Angra

Biography

Angra is a Brazilian progressive and power metal band formed in 1991. They have released ten regular studio albums, six EPs, and seven live CD/DVDs to date. Led by Rafael Bittencourt, the band has gained a degree of popularity in Japan and Europe.
Emerging in the early 1990s, Angra spearheaded a national movement for melodic, progressive, and power metal. They proved that Brazilian bands could achieve technical mastery, paving the way for other melodic metal bands in Latin America and diversifying the country's musical export. Angra broke new ground by seamlessly integrating fast-paced European-style power metal and intricate progressive metal with classical music orchestration and indigenous Brazilian regional rhythms, such as baião, frevo, and maracatu. This innovative fusion, most notably showcased on their critically acclaimed early albums Angels Cry×Angels Cry3 November 1993 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Unfinished Allegro1:142Carry On5:043Time5:564Angels Cry6:495Stand Away4:566Never Understand7:497Wuthering Heights4:418Streets of Tomorrow5:039Evil Warning6:4210Lasting Child: I. The Parting Words / II. Renaissance7:37 (1993) and Holy Land×Holy Land23 March 1996 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 13 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Crossing1:562Nothing to Say6:223Silence and Distance5:354Carolina IV10:375Holy Land6:266The Shaman5:247Make Believe5:538Z.I.T.O.6:049Deep Blue5:4710Lullaby for Lucifer2:44Disc 21Angels Cry9:552Chega de saudade2:533Never Understand6:22 (1996), established a completely new paradigm within the global melodic metal subgenre.
Beyond their home country, Angra achieved international success, most notably in Japan. The Japanese market, known for its appreciation of virtuosic musicianship and neo-classical arrangements, embraced the band. During their peak, Angra achieved multiple gold records, embarked on numerous sold-out tours across the country, and became frequent cover stars on major Japanese rock magazines like Burrn!.
On 2 April 2015, guitarist Kiko Loureiro left Angra to join American thrash metal band Megadeth.

Formation (1991–1992)

Angra was formed in November 1991 by former Viper vocalist Andre Matos and guitarists Rafael Bittencourt and André Linhares, in a collaboration with music promoter and Rock Brigade magazine 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 tape Reaching 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×Evil Warning16 December 1994 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Evil Warning (’94 version)6:402Angels Cry (’94 version)6:483Carry On (’94 version)5:094Wuthering Heights (edit)3:33" was written during Hernandes' brief stint as guitarist.

Angels Cry (1993–1995)

During the recording sessions for their first album Angels Cry×Angels Cry3 November 1993 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Unfinished Allegro1:142Carry On5:043Time5:564Angels Cry6:495Stand Away4:566Never Understand7:497Wuthering Heights4:418Streets of Tomorrow5:039Evil Warning6:4210Lasting Child: I. The Parting Words / II. Renaissance7:37, Marcos Antunes left the band. A number of session drummers, including Alex Holzwarth were used to finish the album. Ricardo Confessori was later installed as a permanent replacement. This line-up change established a stable line-up and lasted from 1993 to 2000. Angels Cry was recorded at Gamma Ray guitarist Kai Hansen's studio in Hamburg, Germany. Besides Hansen, the album included guest performances by Heavens Gate guitarist Sascha Paeth and Dirk 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. The band were managed by Antonio Pirani, also editor of Rock Brigade magazine. Due to the album's success in Japan, the Evil Warning×Evil Warning16 December 1994 · EPSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 4 tracks1Evil Warning (’94 version)6:402Angels Cry (’94 version)6:483Carry On (’94 version)5:094Wuthering Heights (edit)3:33 EP was released in 1994 through Victor, 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 by CNR Music.

Holy Land (1996–1997)

In 1996, Angra opened for AC/DC in Brazil and was invited to the inaugural Brazilian Monsters of Rock Festival. 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 Land proved successful and the Japanese Victor release, which included the bonus track "Queen of the Night", went gold. The band toured Japan for the first time following the album's success, while in France the single "Make Believe×Make Believe1996 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Make Believe (edit version)3:592Make Believe (album version)5:52" was released. That same year the EP Freedom Call×Freedom Call28 September 1996 · EPSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1Freedom Call5:072Queen of the Night (remixed version)4:383Reaching Horizons5:104Stand Away (orchestral version)4:395Painkiller (remixed version)6:056Deep Blue (edit version)3:56 was released, containing cover versions of Judas Priest´s "Painkiller". After the tour in support of the album, the band released a six-track live album Holy Live×Holy Live23 April 1997 · Album · LiveSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 6 tracks1Crossing2:272Nothing to Say6:273Z.I.T.O.6:474Carolina IV13:135Unfinished Allegro1:156Carry On5:21, recorded in Paris in 1996. The Holy Box was released in 1998 by Lucretia Records (Italy), which included seven acoustic tracks.

