Wikipedia

Angra (band)

This article is about the power metal band. For other uses, seeAngra (disambiguation).

Angrais a Brazilianpower metalandprogressive metalband formed in 1991. They have released ten regular studio albums, sixEPs,and seven live CD/DVDs to date. Led by Rafael Bittencourt, the band has gained a degree of popularity in Japan and Europe.[1]

Angra
Angra performing in 2016
Angra performing in 2016
Background information
OriginSão Paulo,Brazil
Genres
Years active1991–present[a]
Labels
Members
Past members
Websiteangra.net

On 2 April 2015, guitaristKiko Loureiroleft Angra to join American thrash metal bandMegadeth.

History

edit
Andre Matos, original lead singer of the band

Formation

edit

Angra was formed in November 1991[2]by formerVipervocalistAndre Matosand guitarists Rafael Bittencourt and André Linhares, in a collaboration with music promoter andRock Brigademagazine owner Antônio "Toninho" Pirani. The trio was joined by drummer Marco Antunes, a former bandmate of Bittencourt's, and bassist André Lichewitz - quickly replaced by Luis Mariutti. Bittencourt and Matos were the primary songwriters in the band's early days.

Early in 1992, Linhares left the band and was replaced by André Hernandes, who quit in the same year to be replaced by Kiko Loureiro. With Loureiro in the line-up, Angra recorded their first demo tapeReaching Horizons,which was released in 1993 through the German label Limb Music. Among the tracks, "Queen of the Night", originally titled "Rainha" ( "Queen" ), had been previously composed for Bittencourt and Antunes' previous band; and "Evil Warning" was written during Hernandes' brief stint as guitarist.

Angels Cry

edit

During the recording sessions for their first albumAngels Cry,Marcos Antunes left the band.[3]A number of session drummers, includingAlex Holzwarthwere used to finish the album. Ricardo Confessori was later installed as a permanent replacement. This line-up change established a stable line-up lasted from 1993 to 2000.Angels Crywas recorded atGamma RayguitaristKai Hansen's studio in Hamburg, Germany. Besides Hansen, the album included guest performances byHeavens GateguitaristSascha PaethandDirk Schlächter.

The album was released in Brazil in 1993 through Eldorado Records and contained a number of classical influences as well as a cover of Kate Bush's "Wuthering Heights". The album had some success both in Brazil as well as Japan.[4]The band were managed by Antonio Pirani, also editor ofRock Brigademagazine.[5]Due to the album's success in Japan, theEvil WarningEP was released in 1994 throughVictor,which included remixed versions of songs "Evil Warning", "Angels Cry", "Carry On" and "Wuthering Heights". In the following year the album was made available in Germany through Dream Circle, and in France byCNR Music.

Holy Land

edit
Rafael Bittencourt, guitarist and main composer

In 1996 Angra opened forAC/DCin Brazil and was invited to the inaugural BrazilianMonsters of RockFestival. Following the festival, the band embarked on a Brazilian tour, with further dates in Europe in 1995.Holy Land- an ambitious project involving orchestration, choirs, and Brazilian rhythms - was released in 1996. The production was handled by Sascha Paeth and Charlie Bauerfiend.Holy Landproved successful and the Japanese Victor release, which included the bonus track "Queen of the Night", went gold.[4]The band toured Japan for the first time following the album's success, while in France the single "Make Believe" was released. That same year the EPFreedom Callwas released, containing cover versions ofJudas Priest´s "Painkiller".After the tour in support of the album, the band released a six-track live albumHoly Live,recorded in Paris in 1996.The Holy Boxwas released in 1998 by Lucretia Records (Italy), which included seven acoustic tracks.

