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Angra Interview


Once again, Angra are on top of the power metal scene with the release of their magnificent new disc, "Temple Of Shadows." Balancing pure melody and sheer heaviness with a brazenly superior performance seems to come quite easily for these Brazilian headbangers as this fantastic effort has been one of the highlights in metal in a year that has seen a flood of great metal releases from all over the globe. The group has their sights set on an already sold out performance at ProgPower USA this fall and the band's captivating live presence is an experience that no fan of metal should miss. The Gauntlet's own Erin Fox interviews Rafael Bittencourt of Angra.


The Gauntlet: Temple Of Shadows is an extremely well put together record on
all levels. The album features an excellent production quality coupled with
masterful songwriting and arrangement. What do you feel was the single
most important factor in the creation of the album on the whole?

Rafael Bittencourt: The vibe inside the band was definitely the most important factor. We played over a hundred concerts during the "Rebirth" tour and that made us know each other better as musicians and we became closer friends. It is a very special moment that we are living in right now, with everyone working
hard for a common purpose and this has made us very excited for the whole
process from the songwriting to the mastering of the album.


The Gauntlet: Angra spent a great deal of time in the studio in order to produce this record and it certainly shines through in the final product! Tell us about some of the events that were highlights of the making of 'Temple Of Shadows'. In contrast, what was the single hardest challenge the band faced in the studio? What do you feel was the single most important thing that you feel that you learned from this studio experience?

Rafael Bittencourt: Conducting a real orchestra was a big thing to me. I have graduated in Composition and Conducting from the University, but never had recorded an orchestra before. It was a small thing, but worth it for the experience. The first song mixed was "Angels and Demons." It was very emotional to hear it for the first time. There, I felt the power that we had on our hands. The hardest challenge was to transform the sound of a dead room, full of carpet on the walls, into a wide and bright sounding room for the drums. With the specifications from our producer, Dennis Ward, we had to have some wooden walls built. He placed the drums inside a semi-circle of wooden barriers. Outside of that wall, we placed a concert P.A. system to amplify the drums and get a live sound inside the recording room. After days of research and trying, we recorded the first take of drums. The anxiety was already killing everyone. In a recording situation, you already have enough pressure going from the record company, the time running short, the money going even shorter and so on. So, it's important that we kept focused in order not to lose our concentration. Do not accept the little mistakes because they will be documented forever, always wait for the best take. That's why I think that the most important thing in the studio is to get there as best prepared as possible, take it easy and try not to stress with each other.


The Gauntlet: For some time Angra has worked closely with producer Dennis
Ward. What contributions has he brought to the band's overall sound? Do you feel that the record turned out so well as a result of your continuing relationship?

Rafael Bittencourt: Yes, Dennis is a big credit to our success. I believe he is like an undiscovered producer because his talent can easily go farther than the
frontiers of metal. He helps us to find the best solutions for the arrangements, for the structure of the songs and selecting what songs should be worked out. He senses the strong points in the record and makes them stand out. It is extremely important to have an experienced person to bring in an outside point of view. When we are too involved with a song, we sometimes lose the perspective of the overall picture and how to evaluate the details. We can easily get stuck on a music part for days. He helps us getting out of the mind-mud. Besides, he is a
very funny person, always making jokes and keeping everyone's mood very
high. He also has the skills to balance everyone's opinion, always listening to us but sure of what he wants. As you see, I'm a big fan of him.


The Gauntlet: This is the fifth full-length album for the group. How do you feel
that Angra has matured in terms of songwriting throughout the course of your career? Does composing music come more naturally for the band now than it had with your previous line-ups?

Rafael Bittencourt: Yes, composing now is a little easier. Music is a language of sounds and like any other language, the more you practice, the more fluent you get. It is still hard though, because it will never be an easy task. The more you know, the more you want to challenge yourself. But now, we've got more experience to judge what comes to mind and are not going to waste our time with something that won't work. Also, we can easily free our minds and put together whatever bunch of senseless notes occurs to us. Experience is the key word. No wonder the great classic composers became more and more productive towards the advanced stages of their careers. The environment is also important, like a seed, it grows faster and stronger on a more fertile ground. Having a pleasant atmosphere among the members is very helpful for healthy thoughts.


The Gauntlet: Angra has embarked on a worldwide tour in order to support the
album. What songs can fans expect to be hearing live from 'Temple Of Shadows'? Will you be changing the set lists from performance to performance or does the band stick to a primary game plan?