Fireworks (1998–2000)

In 1998, the band released the single Lisbon, followed by the album Fireworks×Fireworks9 February 1998 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Wings of Reality5:552Petrified Eyes6:063Lisbon5:134Metal Icarus6:245Paradise7:386Mystery Machine4:127Fireworks6:218Extreme Dream4:179Gentle Change5:3610Speed5:57, produced by Chris Tsangarides. Fireworks was a departure from Angra's earlier experimental sound, focusing more on a neo-classical metal sound and lacking the Brazilian rhythms that were included in Holy Land. The album was the first for the Steamhammer label and appeared in North America through Century Media. A lengthy world tour was set up in support for the album. The band appeared at the Buenos Aires edition of Monsters of Rock, while they co-headlined shows in Europe with Time Machine and Stratovarius in 1999. Bruce Dickinson made a guest appearance during the Paris show, while the band also performed at the Wacken Open Air festival.

Matos' departure and Rebirth (2000–2004)

In August 2000, Angra split, parting ways with vocalist Andre Matos who took bassist Luis Mariutti and drummer Ricardo Confessori with him. In March 2001, the two remaining members, Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, announced the new line-up that included Symbols' vocalist Edu Falaschi, drummer Aquiles Priester (Hangar) and bassist Felipe Andreoli (Karma).
This line-up began recording instantly and the album Rebirth×Rebirth24 October 2001 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1In Excelsis1:032Nova Era4:523Millennium Sun5:114Acid Rain6:085Heroes of Sand4:396Unholy Wars: Part I - Imperial Crown / Part II - Forgiven Return8:147Rebirth5:188Judgement Day5:409Running Alone7:1410Visions Prelude4:32 was released in 2001, produced by Dennis Ward. The album was both a critical and commercial success in Brazil and internationally, selling over 100,000 copies worldwide. The album went gold in Brazil that same year. The EP Hunters and Prey×Hunters and Prey24 April 2002 · EPSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 8 tracks1Live and Learn4:122Bleeding Heart4:043Hunters and Prey6:294Eyes of Christ4:165Rebirth (acoustic edit version)3:366Heroes of Sand (acoustic version)3:507Mama5:208Caça e caçador (Hunters and Prey Portuguese version)6:28 was released in 2002 which included acoustic takes of Rebirth songs, as well as other new material, a cover of "Mama" by Genesis, 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 Air in Germany and ProgPower in Atlanta, Georgia, which was their first visit to the United States. Following the tour, the band submitted their version of Kashmir to the compilation The Music Remains The Same (A Metal Tribute to Led Zeppelin).

Temple of Shadows (2004–2006)

Temple of Shadows recording sessions started in January 2004 at Mosh Studios in São Paulo, once again produced by Dennis Ward. The album featured guest vocalists Kai Hansen (Gamma Ray), Sabine Edelsbacher (Edenbridge), Hansi Kürsch (Blind Guardian) and Brazilian Música popular brasileira legend Milton Nascimento. Temple of Shadows was a concept album based around a character known as The 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 by DragonForce, and later joined Finnish band Nightwish for the Japanese dates in March. The band then went to Taiwan and after, for the first time, they played in Oceania, 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 like Iron Maiden.

Aurora Consurgens and Confessori's return (2006–2009)

Later in 2006, Angra worked once again with producer Dennis Ward on their new album, entitled Aurora Consurgens×Aurora Consurgens25 October 2006 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube MusicTracklist · 10 tracks1The Course of Nature4:312The Voice Commanding You5:283Ego Painted Grey5:384Breaking Ties3:305Salvation: Suicide4:226Window to Nowhere6:027So Near So Far7:098Passing By6:339Scream Your Heart Out4:2610Abandoned Fate3:10, focusing on a non-concept album as Rebirth×Rebirth24 October 2001 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1In Excelsis1:032Nova Era4:523Millennium Sun5:114Acid Rain6:085Heroes of Sand4:396Unholy Wars: Part I - Imperial Crown / Part II - Forgiven Return8:147Rebirth5:188Judgement Day5:409Running Alone7:1410Visions Prelude4:32 was. Instead, they pursued a close relative of the idea, a theme album. Also in 2006, Fábio Laguna composed a solo progressive instrumental album called Freakeys along 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." 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 band Sepultura during 2009.

