“What I want is for the songs to have depth” – Interview with Rafael Bittencourt of Angra

Brazilian prog/power metal band Angra is one of the biggest names in heavy music in South America. Coming from the same land as Sepultura, the band became famous for its mix of Latin rhythms within metal. After more than 30 years on the road, they are ready to release their tenth studio album, entitled “Cycles of Pain”, which comes out on November 3rd via Atomic Fire Records.

After 5 years since the release of ØMNI, the band continues with the same lineup, Fabio Lione, Felipe Andreoli, Bruno Valverde, Marcelo Barbosa and founder/guitarist Rafael Bittencourt, present on every recording since their debut Angels Cry, released three decades ago. The concept of the upcoming album speaks directly to the latest world events and the pain that the members have experienced, such as the loss of loved ones. In charge of the production was a well-known figure in Angra‘s discography, Dennis Ward, who had already produced the classics Rebirth and Temple of Shadows.

Promoting the new album and the band’s new moment, which has returned to European festivals and is preparing a new world tour, Chaoszine spoke with Rafael in a video call to talk about the composer’s thoughts and feelings of this new work, his friendship with Kiko Loureiro, and the future of his solo project.

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You can listen to Angra‘s singles from “Cycles of Pain” here: