Angra

Like the mythical Goddess of Fire from which they take their name, Angra is a band that balances grace and beauty with devastating power. Burning with passionate aggression but also elegant craftsmanship, Angra's classically influenced songs combine heaviness with melodic accessibility, comparable at times to Dream Theater and/or Fates Warning. As evidenced by the success of the band's 1993 debut, Angels Cry, and the 1996 follow-up, Holy Land (as well as three EPs; 1994's Evil Warning, '96's Freedom Call and Holy Live from 1997) fans of progressive power metal all over the world have been enlightened by Angra, and are anxiously awaiting to hear more from the five-piece from Brazil.

Sharing a passion for music played with intensity and a high degree of technicality, the members of Angra certainly did not envision achieving the worldwide success that they are enjoying today. Beginning with extraordinary vocalist Andre Matos (who had left his former band Viper due to creative differences) and innovative guitarist Kiko Loureiro, Angra began to take shape in 1991. Within a few months, a line-up was solidified with bassist Luis Mariutti and ex-Firebox members Rafael Bittencourt (guitar) and Marco Antunes (drums) completing the unit. The five soon entered the studio and created their first and only demo, which was released to wide acclaim and exposure. Since then they have managed to top each previous release with the kind of driving and memorable metal that one could only expect from an act such as this.

With an inspiring mix of traditional power metal sound layered with classical and folk influences, Angra has brought along the right tools to create originality and adroitness, audacity and quality. The band have long been a phenomenon in their home land, and have made huge waves in Japan, France and Germany in the last few years. Angra's extraordinary musical talent, innovative songwriting and wonderful musicianship creates an immediate, emotional impact on even the most seIective of listener.

In 2001 3 new members - vocalist Edu Falaschi, drummer Aquiles Priester, and bassist Felipe Andreoli have joined founding members, guitarists and main songwriters Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt to complete the new lineup of Angra.

The band is currently going through a very fruitful songwriting period. There are several new tracks already completed, plus many others being finalized. The five-piece has just recorded a new four-track demo tape, and all of its songs will also appear on the forthcoming studio album, set to be released in the second half of 2001.

The essence of the musical style that made the band successful worldwide is still intact. Listeners will notice even more powerful guitars, with catchy riffs and memorable solos, vocals with huge feeling, and the thundering rhythm section, that gather the strength of heavy metal with classical influences and typical Brazilian sounds.

Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt, both renowned musicians, have been in the ranks of Angra since its inception back in 1991. Each of the three new musicians were chosen because of his experience, technical abilities, and perfect matching with the rest of the group, both artistically and personally, since the first rehearsals.

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