Kiko Loureiro and Rafael Bittencourt have been in the ranks of Angra since its inception back in 1991. They are a progressive power metal band from Brazil. They are also one of the most popular bands in their genre, and originators of the new Brazilian metal wave.

ANGELS CRY (1993) LIMB/HYEDAYK

Since this is the 4th Angra album I bought, I knew what I would get. It still took a little longer to get into then I first would have expected. The band has really progressed a lot since this earlier recording, and I really like the newer material better. This is still a fine piece of progressive/ethnic metal, and I think Angra is the best band in this genre. "Wuthering Heights" is a splendid cover of the Kate Bush classic!! Also notice the guest-appearances of Gamma Ray, Siege Even/Rhapsody and Heaven's Gate members.

Killer tracks: Never Understand, Wuthering Heights

EVIL WARNING (1994, 2000) LIMB/LUCRETIA

Angra recruits a new drummer, and goes into the studio to re-record 3 of the tracks from their debut. And together with an edited version of the Kate Bush cover, "Wuthering Heights", they release a short Japan only EP in 1994. This became quite the collectors item after the bands break through with 'Holy Land' two years later. So in 2000, Limb Music and Lucretia Records re-released the EP. This time they added a bonus track, a demo version of yet another song from the debut. This is the EP version I have. This is still a collectors item only, a all of the songs are just as good on 'Angels Cry'.

HOLY LAND (1996) LIMB/RISING SUN

When I first heard this CD I didn't care much for it. But like all great CD's it grew on me. Excellent prog-metal with long epic songs. Angra really have their own sound, much due to vocalist André Matos (ex-Viper).

Killer tracks: Carolina IV, Nothing To Say, Holy Land

FREEDOM CALL / HOLY LIVE (1997,1998) SPV/STEAMHAMMER/LIMB (2EP)

This is a fine release for fans of Angra. Here you get two of the bands EP's for the price of a regular CD. And they have even included the 2 booklets from the original releases. The first CD contains the 'Freedom Call' EP. It's good to finally have "Reaching Horizons" on CD! The other stand out track there is the bands killer cover of Judas Priest "Painkiller". Andre sounds like Rob Halford with an accent! The other CD gives us the 'Holy Live' EP. And as the title suggests, this was recorded during the tour for the 'Holy Land' album. 2 instrumental tracks are a bit too much on a 6 track EP. But ok, I will let that go, as we get fine renditions of "Nothing To Say" and "Carry On". 

FIREWORKS (1998) SPV/STEAMHAMMER

'Fireworks' is the title, and fireworks is what we get. Sparkling heavy metal with progressive changes. Hard and soft, fast and mellow. All nicely balanced. I've read reviews that say this is a bit disappointing album, but I disagree. This album is splendid, and I think I'm gonna wear this one out before I wear out the previous one.

Killer tracks: Petrified Eyes, Lisbon, Mystery Machine, Fireworks

REBIRTH (2001) STEAMHAMMER/SPV

Angra return with a new line-up, and an appropriately titled album, 'Rebirth'. And what an album this is!! Killer melodic metal, with progressive tendencies. To me this means Angra - 1, and Andre Matos/Virgo - 0. Edu sings just as well as Andre, and Angra does not change very much. The Brazilian influences are here, making this sound unique and exciting. No other band in this genre intrigues me quite as much as Angra. Beautiful is the one word that describe this album the best!

Killer tracks: Have not picked out single tracks yet.

HUNTERS AND PREY (2002) SPV/STEAMHAMMER (EP)

Yet another stunning release from Brazils second biggest metal band. This mini-CD was released one year after 'Rebirth' and features exclusive material only. The title track alone is worth the submission, being one of the best progressive metal songs ever written! The catchy chorus will stick in your head for days! You also get a killer cover of Genesis' "Mama". Although very true to the original version, it's really great to hear Edu sing his heart out. Angra really got one of the best lead singers in the world. Go BUY!

