Ritual

Ritual is the debut on which Shaman drew a grand story using dramatic keyboards, racing guitar and expressive high-register vocals. Andre Matos (vocals/piano), Luis Mariutti (bass) and Ricardo Confessori (drums), who left Angra in 2000, formed it with Luis's younger brother Hugo Mariutti (guitar). The band name comes from “The Shaman,” a song Matos wrote for Angra's Holy Land. Recorded entirely in Germany in 2002 and produced by Sascha Paeth, who had also worked with Angra. A concept album on shamanism and indigenous cultures, it holds classical elements alongside a Brazilian rhythmic sense, and the songs carry a distinctive heat. Big choruses and detailed arrangements give the record the expanse of stage drama. Derek Sherinian and Marcus Viana guest on “Over Your Head,” and Tobias Sammet on the closing “Pride.” It sold more than 500,000 copies worldwide and was released in over 15 countries, with a tour of roughly a year and a half covering over 150 shows. A record that resonates with anyone wanting passionate, melody-first power metal.