Brazilian progressive power metal icons Angra will release their highly anticipated new studio album, “Cycles Of Pain”, on November 3rd via Atomic Fire Records.
Lead single, “Ride Into The Storm,” sounded the attack in August, with thousands of fans celebrating the group’s impressive return. Today, the quintet go one step further: “Tide Of Changes” is an ambitious two-piece song consisting of an introductional but essential “Part I” leading into “Part II” which spreads a subtle Far Eastern feel before evolving its beauty, pushed by the dominating bass lines of Felipe Andreoli. Additionally, the film crew of Leo Liberti (libertafilmes.com.br) have once again created a stunning music video for the band, this time also adding 3D effects, putting a futuristic stamp on the proceedings. Watch the video for Part I below, and stream Part II HERE.
Andreoli comments, “This song came to life very quickly. After I played around with the initial riff, all subsequent parts kind of naturally fell into place. It’s a song full of dynamics and different textures, with a look to the future while we also nod to the past, especially in the middle section. Fabio [Lione] did a brilliant job with the vocal lines and delivered a very inspired performance. The intro came about while I was working on some harmonies, then Fabio joined in, and the magic happened.”
“The ‘Tide Of Changes’ lyrics were the first I wrote for the “Cycles Of Pain” album and portray exactly what the title denounces,” notes guitarist Rafael Bittencourt, “We live in a moment of great instability and, while our ego seeks the comfort zone and control, it is fundamental to adapt to this impermanence, to surf the waves of destiny and not on our expectations. It’s the pains and frustrations that shape and strengthen us, to the point where we can beat our chest and say, ‘Let the next wave of difficulties come. Want to take another piece of me? Come on, I’ve waited for this moment!’”
“Cycles Of Pain” was produced, recorded, mixed, and mastered by long-time Angra partner Dennis Ward (D.C. Cooper, Pink Cream 69, Place Vendome) at the Sonastério & Elephant Office in Brazil, while mixing and mastering took place at The TrakShak in Karlsdorf, Germany. Its artwork was designed by Erick Pasqua before Jonathan Canuto took care of layout duties.
Pre-order Angra’s “Cycles Of Pain” at THIS LOCATION.
Formed in 1991, Angra‘s current lineup includes vocalist Fabio Lione alongside Rafael Bittencourt and Marcelo Barbosa on guitars, Felipe Andreoli on bass and Bruno Valverde on drums.
Guitarist Rafael Bittencourt states, “This is a very special record for us for several reasons: First, much has happened since our last release in 2018. During the last five years, we experienced a lot of pain — personally and collectively — alongside challenges, frustrations, glories, and successes, on a rollercoaster of emotions that became a giant cauldron of subjects and inspirations. In the year 2019, my father passed away and a few months later also Andre Matos died; that had a big impact on my life. I know the struggles of my band-mates too.”
“This is a dense album of experiences and accumulated pain. Although we are in a great moment, the album draws inspiration from all pains experienced to bring reflections on them from different angles: What hurts us, how it arrives, the cure, the trauma, the scars. We avoid and we are faced with pain constantly from birth, in an endless cycle; we want it to be far away, but it is what molds and matures us during life. And in the midst of such a profound topic, we want to bring hope and strength to people who are suffering right now. I believe this album will make a difference in the lives of many people and will set a new standard within our style.”
Bassist Felipe Andreoli offers, “Cycles Of Pain brings different perspectives on human pain and the cycles that involve it. It reminds us that while pain is inevitable, it is also an integral part of growing and learning. By recognizing and facing these cycles, we can discover our inner strength and find a path to healing and transformation. The album leads us to contemplate our own journey of pain and to embrace the hope that despite the seemingly endless cycles, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It is an invitation to reflect on the complexities of human pain, addressing topics such as loss, disillusionment, loneliness and despair, but also bringing a message of resilience and hope.”
“The combination of elements — an angel of death with bright, worn wings adorned with religious and pagan symbols, a dark forest with fire and rain, the prevalence of Brazilian elements — conveys a deeper narrative regarding the album’s theme and musical interpretation. It conveys the idea that pain is a recurring and transformative experience, encompassing spiritual and earthly aspects and encouraging us to delve into the depths of our own pain, explore its many dimensions and find strength and healing in the journey of these cycles,” explains Andreoli.
The album also features a range of guests including appearances by Amanda Somerville (“Tears Of Blood”), Brazilian artists Lenine (“Vida Seca”) and Vanessa Moreno (“Tide Of Changes – Part II” and “Here In The Now”), and Juliana D’Agostini on piano (“Tears Of Blood”).
“Cycles Of Pain” Track Listing:
1. Cyclus Doloris
2. Ride Into The Storm
3. Dead Man On Display
4. Tide Of Changes – Part I
5. Tide Of Changes – Part II
6. Vida Seca
7. Gods Of The World
8. Cycles Of Pain
9. Faithless Sanctuary
10. Here In The Now
11. Generation Warriors
12. Tears Of Blood
Angra‘s metal leadership began over thirty years ago in 1991. Hailing since then as one of the finest metal acts originating from South America, the last decade saw the addition of vocalist Fabio Lione (Athena Xix, ex-Rhapsody Of Fire, ex-Vision Divine etc.) to their ranks. With Rafael Bittencourt and Marcelo Barbosa on guitars, Felipe Andreoli on bass, and Bruno Valverde on drums, Angra has been keeping the momentum and now they are ready to release their long-awaited tenth studio album through their new label partner, Atomic Fire Records.
