Review: Perpetual Legacy – Teodrama
Progressive Legacy
Perpetual Legacy is a progressive symphonic group hailing from Brazil with much to offer up in the name of metal and rock in the name of the Creator. They released their debut in 2015 (A New Symphony for Him). And while I am only discovering this band for the first time in late 2024/early 2025, what I’ve since heard from that 2015 release is quite good. Fast forward almost a decade and the progression of the band in sound, instrumentation and songwriting is notably improved.
Divine Drama
Teodrama is an epic conceptual “symphony” of metal thematically anchored to the Biblical sequence of the Creation, the Fall of mankind (into sin), the Redemption of mankind through Christ’s atoning sacrifice and the Consummation of faith in Christ eternally. Musically, the closest reference points are Nightwish, Epica, Delain and Within Temptation. While most of the songs feature the melodic vocals of Michelle Rodovalho, there are the complementary harsh vocals of bassist Matheus Maia – who also happens to be one of the main songwriters here – thrown into the mix.
Divine Media
This ambitious, seemingly theatrical, epic plays out over the course of 95 minutes and has been released on physical media as a 2 CD set in digipak with beautifully illustrated 20-page booklet by En Hakkore Records. The artwork here is simply, well … divine!
Progressive Simplicity
While Teodrama is deeply conceptual, the lyrics are amazingly accessible; there is a simplistic beauty to the presentation which is lost on many bands who endeavor to make their art too “artful.” Perpetual Legacy offer up a universe of spiritual enlightenment with just the right touch of detail to keep the fan of progressive music engaged while not over-complicating the essential nature of the story/message.
Four Part Harmony
From a compositional and presentation perspective, there is a nice balance in material from each of the four “seasons” of His-Story here represented. Creation is represented by 5 songs, Fall by 4 songs, Redemption by 4 songs and Consummation by 5 songs. In the lyric booklet the artwork is matched beautifully with the 4 parts. Furthermore, each disc features introductory type songs in “The Trinity” and “The Mediator.” The net effect, from a conceptual viewpoint, is a perfect balance of art with musical and lyrical content.
Creation
Interestingly, the opener “The Trinity” (Puritan Pray) is a quasi-choral/instrumental one-minute statement of Perpetual Legacy’s recognition of the centrality of “Three in One, One in Three” – Father, Son and Holy Spirit – within the framework of this Teodrama. The band credits The Valley of Vision: A Collection of Puritan Prayers and Devotions by Arthur Bennett as source material.
Written by keyboardist, Rafael Lobo, “Ex Nihilo” charges out of the gates with a power metal burner featuring not only Lobo’s keys but also Rodovalho’s ethereal, yet clear and decisive vocal outpouring which chronicles the “first seven days” of creation. Bassist Maia is credited with “Glorious Creator” which serves lyrically as a praise, not surprisingly, to God’s “handiwork” in the physical world. Compositionally, this one is another power metal anthem, this time featuring a brilliant guitar solo from Lucas Fernandes and crafty drum work from Renan Costa ala Nightwish.
Slower Groove Grace
Contrastingly, “Before Creation” slows things down just a bit, working in just a bit more progressive groove and diversity, yet the bridge and chorus sections feature pummeling double bass drum driven power metal. This song beautifully serves as segue to the elegant departure which is…
…” Grace,” which features the truly beautiful qualities of Rodovalho’s voice as she describes both the innocent and reverent cries and thanks of man/woman uncorrupt. Not surprisingly, guitarist Fernandes – who wrote the music – delivers acoustic guitar grace in melody and solo.
Symphonic Metal Hymn
Subsequently, Lobo’s “Imago Dei” – another strongly Nightwish/Epic-influenced number – culminates the celebration and status of man within God’s glorious creation. The hymn-like keyboards, the cinematic programming, the flutes, the choral arrangements intermixed with Michelle’s singing, the dynamic drumming and the guitar leads highlight this band’s talent. Truly spectacular.
“I blessed your labor, gave you callings to heed/You are a little lower than God/Summoned you to join me in my wondrous deed/You’re a little lower than God”
Fall
Subsequently, in brilliant transition – the minor chords, the darkening of the artwork – “In the Cool of the Day” (written by Maia) describes the initial aftermath of the “fall of man.” In addition to the change in “scene,” the music of Perpetual Legacy takes on another “skin” – one showcasing a more melodic accessible level, as well as a more progressive intricacy and vulnerable intimacy. This uncovering of another of the band’s layers of talent gives early indication Teodrama has much to offer – more than just a symphonic power metal extravaganza.
Sin Twist
“All Have Sinned” makes the proclamation of fall with a twisting and complex composition with an unorthodox vocal melody and enough lurching starts/stops to please fans of Dream Theater. I love the prose here which so succinctly and colorfully depicts man’s fate…
“In court, happiness won’t be my cause/The way of peace they don’t understand/There is no fear of God/Don’t you realize how patient God is with you/and how His goodness wants to lead you to repentance?”
Collaborative Fall Reveal
Oh, but it gets better with the Delain/Within Temptation-like “No Innocents Here.” One of Perpetual Legacy’s songwriters’ most collaborative effort herein, this song takes a more contemporary progressive metal aggressive edge approach with a slower, heavier groove and adds the harsh vocals of bassist Maia alongside Rodovalho’s soaring siren song. Not only are the guitar riffs here killer, but the bass guitar also shreds with abandon – this song almost sounding like a totally different band from that which preceded.