Fireworks(1998–2000)

edit

In 1998 the band released the singleLisbon,followed by the albumFireworks,produced by Chris Tsangarides.Fireworkswas a departure from Angra's earlier experimental sound, focusing more on a neo-classical metal sound and lacking the Brazilian rhythms that were included inHoly Land.The album was the first for theSteamhammerlabel and appeared in North America throughCentury Media.A lengthy world tour was set up in support for the album. The band appeared at theBuenos Airesedition of Monsters of Rock,[6]while they co-headlined shows in Europe with Time Machine andStratovariusin 1999.Bruce Dickinsonmade a guest appearance during the Paris show,[7]while the band also performed at the Wacken Open Air festival.[8]

Matos departure andRebirth(2000–2004)

edit
Edu Falaschi, who recorded four albums with Angra as lead singer

In August 2000 Angra split, parting ways with vocalist Andre Matos who took bassist Luis Mariutti and drummer Ricardo Confessori with him.[9]In March 2001, the two remaining members, Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, announced the new line-up that included Symbols' vocalistEdu Falaschi,drummerAquiles Priester(Hangar) and bassistFelipe Andreoli(Karma).

This line-up began recording instantly and the albumRebirthwas released in 2001, produced byDennis Ward.The album was both a critical and commercial success in Brazil and internationally, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide.[10]The album went gold in Brazil that same year.[11]The EPHunters and Preywas released in 2002 which included acoustic takes of Rebirth songs, as well as other new material, a cover of "Mama"byGenesis,and their first song with lyrics in Portuguese, "Caça e Caçador" ( "Hunter and Prey" ).

Angra would play live in Japan, appearing in Rock Machine in Spain,Wacken Open Airin Germany andProgPowerin Atlanta, Georgia, which was their first visit to the United States. Following the tour, the band submitted their version ofKashmirto the compilationThe Music Remains The Same (A Metal Tribute to Led Zeppelin).

Temple of Shadows(2004–2006)

edit

Temple of Shadowsrecording sessions started in January 2004 at Mosh Studios in São Paulo, once again produced by Dennis Ward. The album featured guest vocalistsKai Hansen(Gamma Ray), Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge),Hansi Kürsch(Blind Guardian) and BrazilianMúsica popular brasileiralegendMilton Nascimento.Temple of Shadows was aconcept albumbased around a character known asThe Shadow Hunter,a crusader knight disputing the expansionist ideals of the Catholic Church in the eleventh century.

The band toured Brazil and Europe, headlining shows in Southern Europe throughout Spain, Italy, and France in February 2005. For the first time since its creation, the band played at a UK show at The Mean Fiddler in London, supported byDragonForce,and later joined Finnish bandNightwishfor the Japanese dates in March. The band then went to Taiwan and after, for the first time, they played inOceania,headlining shows in Australia. Angra resumed the Brazilian tour and then returned to Europe for the Lorca Roch Festival, Live in Italy and Bull Rock Festival, sharing stages with big heavy metal names likeIron Maiden.

Aurora Consurgens,management problems, Confessori's return (2006–2009)

edit

Later in 2006, Angra worked once again with producer Dennis Ward on their new album, entitledAurora Consurgens,focusing on a non-concept album asRebirthwas. Instead, they pursued a close relative of the idea, atheme album.Also in 2006,Fábio Lagunacomposed a solo progressive instrumental album calledFreakeysalong with drummer Aquiles Priester and bassist Felipe Andreoli. In mid-2007, the band took a break due to an unresolved situation with its manager, who was also the owner of the Angra brand. As result, other non-resolved situations between the members arose, culminating in an indefinite hiatus until a solution was reached.

In 2008, singer Edu Falaschi was originally reported as saying that Angra "has been terminated," but this was later revealed to be both a misunderstanding and a misreporting of his words. Edu later clarified what was meant by his earlier comments: "Angra is not done; we're taking a break, a pause. The band is going through some difficult management issues, and all of us are doing our best to get back on the road."[12]In 2009, the band's official site was taken down. Instead, the home page announced that the site was under construction and news would be released soon. In March 2009, the band's official site announced the return of drummer Ricardo Confessori after a 9-year hiatus to Angra, replacing Aquiles Priester, who left the band to dedicate full force to his band Hangar. The band went out on tour along with fellow Brazilian bandSepulturaduring 2009.

