Apocalypse was formed as far as in 1983, but as a matter of fact their true activity began in
the mid-'90s. Currently Apocalypse is already recognized worldwide as one of the most important
Brazilian Progressive Rock bands.
1995 - "Perto do amanhecer" (56 min, "Musea")
Actually "Perto do amanhecer" is the second album by Apocalypse (see below:
"Lendas encantadas"-1997*), and stylistically it is the same nice melodic Neo Symphonic Art Rock.
Album contains several quite original and nice songs, though the basic structures and most
arrangements become simpler and accessible in comparison with their real debut album*. Anyhow,
this work can still be described as decent Neo Symphonic Rock with a number of original musical
ideas. Much better than a lot of pseudo-doubles, though. (Marillion-"doubles" are beyond
comparison with others in the Land of Progressive Rock . Read also the Key Review on Ozrics"
"Strangeitudes".)
1996 - "Aurora dos sonhos" (67 min, "Musea")
"Aurora dos sonhos" is the third album. Despite the presence of the same
"Apocalyptical" structures and nice melodies here, this is the most accessible and simple album
from this band to date. One gets an impression that that year Apocalypse were working just with
the purpose to become one of the most commercially successful bands for the label.
1997 - "Lendas encantadas" (73 min, "Musea")
Originally, "Lendas encantadas" is the very first album by Apocalypse. It was
recorded ten years ago - in 1989, and released in the LP format only in Brazil in 1991. In 1997
this album was fully remixed and remastered. Besides the original LP songs composed and recorded
in the 80s, the band added three new songs, never released before, which were originally composed
in 1992 and 1993. It is quite strangely, but this album, created by the band more than ten years
ago, sounds much better than their later works. "Lendas encantadas" is one of the best Neo-albums
I ever heard. That's true, its structures are not very complex, but it contains a lot of varied
arrangements and fast virtuostic solos from the keyboardist and both guitarists as well. Dynamism
is the Artist of the "Lendas encantadas" paintings, most of which are full of original colours.
Undoubtedly, this debut album still remains the best work ever created by Apocalypse. They will
look forward if they do work backwards searching for the roots of their inspiration. I do wish
them to look around before working on new materials.
Summary. To be honest, I don't like to listen to the music without paying attention to lyrics,
which play a very important role in any vocal-based album. I mean I don't speak Portuguese.
Back to mucis, it is clear that in the beginning of their musical career Apocalypse have tried to
play more or less complex Symphonic Rock, and "Lendas encantadas" is a very good album.
Unfortunately, the musicians decided to make their following works more melodic and accessible
than their debut, and listening to "Aurora dos sonhos" I see already the shadow of stagnation.
On the whole, all these albums contain quite original material (which is good), and I've heard
just a few episodes influenced by some of the Titans. So, Apocalypse is a good starting stage
for Prog-novices toward the more profound and intricate works of Progressive Rock.
VM. February 1, 2000