Aqua, and departure of Falaschi and Confessori (2010–2014)

In the beginning of 2010, Angra started writing songs for their upcoming yet unnamed album due out in mid-2010. 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, named Aqua. On July 10, the first single "Arising Thunder×Arising Thunder9 July 2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Arising Thunder4:52" was released. On July, 15 a new song, called "Lease of Life×Lease of Life22 July 2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Lease of Life4:32", was played for the first time on Brazilian radio station Kiss FM. The radio program featured an interview with Loureiro and Falaschi, followed by a high quality play of the song. On August 11, Aqua was 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. Despite not explaining why, he said he would focus on his future projects, including Almah. Management of the band approached Matos for a possible return, but he declined. Fabio Lione (ex-Labyrinth, Rhapsody of Fire) became the third vocalist for the band.

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.

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

In November 2014, the band announced their eighth studio album, Secret Garden×Secret Garden17 December 2014 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 10 tracks1Newborn Me6:132Black Hearted Soul4:483Final Light4:244Storm of Emotions4:565Violet Sky4:486Secret Garden4:037Upper Levels6:288Crushing Room5:079Perfect Symmetry4:2210Silent Call3:48, that was released on December 17 in Japan and on January 16, 2015, in Brazil and Europe. On September 19, 2015, Angra performed at Rock in Rio with special guests Doro Pesch and Dee Snider. A third, surprise guest was also announced mid-show: lead guitarist Marcelo Barbosa, who was revealed as Loureiro's touring replacement after the latter had joined Megadeth earlier in the year. The band released their ninth studio album, ØMNI, on February 16, 2018, worldwide.
Former vocalist Andre Matos died on 8 June 2019. A heart attack was cited as the cause.
In 2021, the band released a graphic novel based on the history of the album Temple of Shadows×Temple of Shadows6 September 2004 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 31 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Deus le volt!0:522Spread Your Fire4:253Angels and Demons4:114Waiting Silence4:555Wishing Well4:006The Temple of Hate5:137The Shadow Hunter8:048No Pain for the Dead5:059Winds of Destination6:5610Sprouts of Time5:0911Morning Star7:3912Late Redemption4:5513Gate XIII5:03Disc 21In Excelsis2Nova Era3Acid Rain4Angels Cry5Heroes of Sand6Metal Icarus7Millennium Sun8Make Believe9Drum Solo10Unholy Wars11Rebirth12Time13Running Alone14Crossing15Nothing to Say16Unfinished Allegro17Carry On18The Number of the Beast, called "O Templo das Sombras".

Cycles of Pain (2021–present)

In November 2023 Angra released their tenth album, Cycles of Pain×Cycles of Pain1 November 2023 · Studio albumSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 25 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Cyclus doloris0:482Ride Into the Storm6:103Dead Man on Display6:134Tide of Changes – Part I1:105Tide of Changes – Part II5:386Vida seca5:137Gods of the World4:468Cycles of Pain5:099Faithless Sanctuary6:4410Here in the Now5:5711Generation Warriors5:0912Tears of Blood5:3713Tears of Blood (speed version)5:42Disc 21In Excelsis0:552Nova Era5:073Millennium Sun5:184Acid Rain6:125Heroes of Sand5:126Unholy Wars8:087Running Alone7:368Visions Prelude4:459The Course of Nature4:4010Metal Icarus6:5111The Shadow Hunter8:5912Bleeding Heart4:14. It was their first album with the Atomic Fire label.
On September 2, 2024, the band announced that they would take a touring and recording hiatus after finishing the tour celebrating the 20th anniversary of their album Temple of Shadows×Temple of Shadows6 September 2004 · Studio albumSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 31 tracks · 2 discsDisc 11Deus le volt!0:522Spread Your Fire4:253Angels and Demons4:114Waiting Silence4:555Wishing Well4:006The Temple of Hate5:137The Shadow Hunter8:048No Pain for the Dead5:059Winds of Destination6:5610Sprouts of Time5:0911Morning Star7:3912Late Redemption4:5513Gate XIII5:03Disc 21In Excelsis2Nova Era3Acid Rain4Angels Cry5Heroes of Sand6Metal Icarus7Millennium Sun8Make Believe9Drum Solo10Unholy Wars11Rebirth12Time13Running Alone14Crossing15Nothing to Say16Unfinished Allegro17Carry On18The Number of the Beast in March 2025. The band reunited for the Bangers Open Air festival on April 26, 2026, with the return of their 2001–2008 lineup that included guitarist Kiko Loureiro, drummer Aquiles Priester, and vocalist Edu Falaschi. This was the band's final performance with Fabio Lione whose departure from the band was announced on November 23. It was also the first show with new vocalist Alirio Netto.