Aquaand departure of Falaschi and Confessori (2010–2014)

edit
Former Angra drummer Ricardo Confessori playing guitar in 2010

In the beginning of 2010, Angra started writing songs for their upcoming yet unnamed album due out in mid-2010.[13]The album was composed partly at the members' houses and partly at Confessori's ranch, where they rehearsed and improved the arrangements of the new songs. In February, they came into Norcal Studios in São Paulo, to start recordings. The band members made home videos from the writing/recording process and released them to the fans almost weekly.

On July 5 the band unveiled the cover and track list of the new album, namedAqua.On July 10, the first single "Arising Thunder" was released. On July, 15 a new song, called "Lease of Life", was played for the first time on Brazilian radio stationKiss FM.The radio program featured an interview with Loureiro and Falaschi, followed by a high quality play of the song. On August 11,Aquawas officially released in Japan and the Aqua Tour began with a series of pocket shows, being followed by a Brazilian tour through several venues around the country.

On May 23, 2012, Edu Falaschi issued an open letter in which he announced his departure from Angra.[14]Despite not explaining why, he said he would focus on his future projects, includingAlmah.[14]Management of the band approached Matos for a possible return, but he declined.[15]Fabio Lione(ex-Labyrinth,Rhapsody of Fire) became the third vocalist for the band.

Fabio Lione performing with Angra in 2016

In 2014, drummer Ricardo Confessori announced he would end his second tenure with the band. He was later replaced by 23-year-old Bruno Valverde.[16]

Secret Garden,Kiko's departure, andØmni(2014–2021)

edit
Kiko Loureiro, former guitarist of both Angra and the American thrash metal bandMegadeth

In November 2014, the band announced their eighth studio album,Secret Garden,that was released on December 17 in Japan and on January 16, 2015 in Brazil and Europe.[17]On September 19, 2015, Angra performed atRock in Riowith special guestsDoro PeschandDee Snider.A third, surprise guest was also announced mid-show: lead guitaristMarcelo Barbosa,who was revealed as Loureiro's touring replacement after the latter had joinedMegadethearlier in the year.[18]The band released their ninth studio album,Ømni,on February 16, 2018 worldwide.

Former vocalistAndre Matosdied on 8 June 2019. A heart attack was cited as the cause.[19]

In 2021, the band released a graphic novel based on the history of the albumTemple of Shadows,called "O Templo das Sombras".[20]

Cycles of Painand third hiatus (since 2021)

edit

The band announced that their tenth album,Cycles of Pain,would be released on November 1, 2023 in Japan and on November 3 elsewhere. It will be their first album released underAtomic Fire.

On September 2, 2024, the band announced that they will take a touring and recording hiatus after finishing the tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their albumTemple of Shadowsin March 2025.[21]

Musical style

edit

Their musical style has been described aspower metal,[1][22]progressive metal,[1][23]andneoclassical metal.[1]

Band members

edit

Current members

edit
  • Rafael Bittencourt – guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1991–present), co-lead vocals (2012–2023), occasional lead vocals (2023–present)
  • Felipe Andreoli– bass, keyboards, piano, backing vocals (2001–present)
  • Fabio Lione– lead vocals (2013–present)
  • Bruno Valverde – drums (2014–present)
  • Marcelo Barbosa– guitars (2015–present)

Former members

edit
  • André Linhares – guitars, backing vocals (1991–1992)
  • Marco Antunes – drums (1991–1993)
  • Andre Matos– lead vocals, keyboards, piano (1991–2000; died 2019)
  • André Lichewitz – bass (1991)
  • Luis Mariutti – bass (1991–2000)
  • André Hernandes – guitars, backing vocals (1992)
  • Kiko Loureiro– guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1992–2015)
  • Aquiles Priester– drums (2001–2008)
  • Edu Falaschi– lead vocals,acoustic guitar(inUnpluggedshows) (2000–2012)
  • Ricardo Confessori– drums (1993–2000, 2009–2014), backing vocals (During live shows) (1993-2000)

Former support members

edit
  • Alex Holzwarth– drums (1993, studio)
  • Fábio Ribeiro - keyboards (1992 – 1993, 1999 Fireworks tour)
  • Fábio Laguna– keyboards, backing vocals (2001–2007, touring)
  • Dio Lima (Opus V) - keyboards (2022, Rebirth 20th Anniversary Tour)

