Review Summary: It may differ in style from the band's other recordings, and sound unlike what many would expect from a Power Metal band, but Fireworks is a mind-blowing, genuine wonder
Despite being largely considered one of the Angra's weakest albums by much of the metal community, it is well possible for other individuals to consider "Fireworks" a genuine masterpiece, one more of those coming out of the hands of the Brazilian gods of Power Metal.
Although the band does forfeit a lot of the original Brazilian/folk influence previously seen in "Holy Land" (Angra's previous album) as well as much of the common "epic" feeling found most of the genre's recordings, it was not for the worst by any means: It seems to be more straight forward and may be more appealing to those not as musically keen, yet if one sits down and carefully listens to each track, he or she will find wonders in every single one of them. "Epicness", dare one say, is promptly and efficiently replaced by sincere passion and beauty.
From the completely cheesy "Lisbon" to the catchy "Rainy Nights" to the extremely fast "Speed" (Haha, get it?), it is well possible to observe the expertise of all band members being applied to excellently composed songs as well as great production going on - André Mattos' high-pitched, passionate vocals (and his broken English, too) touching listeners, Loureiro's and Bittencourt's guitars blazing and thrilling, Confessori rocking with the drums just as he should and... okay, maybe Mariuttis bass will go unnoticed by some, but I'd reckon the instrument is not prominently featured in the genre - although keen ears will pick up some great groove going on.
Now, out with the vagueness and down with the specifics:"Fireworks" offers a wide variety of sounds in the same disc - as aforementioned, a less epic and folkish offering, and more progressive and straightforward.
There are a number of slow-paced yet highly vibrant songs, chiefly "Gentle Changes", which offers a calm beat and an extensive, soft keyboard section, the albumsake's "Fireworks", which has a very peaceful beat, serene guitar solo and cheesy lyrics (albeit with some intense bass drum sections) and "Rainy Nights", resembling a pop rock song in some aspects due to its catchy chorus and radio-friendly beat , yet unleashing a driving guitar solo by the middle of the song and an overall strong groove and rhythmic instruments.
Adding up to the pace, "Extreme Dream", "Paradise" and "Wings of Reality" are also played without hurry in the most part, yet all of them feature some particularly strong and fast section (chiefly their ample guitar solos ) which blows away the listener, who expects the beat of the song to not change much, "Mystery Machine" sets the album in jogging speed with its triumphant entrance and vigorous verses and chorus.
However, it's "Metal Icarus" and "Speed" that makes the album reach its maximum intensity, with the former's careful, extensive and majestic guitar work operating at full swing as well as a very powerful drum and bass to go along with that and the latter simply reaching supersonic speed (haha, get it?) and blowing away all of those who dare listen.
Not necessarily fitting with any of the above groups is "Lisbon". It makes extensive use of violin-sounding keyboards throughout the song - the verse sections are highly lacking of instrumental noise (save for a a soft, bright guitar) and Mattos' voice is what dominates such sections, creating a very sad atmosphere that goes perfectly with the songs' lyrics. However, the instruments come in at the bridges and chorus, agitating the song while maintaining the same level of sadness. "Lisbon" also contains a half-minute long solo, yet being extremely fast - odd for a song supposed to be somewhat depressing, but it just happens to fit perfectly. 'Tis the beauty of Angra's musicianship.
"Fireworks", albeit not as appealing to Power metal fans as Angra's previous albums, it is still a beautiful, masterful work of art. It is highly unfortunate this album was the last one made by the band's original lineup, for their potential to do something with even more delicacy, refinement and capacity was certainly existent. Fortunately, Falaschi's lineup has managed to keep Angra's quality high, but an expansion upon "Fireworks" will remain unheard of.
