Dear readers, in this article we have the pleasure to offer you an interview with a legendary band from the Brazilian Progressive/Power Metal scene. We welcome Angra.
Hello, how are you?
Felipe: “Great, thanks, and you?“
November 2023 will see the release of your new album “Cycles of Pain,” how would you describe this work?
Felipe: “It’s our 10 th studio album and a very diverse one. It encompasses all the elements that have been part of the Angra sound since the beginning while at the same time being open to new ideas and experimentations. It’s the 3 rd album with Fabio Lione on vocals and, in my opinion, his best work with Angra by far. The songs range from the more traditional power metal to some very experimental, Brazilian influenced tunes. There’s a lot of different dynamics and textures, and many of the songs are connected. Our idea is to guide the listener through a musical journey.“
Both the instrumental and vocal parts are very intense, what themes do the lyrics deal with?
Felipe: “The common thread is pain and its cycles. When we started writing the lyrics it became clear that it would be impossible not to be affected by what mankind had gone through during the pandemic. We also had our own personal struggles, and all these things naturally came through in the lyrics. We talk about pain, but we don’t dwell in it. We try to have a positive outlook, using pain as a steppingstone for growth and evolution.“
Your style is energetic and technical, how does the creative process of the tracks take place?
Felipe: “It can happen in many different ways. Sometimes one of us gets really inspired and brings most of the song from home. Other times it’s a spur of the moment thing that sparks a jam and we go from there. We take these rough ideas and work together to shape the song. Our process has been very collaborative. If you look at the writing credits, most members participate in most songs.“
Many of your fans and our readers are wondering if there will be a chance to hear you live, do you have plans to do so in the near future?
Felipe: “We definitely do! We’re looking into possibilities right now and we hope to have good news in the near future. Right now we have the 70.000 Tons Of Metal cruise and the Prog Power festival booked for next year.“
You have released numerous albums since your formation, how has your sound evolved over the years?
Felipe: “As musicians we’re always evolving, playing new styles, learning and listening to new music. We try to be open to these new ideas while maintaining a certain coherence with what we’ve done before. No Angra album is like the last one. We always stretch the boundaries a little with every album. Some would say we got more prog over the years, and we certainly got heavier, too.“
You are an iconic band in the Brazilian Metal scene, how do you see the modern scene in your country?
Felipe: “There’s a plethora of great bands in Brazil. Right now we have quite a few bands building a reputation around the world, like Crypta and Nervosa, and many others that have been releasing great material locally. It’s great to see new bands shaping up a fresh metal scene in out country.“
Given your experience, what advice would you give to young artists who are approaching
music with more sophisticated sounds like yours?
Felipe: “You gotta do it for the music. It has to be real, from the heart. This style of music demands a lot of dedication from the listener, which in turn makes it less commercial. If you’re doing it for the fame and money, look elsewhere.“
Do you have other artistic activities or passions outside of music?
Felipe: “All my work is inside the music business. Online classes, music production and many other bands and projects that I get involved with, including my solo project.”
I thank Angra for the interview, wishing them all the best for the release of their new album and the continuation of their artistic career.
Felipe: “Thank you! Hope to see you soon“
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