ANGRA INTERVIEW
The Brazilian "kings of metal", ANGRA, are back with a really awesome album titled "Rebirth". Intromental hooked up with guitarist Rafael to hear more about the new album and the changes within the band over the past couple of years - read on …

Interview by Claus Jensen
What happened after "Fireworks" that lead to the split with 60% of the band?

"I believe that the main reason was that our previous singer got too involved with his solo projects. Our manger has been his manager since he was 13 years old and thought that would be fair to represent him on his new career. Mr. Matos was unhappy with the idea of sharing it and started to argue with the manager. In the end he left with two other members leaving Kiko and me alone with all the problems. Fortunately we've found great talented musicians and now Angra bringing a new CD called Rebirth."

Are you still on friendly terms with the ex-members?

"It didn't change too much, because the band was not getting along so fine in the past years. But we keep contact cause we still have to decide together about the back catalogue and we still collect royalties from the old work. I have no hard feelings for them, I wish them all the good success they deserve."

Have you heard either Shaman or Virgo? What do you think of them...?

"Yes, I think its very good music, I have never questioned the quality or the talent of the former members."

Since a lot of people associate Angra with André Matos, it might seem weird that you ended up with the band name - how did that happen - and did you end up in court to settle it?

"No, there was no court involved. It was a very clever decision since they didn't want at the time of the split to keep with the same type of music and concept. Besides, if they have kept the name they would have to find solution for all the contractual and administrative problems that we were having, but they preferred to start something new then to clear up the shades of the bands reputation."

Tell us about the 3 new guys - how did you find them?

"They are the best of the actual Brazilian metal scene. They were very familiar with Angra's work since the beginning but they have no personal involvement with the bands past. All they think is about the future of the band and to show people their talent."

What do you think makes them different than their predecessors? (Edu compared to Andre Matos etc....)

"Edu has a total different personality, he is very funny! His technique is also different, his main quality is the flexibility for changing into many types of voices. In one minute his is nice and mellow for the classic parts and in the other minute he is aggressive and emotional like Ronnie Dio. Aquiles and Felipe, the drummer and the bass player, are used to play together for a long time they have recorded the ex-maiden member Paul D'ianno last studio album Nomad. They are technical, fast and powerful on the way they play."

The new album was recorded with a different producer team - why the change?

"We have contacted the old producers, Charlie and Sascha, but neither one of them could take the job, so we've contacted Dennis Ward and this was a very happy choice, not only for his personality but also for the precious ears he's got. Much of the success of this new album is due to him."

How important is it to have a (well known) producer involved? - I would guess that all your years of experience in the studio with Angra and other projects would make you able to record the album by yourself ...

"Its is not always important to have a well-known producer leading the recordings, but at this time we needed to regain the reliability from the record companies. And as soon as a famous producer was in the project things started to flow in a easier way. Besides its important to have someone from outside whom really captures the feeling of the band and put into tape. Its is always dangerous to loose the focus if you don't have a producer, cause each one on the band has a different impression of the overall sound."

I've seen reviews of "Rebirth" stating that it sounds like "Angels Cry Part II", whereas other compares it to "Holy Land" - where do you think this album fits in with the evolution of Angra?

"I think that Angels Cry and Holy Land have a totally different sound and what people really mean is that it sounds similar to our original concept. I feel very happy, cause in the end, we have finally gone back to the roots of the concept of Angra. Yes ,this is the evolution of a band with ten years of history. A band that started when the grunge trend was taking over and everyone were saying that Metal was getting annoying and not creative anymore. I feel proud cause I believe that we have helped Metal to stay alive, combining different styles and ideas, recycling and renewing it."

In my personal opinion this album has all the important trademarks of Angra yet it still seem to have something "fresh" and "new" to it - what do you personally feel are the new elements on this album?

"The fresh ambience that we feel here in this album is due to the individual skills of the new members. They were in close contact with the underground scene and we the fans. So they know exactly what was missing in the band to make it sound a bit more contemporary."

"Fireworks" was your first album with SPV (which is one of the major European metal label) - however it didn't succeed as much as it was hoped for and the reviews weren't all that good. In fact I think you lost some ground with it - do you believe that "Rebirth" will win back that lost ground and bring new fans?

"Yes, we are already doing and fortunately SPV is helping us a lot with it. I think that Angra have influenced a lot the new generation of melodic metal bands and that people will give some attention to it. The reviews are already very good and the fans are supporting us a lot on this new era, so now all we need is a little time so people can digest our music."

Earlier on your most important market was Japan - how has "Rebirth" been received over there?

"Great, the reception of Rebirth is been a good surprise for us and for the record company (JVC), which is also giving us a lot of support since the split. In the beginning of April we will be there for a tour that will include Korea."

I know you're going on tour now with SAVATAGE - what can people expect for your shows? Will you be playing only new songs or will you play songs from all your albums?

"We will be there in Europe in March and the other band is not confirmed yet. The shows is fun, the bands is getting along pretty fine and were showing this good energy were living together. We are practicing for a two hours set of half new and half old songs."

Any final words?

"Thanks Claus for the interview and to all the fans who have supported us during those hard moments. I see you on tour. Tchau!!!!"

Good luck with this GREAT new album !!!!!!

"Thanks bro!
See ya,
Rafael Bittencourt"