TEMPLE OF SHADOWS (2004) STEAMHAMMER/SPV (Limited Edition w/DVD)

CD: Deus Le Volt! - intro Spread Your Fire Angels And Dreams Waiting Silence Wishing Well Temple Of Hate Shadow Hunter No Pain For The Dead Winds Of Destination Sprouts Of Time Morning Star Late Redemption Gate XIII	Line-up: Edu Falaschi - Vocals Kiko Loureiro - Guitars Rafael Bittencourt - Guitars Aquiles Priester - Drums Felipe Andreoli - Bass Guests: Milton Nascimento - Vocals on 12 Kai Hansen - Vocals on 6 Hansi Kürsch - Vocals on 9 Sabine Edelsbacher - Female Vocals on 2, 8 Dennis Ward - Additional Background Vocals
DVD: In Excelisis - intro Nova Era Acid Rain Angels Cry Heroes Of Sand Metal Icarus Millenium Sun Make Believe Drum solo Unholy Wars Rebirth Time Running Alone Crossing Nothing To Say Unfinished Allegro Carry On The Number Of The Beast Plus Special Features: Backstage Scenes Rebirth Tour in Brazil, Japan, Taiwan & Europe Photo Gallery Video-clips

What can one say that has not already been said about this awesome Brazilian band? Well, not much! They continue to amaze me, time and time again. And I think they have once again managed to overdo themselves with this release. Just listen to the band play! They manage to create a whole spectrum of emotions as you listen. The music is heavy, yet very melodic, and every tune are as well played as they are well written. Check out the guitar-wizardry in "Angels And Demons" (I don't think thee exists a more brilliant guitar-duo in the world right now!),  listen to Edu pour his heart out singing the lyrics, try not to hum together with the chorus in "Spread Your Wings", listen to how well they have used to talents provided by the several guest artists (including members from Gamma Ray, Blind Guardian and Edenbridge)! I think you, as me, will have to come to the conclusion that this is the bands best album to date, and that speaks volumes. The entire album is a stroke of genius, and absolutely one of the finest progressive metal albums that has ever graced my CD-player. I usually don't grade albums, but if I had, 'Temple Of Shadows' would be a definite top score! As I'm doing this write-up, I'm not sure I rated it high enough on my top 20 list of 2004 releases. My limited edition version comes with a Bonus DVD, that features concert footage, video-clips, backstage action etc. Do yourself a favor and BUY IT!

Killer tracks: Killer ALBUM is more like it!

AURORA CONSURGENS (2006) STEAMHAMMER/SPV

Angra continues their quest for world domination. And what better way then keep releasing stellar heavy metal? There seem to be no end to what this band is capable of. 'Aurora Consurgens' have no idea what this cryptic title means) opens with what has to be the heaviest track in the bands history. Mind you though, this band is not about playing the fastest, sounding the heaviest etc. Rather they are about delivering quality. Anyone with just half an ear will recognize the mind numbing skills the musicians in this band are holding. Especially the lethal guitar duo of Kiko and Rafael is again worth mentioning. I don't think there are others even close to what these two gentlemen are doing these days. It's simply breathtaking. But, again, the wizardry is never overshadowing the songs as a whole. On the contrary, this is just some amazing seasoning throughout the otherwise ingeniously written material. Now, I have to confess that even though the first half of this CD is some of the best power/prog these metal ears have ever been exposed to, I cannot say the same about the last half of the album. All in all, this is a small step back from 'Temple Of Shadows'. But this is still leaps and bounds ahead of 99% of the other power metal and/or prog metal bands out there are dabbling with. I actually find myself debating whether or not it is even a reason why one should even bother with other acts, when these guys clearly plays circles around them anyway!. As long as I have Angra, I don't need anyone else!

Luca Turilli - 'Prophet Of The Last Eclipse (Special Edition)'

Kiko Loureiro guest appearances:

Tribuzy - 'Execution'