Angra

Origin

São Paulo, SP

Years active

1991

Genres

power metal, progressive metal, heavy metal

Instruments

guitar, bass, drums, keyboard, vocals

Biography

Angra is one of the most prominent bands in the history of Brazilian metal, founded in São Paulo in 1991 by vocalist, keyboardist, and multi-instrumentalist Andre Matos, alongside guitarists Rafael Bittencourt and André Linhares. The group was born from the union of musicians who studied composition and conducting at Santa Marcelina Faculty, proposing from the start an innovative sound that fused the aggressiveness of heavy metal with the sophistication of classical music and elements of Brazilian culture. Throughout its trajectory, the band has gone through several line-up changes, but has remained a global reference in power metal and progressive metal, releasing acclaimed albums such as Angels Cry and Holy Land.

Angra's work was consolidated through conceptual albums and extensive international tours across Europe, Asia, and the Americas, projecting prominent names from the Brazilian instrumental scene to the world. The group featured legendary musicians such as Kiko Loureiro, Edu Falaschi, and Aquiles Priester, in addition to the constant leadership of Rafael Bittencourt, the only member present throughout the band's entire discography. Albums like Temple of Shadows and Secret Garden reaffirmed the group's ability to renew its musical identity without losing the melodic and symphonic essence that marked its trajectory.

Even facing painful losses, such as the passing of Andre Matos in 2019, and moments of hiatus or restructuring, Angra has continued to influence new generations of heavy metal musicians. The band has built a solid legacy marked by millions of copies sold, commemorative tours of classic albums, and a strong dedication to music education through workshops and clinics given by its members in Brazil and abroad.