After leaving Angra, vocalist André Matos teamed up with super-producer Sascha Paeth and formed Virgo. But after only 1 album, this hard-rock/pop outfit called it quits, and André ventured on with some of his former band mates and started Shaman.

VIRGO (1991) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

After discovering Angra just before André left, and him being partially the reason why I liked them in the first place, I was eager to follow whatever he was going to do next. So when he teamed up with Sascha and Miro it just had to become a great new band. But to many fans dismay it became evident that their eponymously titled debut CD was hardly a metal album. Rather they delivered a diverse rock album, almost progressive in nature, mixing in pop, soul/gospel, Mediterranean elements and contemporary electronic loops. The closest band to compare them too might be various incarnations of Queen. The result gives me mixed feelings. There is no denying that these guys are talented. But I don't find that this album can uphold my interest in their music all the way thorugh . Some of the song sits right away, and some of them are quite fantastic. But the majority of them just doesn't move me at all. Interesting at best, and with some really great playing, but also mostly not engaging enough. I think I'll hold on to my promotional copy for collecting purposes though.

Killer tracks: To Be, Take Me Home, Baby Doll, No Need To Have An Answer, I Want To Know

André Matos guest appearances:

Luca Turilli - 'Prophet Of The Last Eclipse' (Limited Edition)

Miro guest appearances:

Edguy - 'Rocket Ride'

Rhapsody Of Fire - 'Triumph Or Agony'

Robert Hunecke-Rizzo guest appearances:

Rhapsody Of Fire - 'Triumph Or Agony'

Related artists:

Angra, Viper, Avantasia, Aina, Luca Turilli