Musical style

Their musical style has been described as power metal, progressive metal, and neoclassical metal.

Current

Rafael Bittencourt – guitars, backing vocals (1991–present), occasional lead vocals, keyboards, piano (2012–present)
Felipe Andreoli – bass, backing vocals (2001–present), keyboards (2015–present)
Bruno Valverde – drums (2014–present)
Marcelo Barbosa – guitars (2015–present)
Alirio Netto – lead vocals, keyboards (2026–present)

Former

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 "Zaza" Hernandes – guitars, backing vocals (1992)
Kiko Loureiro – guitars, keyboards, piano, backing vocals (1992–2015, guest in 2026)
Ricardo Confessori – drums (1993–2000, 2009–2014), backing vocals (During live shows) (1993–2000)
Aquiles Priester – drums (2001–2008, guest in 2026)
Edu Falaschi – lead vocals, acoustic guitar (in Unplugged shows) (2000–2012, guest 2026)
Fabio Lione – lead vocals (2013–2026)

Session and touring

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

Studio albums

Angels Cry (1993)
Holy Land (1996)
Fireworks (1998)
Rebirth (2001)
Temple of Shadows (2004)
Aurora Consurgens (2006)
Aqua (2010)
Secret Garden (2014)
ØMNI (2018)
Cycles of Pain (2023)

Extended plays

Freedom Call (1996)
Holy Live (1997)
Hunters and Prey (2002)

Live/video albums

Rebirth World Tour • Live in São Paulo (2002)
Angels Cry (20th Anniversary Tour) (2013)
ØMNI Live (2021)
Acoustic - Live at Opera de Arame (2024)

Singles

"Carry On" (1994)
"Make Believe×Make Believe1996 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 2 tracks1Make Believe (edit version)3:592Make Believe (album version)5:52" (1996)
"Lisbon×Lisbon19 June 1998 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Lisbon5:162Make Believe (acoustic version)4:313Angels Cry (demo version)7:11" (1998)
"Rainy Nights×Rainy Nights1999 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 3 tracks1Rainy Nights (radio edit)4:022Rainy Nights (album version)5:063Rainy Nights (instrumental version)5:08" (1998)
"Acid Rain×Acid Rain2001 · Single · DemoSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Acid Rain5:29" (2001) (demo version)
"Wishing Well" (2004) - No. 85 Brazilian charts
"The Course of Nature×The Course of Nature2006 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1The Course of Nature4:30" (2006) (free download only)
"Arising Thunder×Arising Thunder9 July 2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Arising Thunder4:52" (2010) (free download only)
"Lease of Life×Lease of Life22 July 2010 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Lease of Life4:32" (2010) (free download only)
"Newborn Me" (2014) (free download only)
"Travelers of Time" (2018)
"Black Widow's Web" (feat Sandy Lima and Alissa White-Gluz) (2018)
"War Horns" (feat Kiko Loureiro) (2018)
"Hollow (Aqua 2020 Remix)×Hollow (Aqua 2020 remix)16 December 2020 · SingleSpotify (search)YouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Hollow (Aqua 2020 remix)5:30" (2020)
"Ride into the Storm×Ride Into the Storm4 August 2023 · SingleSpotifyYouTube Music (search)Tracklist · 1 track1Ride Into the Storm6:12" (2023)
"Tide of Changes Part II" (feat Vanessa Moreno) (2023)
"Gods of the World" (2023)