Consequently, in epic fashion, Perpetual Legacy puts it all together on the finale track to the first segment of the story with “Look at the Cross,” the longest duration song on CD1. In a building fashion, both musically and lyrically (as the case against man grows increasingly damning), Maia’s harsh vocals attain a greater significance and Rodovalho punches the message home using her native language in a quasi-spoken rant as the symphonic, power and prog elements converge to deliver the verdict of mankind,
“Light has come into the world, but people loved darkness instead of light because their deeds were evil. But whoever lives by the truth come into the light, so that if may be seen plainly that what have done has been done in the sight of man.”
Redemption
In balance and harmony with the first “act” the opening salvo of the second portion of this epic drama features a brief introduction of sorts, “The Mediator” heralding the new King in symphonic grandeur. Once again, Maia’s omnipresent bass features heavily on the similarly heralding “Above the Sun.” The bass guitar dominance continues with the dynamic and powerful “Redemption,” where Rodovalho’s exhortation points to the promise of the Messiah. The operatic, yet accessible, vocal quality of Tarja (Turunen) comes to ear here as we are reminded, “there is no redemption far from Christ.”
Justified Song Craft
Subsequently, this redeeming work of Christ is exposited on the enigmatic “Justified by Faith” – easily one of the strongest songs on Teodrama. Despite the acoustic balladic intro, the song wonderfully builds into a chorus which serves half melodic declaration, half hymn of praise, cleverly incorporating the melody and words of Rich Mullins’ “Awesome God” interposed with Rodovalho’s own words and melody.
The middle section backs down before it builds back up with the fierce vocals of Maia accompanied by a cacophony of heavy guitar and drumming in support of cries of “Sola Christus,” “Sola Deo Goria,” “Sola Fide” and Sola Scripture.” One final push to the end features the combined efforts of both singers and a reprise of the “Awesome God” chorus. Brilliant words, brilliant musical creativity and songcraft.
Contrastingly, the more somber “Hero of Humanity” nicely complements all that splendor with a more tender expression of the magnitude and impact of Christ’s atoning work on the Cross. The middle solo section features a bass guitar solo followed by lead guitar, which is a unique approach and the impact within the context of this more ballad-like rocker is noteworthy. The organ tones and synth tubular bells beautifully accompany Rodovalho’s gentle outro…
“Don’t let your hearts be troubled and don’t be afraid/I’ll not leave you as orphans/I’ll come to you.”
Consummation
Not surprisingly, it is fitting that the final run of songs in God’s drama leads off with “Tetelestai,” the perfect denouement, so to speak, as humankind’s salvation begins with the finished work of Christ on the Cross. One of Perpetual Legacy’s heaviest songs musically, Maia’s growls depicting the gruesome work while Rodovalho claims the victory with her triumphant soaring, “Where, oh death, is your sting? Where, oh death, is your victory?” The song features good pace, perfect balance of aggression and melody and more bass and guitar leads from Maia and Fernandes.
On the other hand, Lobo’s “Waiting for You” features keyboard leads, diverse and dynamic drumming and praise worship vocals, but the song shifts into heavy riffing in the middle section before seamlessly catapulting towards the masterful sequence of songs comprising the finale.
Consequently, no story of God’s redemptive work is complete without describing the final judgments. The fiery tandem of “Babylon the Great” and “Judgement and Triumph” serves well in this task, both songs featuring Revelational truth accompanied by grandiose power metal riffing, driving drums and choral vocal arrangements. Of note, Rodovalho’s dynamic vocal style on the latter is particularly impressive – using her voice with a blend of operatic and more contemporary style akin to Sharon den Adel (Within Temptation).
While many of these songs ultimately point to and long for the return of the Lord, “The End is Just the Beginning” represents the culmination of that which has preceded. Perpetual Legacy pulls out all the stops and deploys all the musical and vocal tools in their armamentarium to bombard the listener with a glorious call of anticipation.
“Let’s sing together, hallelujah/Salvation, glory and honor come from our God/Holy, Holy, Holy, Holy is the Lord/The Spirit and the Bride say, come”
Extra
Apparently, “Theme of My Songs” is a reprise of sorts, or maybe just an epilogue giving thanks for it all. Musically the song reminds of a blend of Delain and Within Temptation, Rodovalho once again channeling Sharon den Adel. And let it be understood I mean this in a complimentary fashion. Despite emulating their influences, it is evident Perpetual Legacy has a distinct musical identity and unflapping desire to creatively praise the Creator!
Drama’s End
In summary, Teodrama obviously represents a tremendous effort on all levels and is both complex yet simultaneously accessible all within the first few listens, which is quite remarkable for a collection of songs amounting to 90 minutes of music. The level of concept building, graphic presentation, song writing, execution and mix/production is excellent. No fan of symphonic power progressive metal should hesitate to experience Perpetual Legacy’s epic drama. If I had heard this earlier in the year it would easily be in my 2024 top 10. (Click HERE to see my top releases of 2024, which incidentally includes Perpetual Legacy as a last minute addition).
Also available from Boones Overstock
Track Listing:
CD1
1. The Trinity – (Puritan Pray) (1:06)
2. Ex Nihilo (4:31)
3. Glorious Creator (4:33)
4. Before Creation (5:09)
5. Grace (3:34)
6. Imago Dei (5:10)
7. In the Cool of the Day (5:20)
8. All Have Sinned (4:20)
9. No Innocents Here (4:36)
10. Look at the Cross (6:38)
CD2
1. The Mediator (1:09)
2. Above the Sun (4:33)
3. Redemption (5:17)
4. Justified by Faith (6:18)
5. Hero of Humanity (5:11)
6. Tetelestai (4:15)
7. Waiting for You (4:20)
8. Babylon the Great (4:24)
9. Judgment and Triumph (3:34)
10. The End is Just the Beginning (6:46)
11. 119: Theme of My Songs (4:42)
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