Rafael Bittencourt: We've traveled throughout Europe and Asia for over 20 concerts. We played in London and Brussels for the first time, Italy, Switzerland,
Spain, France, two concerts in Greece and so on. We just came back from Japan, Taiwan and Australia. Considering the 40 concerts we've done here in
Brazil it's been over 60 concerts in few months, since the album was released.
We've been trying to tell the story of the band in our concerts, playing the highlights of our career and emphasizing the songs from the new record.
Yes, we change the set list a lot; we're always trying different ways to present the show. Sometimes we're obligated to shorten the length of the concert because of a venue curfew and so on. Or, we just get bored doing the same things each day and we try covers for a change. Recently, I think we've found a very strong set list that keeps the energy up during the whole concert. I hope that for the second leg of the tour we can try to perform a concept concert by playing the whole album "Temple Of Shadows" all the way through, in the exact same order. That would be nice!


The Gauntlet: Tell us about where the tour will be heading. Are there any particular dates that Angra is especially looking forward to? In the past, what were the cities that you feel have offered Angra the warmest receptions?

Rafael Bittencourt: Now, we are in Brazil playing few dates and taking breath to go back to Europe in June, where we're going to play three dates in Italy with
Dream Theater, we're doing the Sweden Rock Fest and some other dates not
confirmed yet. In September, we'll fly to USA for the ProgPower Fest in Atlanta. Two dates in Canada, Mexico and then South America before heading back home. I am excited to be back in Atlanta, playing in U.S. is always a big thing for us. In Sweden I'll be able to watch Dio and Black Label Society. I love the big festivals because I get to see a lot of great concerts for free (laughs).


The Gauntlet: Describe for us the feeling that you get when performing live in front of audiences. Does Angra prefer to play larger scale, festival type concerts or do you enjoy a more intimate setting for performances? What factors do you see as the highlight of a live Angra performance?

Rafael Bittencourt: It doesn't matter the amount of people. For me, there are two
important factors to enjoy a concert. First, is the sound! I hate to play on an uncomfortable sound system. Sometimes, we fly too far and can't carry all of
our equipment with us. Usually I get along pretty cool with whatever they have there, but sometimes it is just crap or, there will be a shitty sounding stage, with shitty monitors, things of that nature. The other factor is the audience. I prefer to play for 50 very enthusiastic dudes, that know the songs and have traveled hours by train to watch us and get an autograph, than to 50 thousand people who are bored to death. Sometimes at festivals people are just tired of waiting for the headlining band.


The Gauntlet: Tell us about the type of gear Angra brings along on the road.
Is it a fairly large production?

Rafael Bittencourt: Well, we have different sets and performances for different budgets. The full concert is a two hour show and a crew of nine or ten people. One lighting guy, one sound engineer for the front of the house, one stage engineer, three roadies, our guest keyboardist Fabio Laguna, one merchandiser and the tour manager plus the band. The reason we carry so many people is that we have too many changes on stage and sometimes they need to bring one mandolin, one twelve string and a normal steel string at once, and in few seconds be ready to roll. Then, all of the guitars have to disappear and its time for percussions. There are lights and mixing desk duties following all of these changes. We carry our drum stand, our drum set, amplifiers, the back drop and some other stuff. It is certainly our biggest production.


The Gauntlet: This line-up has found a fantastic chemistry and it sounds as if the band has grown together very well as players. Do you feel that it is the definitive Angra line-up that the fans will be seeing on this tour?

Rafael Bittencourt: I think this is a very positive moment for the band and I hope it lasts forever. We feel very productive and we have the energy to keep doing it for
a while. I can't predict the future but I hope that this will be the line-up that people will remember us by. I'm sure that those who went to our concert during this tour are going to remember our concert forever, because the joy that we feel playing together is what we want to present to the crowd.


The Gauntlet: Being on the road can be very strenuous at times for artists because there is a great deal of travel and waiting. What kinds of things does Angra enjoy doing to make the most of their time spent on the road?

Rafael Bittencourt: Well, we read, we answer our e-mails (when we get the chance to download them), we sleep and watch videos of movies or concerts. The last one I've seen was "Some Kind of Monster" from Metallica, which was very cool! But sometimes, it is very boring to travel too much and wait for the sound check. The good part is the concert itself. It makes everything worth while.


The Gauntlet: Does Angra enjoy meeting fans while on tour? Do you feel that
it is important for bands to maintain approachability at concerts? Do you plan any special appearances in order to reach out to fans while on this tour?

Rafael Bittencourt: Yes, we do fan-meetings almost every time. We consider the fans to be a part of the band. It is very important for us to know the people who follow us, to talk with them and understand their expectations. It is a mistake to leave the fans aside as if they are an unimportant thing. They are the reason for a band's success and they need to feel that you're aware of that or they will leave you. I like to look them in the eyes, ask their names and know a little more about their lives.


The Gauntlet: It's really cool that Angra promotes interaction with the fans. On
your official website, you have undertaken a poll so that fans can choose some of the older tracks that they would like to hear in the set. What were the results of this poll and how did it effect the planning for the band's live set? Is the band more focused on newer material or will fans be hearing songs from older albums like 'Angel's Cry' and 'Freedom Call'

Rafael Bittencourt: Most of our set is comprised of the new material. That's why it is so important to pick the correct songs from the old days since you won't be playing many. It is always cool to know their opinion, many times they say what
we expect, but often we get surprised. "Carry On" seems to be our everlasting hymn. People love it! Other favorites are "Evil Warning", "Stand Away", "Nothing to Say", "Lisbon" and so on.


