I hope everyone continues making quality music and achieving good results. That's what matters!
I hope everyone continues making quality music and achieving good results. That's what matters!
By Eduardo Simões
2016 was a tense year. We hadn't even recovered from Lemmy's death on December 28, 2015, and we lost David Bowie on January 10. Jimmy Bain, Greg Lake, Leonard Cohen, Daminhão Experiência, and several others also died. And it's best not to even talk about what's been happening in the political and economic spheres.
Sure, it wasn't all a disaster. We had shows from Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath and a new Metallica CD. But overall, it was a tense year.
This article, focused on Brazilian bands, highlights good things that should happen in 2017.
IMPORTANT: I will not address or take a position on the personal differences between the musicians and bands mentioned in the article. I hope they all continue making quality music and achieving good results. That's what matters!
GRAVE
Who are they: any and all lists about Brazilian Heavy Metal should start with Sepultura. The band has released numerous albums worldwide and completed dozens of truly large tours. In the US, for example, they have played with Ozzy, Metallica, Pantera, and Ministry.
Drummer Eloy Casagrande is considered one of the best in the world in the genre. And Andreas Kisser… Well, he was once considered to play guitar in place of James Hetfield on a Metallica tour and has toured with Anthrax replacing Scott Ian. Sepultura remains one of the most talented thrash bands in the world, but unfortunately, they don't receive the same respect in Brazil as they do abroad. Homegrown talent…
What you may not know: Sepultura's first world tour was in 1989, opening for the German band Sodom. Because their shows were more popular than the main act's, they suffered relentless persecution, with sound and lighting boycotts, and sometimes having to go on stage before the audience was even allowed in. Time has shown that the Germans were trying to "cover up the sun with a sieve."
Due to health issues, the band performed as a trio in three shows, with Andreas singing and Max watching from the audience.
What to expect in 2017: the new album, “Machine Messiah”, recorded in Sweden and produced by Jens Bogren, will be released in January. The theme: the robotization of society and the chemistry of intrusion. In addition to the subsequent shows in Brazil and international tours, including major European festivals, we can expect the theatrical release of a documentary.
SOULFLY
Who is he: Max is one of the founders of Sepultura and participated in part of the story told above. When he had a falling out with Sepultura, he left and formed Soulfly. Like his original band, he enjoys more respect and prestige abroad than in Brazil. Again: a local hero…
What you might not know: Max has always enjoyed researching sounds from other countries and cultures. On the CD "Prophecy," for example, Max explores Serbian culture, where he spent some years on a spiritual retreat.
What to expect in 2017: the band will record their 10th CD and celebrate 20 years. Max has already stated that he's been listening to extreme metal, which should influence the direction of the album. Max should also keep the excellent Cavalera Conspiracy alive, where he maintains a fruitful partnership with his brother, Iggor Cavalera. Expect two excellent albums and participation in major European festivals.
ANDRÉ MATOS
Who is he: André Matos is a vocalist, composer, conductor, pianist… and manages to be exceptional in all of these areas. Compare songs like " Here I Am" by Shaman with "Holy Land" by Angra, both compositions by this musician. Certainly one of the most competent and versatile musicians in the country.
He rose to prominence in the music world as a teenager, when he recorded the album "Soldiers of Sunrise" with Viper. He closed out 2016 performing shows celebrating the 20th anniversary of Angra's classic "Holy Land." He possesses an enviable vocal range.
What you might not know: before joining Viper, he already played piano. His first solo CD, "Time to Be Free," featured Pit Passarell, a talented colleague from Viper. Although he is frequently invited to new projects, he tries to maintain his focus on his solo career – except for shows where he performs his first two albums in their entirety with Viper. Everyone who has ever been in the band – without exception – is a virtuoso on their instrument. André has released albums worldwide with various bands: Viper, Angra, Shaman, Virgo, and André Matos.
What to expect in 2017: besides a new CD, the first with the excellent guitarist João Milliet, we can expect release shows in Brazil and tours in Europe, Japan, etc. I wouldn't be surprised if I played Rock in Rio again.
Atlantic Ridge
Who they are: one of the most revered bands in Brazil. They started in the 80s in Rio de Janeiro, led by musician, writer and journalist Carlos Lopes (at the time Carlos Vândalo). The CD Antes do Fim is considered a landmark in Brazilian Metal.
What you may not know: according to Max Cavalera, Dorsal Atlântica was one of Sepultura's main influences.
What to expect: the band is preparing a Thrash opera about the Canudos War. The project will be funded through crowdfunding, meaning fans will finance the recordings. Time to support: http://www.dorsalatlantica.com.br/
TOYSHOP
Who they are: A band that mixes simple riffs, influenced by the Ramones, with cheerful vocals and catchy choruses perfect for singing along. Music with good vibes. The band has been classified as "beer rock," meaning rock to listen to while having a beer and enjoying yourself. But it's more than that. Guitarist Val Santos is an excellent songwriter, and this is clear on the band's two CDs. Songs that leave you wanting to listen again.
Natacha's voice remains captivating, and the kitchen, formed by Nando Machado and Guilherme Martin, is one of the best in the genre.
What you might not know: with the band's great exposure in the 90s, they recorded their first CD produced by Iggor Cavalera; however, for reasons only God understands, the album was never released. Even with this setback, the band has two good CDs released and a US tour under their belt.
What to expect: concerts promoting the CD “Candy”.
KIKO LOUREIRO
Who is he: Megadeth guitarist (was "stolen" from Angra by Dave Mustaine shortly before the band began recording the "Dystopia" album). He recently won the Dimebag Darrell Guitarist of the Year award at the Revolver Awards.
What you may not know: despite being left-handed, Kiko plays guitar right-handed. In the 80s he played in the São Paulo band A Chave, replacing Eduardo Ardanuy. In addition to the classic Angra CDs, he also recorded four solo albums that deserve your attention.
What to expect in 2017: besides continuing to tour with Megadeth, Kiko is likely to become a regular at guitar events, helping to improve younger musicians. In July 2016, for example, he participated in an event organized by Paul Gilbert.
FM (Felipe Machado)
Who is it: a solo project by guitarist, composer and producer Felipe Machado, one of the founders of Viper.
The first CD, “God Man Ape”, features an interesting mix of U2, Morrissey, The Killers and NIN with those typical Viper guitars. The excellent instrumental Iceland, for example, could be on any of the band's albums. