Several weeks, a tough combination, lack of inspiration to discover new bands, leaning on the tried-and-true groups to feed my musical habit, plus the handful of the new albums sampled nothing grabbed my attention. Then, a Brazilian metal quintet changed that.

Enter GaiaBeta, or second earth. An intriguing band name, captivating album art and a smartly written bio. For music fans who lean toward sci-fi fantasy readings this one is for you. The band formed in 2017. Working their original sound in the forges of heavy metal music.

The result is a power metal sound fused with a classic 80s era heavy metal suit of armor. On that note, think groups, Armored Saint, Iron Maiden, Savatage, Rainbow and Dio. The vocalist slips between Ian Gillian’s rasp and Bruce Dickinson’s virtuoso. He has an unusual balance of grit and vocal range.

The drummer is a machine. A Swiss watch. Pounding out a heavy-handed pulsing beats. The guitarists and bass player shred. Before recording their debut, Gates of GaiaBeta, the group won multiple awards in Brazil, echoes of great things ahead. Stand out tracks: “Chains of the Ghosts (The Rebellion)” – Like wild dogs! Goes the vocal chorus harmony. A tight melodic metal song, galloping guitars, popping drum accents produce a song ready for your carefully curated metal playlist.
“Victory is Coming” – An instrumental dualling guitar interlude in the middle of the album. Anthemic sounds fits perfectly in a fantasy epic film soundtrack, just over two minutes. Close your eyes and envision the two armies arriving on the battlefield just before the brutal savagery commences.
“Ashes From the Stars” – Only available on the CD release. A slick drum fill kicks off the song. The vocals, operatic in the intro, then a Zack Wyld styled guitar flourish progresses into a power/funk metal smash up. A unique song, one that required a few listens to pick up on the depth and originality.

The album cover is perfect for examining while you’re intently listening to their metal mastery. A chieftain warrior emerging from a time warp gate. In the background a wrecked and ruined civilization. A sign metal music is enduring, beyond the stars. What would make the band’s metal glory days image complete would be releasing their debut on cassette tape.

Brazil is known as a heavy metal loving nation, producing Sepultura and Ratos de Parao. Now the new generation is here, a second (heavy metal) earth has arrived. Their debut album drops in May, until then, listen to their music on the band’s YouTube channel. Original music and a few cover songs (“Powerslave” and “The Evil That Men Do”), get ready to rock. https://www.gaiabeta.com.br/