by David White

Angra replaces the classic progressive metal sound found on Angels Cry with Brazilian-influenced metal. There are a couple of standard metal tracks, "Nothing to Say" and "Z.I.T.O.," which would have fit on Angels Cry. The rest of Holy Land features the slower songs "Make Believe," "Deep Blue" and "Lullaby for Lucifer," plus songs influenced by Brazilian rhythms, including "Silence and Distance," "Holy Land," and "The Shaman." This mixing of styles works beautifully. While Holy Land may not be metal from start to finish, it is an album with an unusual combination of power, intensity and beauty.