The Gauntlet: The band enjoyed some wonderful guests on the record. What was it like to work in the studio with power metal legends such as Kai Hansen and Hansi Kursch? Did their appearances come as a result of previous friendships with these performers?

Rafael Bittencourt: The idea was a combination of admiration and friendship. Kai, is a big reference for me. I was a big fan of Helloween since the "Walls of Jericho" record and I felt he was bringing something fresh to a style that was very repetitive. I think that Kai invented the modern melodic metal sound and inspired many other bands. I have always wanted to pay him a tribute because of that. Also, he is a good friend of the band. Since the beginning he was very supportive of the band. We've recorded in his studio on each of the first two albums. He played a solo on our record and showed to be a very noble man. Hansi Kursch is a reference because he has his own style. We cannot say he is melodic, trash, extreme or progressive. He is a little of everything. He is himself. That's something that Angra has always pursued, to have our own identity. I feel that now, thirteen years after I started this band, and that we can do whatever we feel like doing. We have nothing to prove anymore. Our roots were settled and it was the perfect time to invite this people to celebrate our thirteenth anniversary.


The Gauntlet: When thinking of Angra, the nuclear power plant in your home country immediately springs to mind. Was this the inspiration behind the group's moniker? It certainly is a connotation befitting the group's explosive sound!

Rafael Bittencourt: This is the first time some one has asked that outside of Brazil. Yes, that nuclear plant represents the bad Brazilian habit of following bad
examples from the leading countries. It is also a reference of power and stuff. Bus this name has carried lots of contradictory meanings for thousands of years. In the ancient Egypt it was the name of the evil god in one of the religions. For our natives in Brazil, it represents the goddess of fire. In history, it was initially written as Angora, shortened to Angra in few languages.


The Gauntlet: Do you feel that 'Temple Of Shadows' is an album that is only for fans of power metal? It seems the music on the album could appeal to a wide variety of people. What is it that you think needs to happen in order to bring this type of music before a more mainstream audience in the United States?

Rafael Bittencourt: I agree. In many countries we have a very wide variety in our audience. I think that's also what it makes it so large. But I can't tell why it
is so hard to break through the U.S. market. I agree that it is very hard to keep up with the level of productions in America, but also, it is time for the American people to open their minds for what's going on outside their borders. The object of my lyrics is a future world-wide united community. There must be a way to make this world a better and balanced place for everyone. There is a thin line between what America can do to the world and what America really wants to do to the world and some people don't want to see it.


The Gauntlet: The fact that the website is titled 'Reaching Horizons' indicates that Angra is a group that has never forgotten its roots, reflecting an honor toward the place from which the group originated. Do you often reflect upon your memories as a band just beginning to break into the international metal scene?

Rafael Bittencourt: Yes. The big secret of the band is to feel young all the time. It's important to have the will to experiment with new elements in our music, or the curiosity of breaking into a new frontier. It is crucial to preserve the love of what you do. Never giving up the initial dream, never satisfied, always working for more. I am ambitious and I'll always be ambitious. That's what keeps me moving. I like to recall my moments but I'm always facing the future.


The Gauntlet: Looking forward, what do you see as the opportunities that Angra has yet to face? Is there any certain desire that you wish to fulfill over the course of your musical career?

Rafael Bittencourt: Well, I still dream with a major company deal with world-wide
distribution. I dream with metal coming back in full power, more mature and less stereotyped. I dream about Angra taking part in the world changes. Helping people to see what's wrong or where they could help. I dream about people waking up from a long sleep and realizing that every individual act makes a difference. I dream about people spending more time in silence, I think we talk too much. I dream about people communicating by looking through each other's eyes without any technological resource. I dream about the day when people will be able to forgive and no laws will be needed because education will turn us into civilized persons. I want to cheer up every single human being in the planet and invite everyone to this dream. I like to communicate. This is my task. People shouldn't work their lives picturing a better situation for themselves or for their family. You don't need to be a math genius to realize that in few generations your family could be on a bad situation if the problems remain. We have to live life doing our part for building a better world for everyone. We can never make it better if we think this is just a crazy dream. Okay, I'll stop being philosophical...


The Gauntlet: What is the message that you would like to get out to all of the Angra fans that are eager to see the band perform live on this tour?

Rafael Bittencourt: I want to thank them first of all. After we had the big break up in the band, I even thought of ending it. But the fans have always been very
supportive and didn't let us down. Every note I play is for the fans. This concert represents what the band is living now, after rebuilding the band and I am very glad to share it with the fans. I love you all!


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Tags:  Angra  , Rafael Bittencourtinterviews

    April 11, 2005

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