamanimmortal.com
http://www.myspace.com/shamanimmortal
Owain Richards
http://www.metalte...reviews-shaman.htm
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