Angras Afterbirth
By
Frank Meyer,
Contributing Editor
Wednesday, December 12, 2001 @ 1:01 PM
| Angra Celebrates Their Rebi
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The Rebirth of Angra is complete, as the progressive rock/metal band releases its first album with its revamped lineup on SPV Records.
“After a long time waiting, the fans will now know that the goddess of fire still rages on,” said guitarist Rafael Bittencourt. “Rebirth is the fruit of the very hard work of all the people involved.”
A celebrated band within the ranks of progressive music, Sao Paulo, Brazil-based Angra released three albums and three EPs before an upheaval in its lineup last year. Founding members Kiko Loureiro and Bittencourt immediately regrouped and decided to carry on the Angra name, carefully recruiting new vocalist Edu Falaschi, drummer Aquiles Priester, and bassist Felipe Andreoli to complete the band.
As guitarists and main songwriters Loureiro and Bittencourt saw to it that the trademark Angra sound remained intact as the group went about writing songs. The end result – appropriately entitled Rebirth – has decidedly done justice to the Angra name.
“The Angra way of doing metal remains untouchable, so I am sure the fans will adore ‘Rebirth,” said Loureiro. “The new members perfectly understood the real meaning of our music and they are always surprising me with their professionalism and musical skills. This is only the beginning of a new and long-lasting era.”
Added drummer Priester: “The songs kept a high energy and I believe this is the first thing the fans will notice in the new Angra - the energy.”
The quest to keep the Angra sound authentic was heightened and helped by the fact that the band’s new additions were longtime fans of Angra. “What kept this force alive is the passion for music that we have, and the same feeling of passion has grown inside the new members’ hearts throughout the years they were listening to Angra,” Bittencourt said.
“This is surely my favorite Angra album already,” said Andreoli. “The songs do reflect perfectly the current level of the band, as well as the musical and personal energy, willingness, and tightness we are experiencing.”
Angra’s success overseas has been notable over the years, and Rebirth is continuing the tradition of international acclaim. The album entered the general Japanese charts in the 18th position. Back in Brazil, the album is about to reach Gold status.
The band has already begun a successful tour of its native Brazil, and will introduce its new show to hometown crowds on December 15th at the famous Via Funchal venue. The international leg of the world tour will begin in March and will include a trip to Japan.
“In regards to the band itself, the most important things to be stated are the real friendship and union that exist among us,” said Falaschi. “We are working as a true team: dedicated, professional, and pleased with ourselves.”
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