PERPETUAL LEGACY
Teodrama 

PERPETUAL LEGACY, a symphonic metal band from Brazil, has made a notable return with their latest album “Teodrama”. Following the success of their 2015 debut “A New Symphony For Him”, the band took a lengthy hiatus, during which they underwent lineup changes and began crafting this ambitious double album. With 20 tracks, “Teodrama” delves into the biblical narrative of Creation, Fall, Redemption, and Consummation, presenting a concept that is both intricate and bold. The album introduces heavier compositions and a broader vocal range, including male and guttural elements, while maintaining the band’s signature symphonic style. Whether “Teodrama” successfully captures the complexity of its ambitious theme is open to interpretation, leaving listeners to judge its impact.

The album opens with “The Trinity (Puritan Pray),” setting the stage for a grand narrative journey. As the album progresses, though, the orchestration and midi instruments sometimes fall short of the intended grandeur. In tracks like “Before Creation” the flute-style midis sound particularly thin, affecting the overall sound. The vocal mix can also be distracting at times, with the vocals being too sharp and prominent, while the orchestration sits too far back in the mix in moments where it might have better supported her voice. This imbalance makes it difficult to achieve the immersive experience that symphonic metal often provides. Incorporating and effectively mixing harmonies could have helped blend these elements more seamlessly.

Structurally, the songs are well-crafted, but some sections can struggle to maintain interest. By the time the album reaches its fourth or fifth track, the sheer volume of material begins to feel overwhelming. The band’s decision to create a 20-track epic is ambitious and commendable, but it does raise questions about pacing. Some listeners might find it challenging to maintain their attention throughout the entire album, and it could have benefited from more dramatic changes and dynamic shifts. This occasionally causes even well-composed sections to get lost in the album’s length.

“Teodrama” certainly has its beautiful moments. “Grace,” the fifth track, offers a lovely reprieve with its softer, more melodic approach. This brief interlude stands out as a highlight, providing a necessary break from the heavier, faster-paced tracks that dominate the album. As a result, “Imago Dei” becomes more of a standout track, likely because its placement after a more subdued, slower track like “Grace” allows it to shine.

The influence of early Delain, particularly their “Lucidity” and “April Rain” releases, becomes apparent in tracks like “Imago Dei” and “All Have Sinned.” While the influence is clear, the overall impact of the sound is diminished somewhat by the vocal mix, which can sometimes distract from the music. The vocalist clearly brings a lot of power and emotion to her delivery, and with a different approach to production, her voice could have been highlighted in a way that better showcases its greatest strengths.

Some tracks, like “No Innocents Here” and “Tetélestai,” introduce interesting elements, such as the drum patterns in the former and the choir in the latter. “Tetélestai,” in particular, shows promise with its pleasant-sounding introduction, reminiscent of early symphonic metal work.

While “Teodrama” has an ambitious concept, the album’s reliance on midi instruments and a mix that doesn’t fully balance the elements give it a ‘demo’ quality that might not reflect the band’s full potential. The biblical themes are a bold artistic choice, though they may resonate more with a specific audience rather than a broader one, likely reflecting the band’s personal vision rather than commercial considerations.

The album is structurally sound, featuring well-placed guitar solos and intriguing moments. However, it doesn’t quite achieve the dynamic range and cohesion that might fully captivate listeners. A more dramatic buildup of tension, akin to what is found in works like Nightwish’s ”Dark Passion Play” or “Ghost Love Score,” could have enhanced the depth and complexity that “Teodrama” aims for. Putting aside my critique, PERPETUAL LEGACY’s ambitious effort to interpret one of the world’s most enduring stories in a double-album format is impressive, reflecting a deep commitment to their vision.

Angela Ambrose