Timeline

edit

Discography

edit

Studio albums

edit
Released Title Label Brazilian charts[24] French charts[25] Japanese charts[4] Swiss charts[26] Belgian Charts (Wallonia)[26] Sales Certifications
1993 Angels Cry Eldorado/JVC Japan/Polydor N/A not released 17 N/A N/A 900,000 JP: Gold
1996 Holy Land Eldorado/JVC Japan/Lucretia N/A not released 17 N/A N/A 800,000 JP: Gold
1998 Fireworks Paradoxx/JVC Japan/SPV N/A not released 15 N/A N/A 700,000 JP: Gold
2001 Rebirth Paradoxx/JVC Japan/SPV N/A 74 18 N/A N/A 400,000[27] JP: Gold
BR: Gold
GR: Gold
2004 Temple of Shadows Paradoxx/JVC Japan/SPV 10 110 22 N/A N/A 800,000 JP: Gold
BR: Gold
2006 Aurora Consurgens Paradoxx/JVC Japan/SPV 14 154 17 N/A N/A 450,000 BR: Gold
2010 Aqua Voice Music/JVC Japan/SPV 11 147 22 N/A N/A N/A N/A
2014 Secret Garden Universal/JVC Japan/Edel N/A 174 20 N/A 195 N/A N/A
2018 ØMNI Shinigami Records/JVC Japan/Edel N/A 166 42 88 133 N/A N/A
2023 Cycles of Pain Atomic Fire Records - - - - - - -

Demos

edit

Extended plays (EPs)

edit
  • Evil Warning(1994)
  • Live Acoustic at FNAC(1995)
  • Freedom Call(1996)
  • Acoustic... And more(1998)
  • Hunters and Prey(2002) - No. 85 Japanese charts
  • AudioArena Originals: Angra-EP(2017)

Compilations

edit

Live albums

edit
  • Holy Live, Recorded 1996(1997) - No. 87 Japanese albums charts
  • Rebirth World Tour – Live in São Paulo, Recorded 2001(CD & DVD, 2002) - No. 78 Japanese charts (CD); No. 156 Japanese charts (DVD)
  • Angels Cry 20th Anniversary Tour, Recorded 2013(CD & DVD, 2013) - No. 80 Japanese charts (CD); No. 209 Japanese charts (DVD)
  • Live at Loud Park 2013 (CD, 2014)
  • Ømni Live, Recorded 2018(CD & DVD, 2021)
  • Sonastério Ilumina(2023)
  • Acoustic Live at Opera de Arame (CD, LP & DVD, 2024)

Singles

edit
  • "Carry On" (1994)
  • "Make Believe" (1996)
  • "Lisbon" (1998)
  • "Rainy Nights" (1998)
  • "Acid Rain" (2001) (demo version)
  • "Wishing Well" (2004) - No. 85 Brazilian charts
  • "The Course of Nature" (2006) (free download only)
  • "Arising Thunder" (2010) (free download only)
  • "Lease of Life" (2010) (free download only)
  • "Newborn Me" (2014) (free download only)
  • "Travelers of Time" (2018)
  • "Black Widow's Web" (featSandy LimaandAlissa White-Gluz) (2018)
  • "War Horns" (feat Kiko Loureiro) (2018)
  • "Hollow (Aqua 2020 Remix)" (2020)
  • "Ride into the Storm" (2023)
  • "Tide of Changes Part II" (feat Vanessa Moreno) (2023)
  • "Gods of the World" (2023)

References

edit
  1. ^abcdWhite, David."Angra Biography, Songs, & Albums".AllMusic.Archivedfrom the original on June 19, 2018.RetrievedAugust 15,2015.
  2. ^"The Metalsmiths's Lair: Angra".Truemetal.org.RetrievedJune 21,2013.
  3. ^"Interview with André Matos (Part 2 of 2)".Metal Meltdown with Dr. Metal.March 30, 2013.RetrievedJuly 26,2015.
  4. ^abc"Angra - Album Sales (Japan)".Oricon.co.jp(in Japanese). Oricon ME inc.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  5. ^"Update".Billboard.Vol. 107, no. 14. Nielsen Business Media, Inc. April 8, 1995. p. 108.
  6. ^"Monsters of Rock".La Nación(in Spanish). December 11, 1998.RetrievedDecember 1,2015.
  7. ^"Bruce & Angra 1999".The Beast(in Spanish). April 9, 2015.RetrievedDecember 1,2015.
  8. ^"W:O:A - Bands".www.wacken.com.Archived fromthe originalon December 8, 2015.RetrievedDecember 1,2015.
  9. ^"Andre Matos comenta a saída do Angra".Whiplash.net(in Portuguese). August 6, 2000.RetrievedDecember 1,2015.
  10. ^Kevin Stewart-Panko (April 30, 2002)."Angra - Rebirth".Exclaim.RetrievedJune 18,2024.
  11. ^"Angra: Rebirth World Tour - Live In Sao Paulo (2001)".Axe Murderer. November 18, 2010.RetrievedJune 18,2024.
  12. ^"UPDATE: ANGRA STILL IN BUSINESS; BAND JUST TAKING BREAK".Brave Words & Bloody Knuckles.September 8, 2008.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  13. ^"ANGRA // Reaching Horizons // the official website".Angra.net. Archived fromthe originalon June 14, 2011.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  14. ^abMacedo, Eduardo (May 24, 2012)."Angra: carta aberta de Edu Falaschi sobre a sua saída"(in Portuguese). Whiplash.net.RetrievedMay 24,2012.
  15. ^"Andre Matos Says Angra Should Call It Quits Following Split With Edu Falaschi".Blabbermouth.net.April 12, 2013.RetrievedDecember 1,2015.
  16. ^"Announcemente".Angra's official Facebook page(in Portuguese).Facebook.May 12, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 2022-02-26.RetrievedMay 12,2014.
  17. ^"Post at the band's official Facebook page".Facebook.November 15, 2014. Archived fromthe originalon 2022-02-26.RetrievedNovember 15,2014.
  18. ^"Rock in Rio 2015: Angra se despede de Kiko Loureiro e anuncia novo guitarrista em show estrelado".Rolling StoneBrasil(in Portuguese). Grupo Spring. September 19, 2015.RetrievedSeptember 19,2015.
  19. ^Nogueira, Renata (June 8, 2019)."Morre Andre Matos, ex-vocalista e fundador do Angra, aos 47 anos".UOL Entretenimento.RetrievedJune 8,2019.
  20. ^Chapeleta, Marcos (January 11, 2021)."Angra anuncia graphic novel inspirada no álbum" Temple of Shadows "".Ligado à Música.RetrievedFebruary 7,2021.
  21. ^Blabbermouth (2024-09-02)."ANGRA To Go On Hiatus Following 'Temple Of Shadows' 20th-Anniversary Tour".BLABBERMOUTH.NET.Retrieved2024-09-04.
  22. ^Wagner, Jeff (2010).Mean Deviation: Four Decades of Progressive Heavy Metal.Bazillion Points Books. p. 223.ISBN978-0-9796163-3-4.
  23. ^"POP AND JAZZ GUIDE".The New York Times.November 22, 2002.ISSN0362-4331.RetrievedJanuary 3,2022.
  24. ^"Exclusivo Online - Lista dos 50 CDs mais vendidos na semana".Época(in Brazilian Portuguese). November 2005. Archived fromthe originalon February 12, 2011.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  25. ^"Les charts français"(in French). lescharts.com.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  26. ^ab"spanishcharts.com - Spanish charts portal".Spanishcharts.com.Archived fromthe originalon December 23, 2010.RetrievedOctober 13,2020.
  27. ^dos Santos, Niva (April 9, 2003)."Entrevista Exclusiva".Portal do Rock(in Brazilian Portuguese). Archived fromthe originalon July 6, 2011.RetrievedJuly 1,2011.
  1. ^Hiatuses: 1999–2001, 2007–2009, 2025 onwards
edit
Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Angra_(band)&oldid=1274127137"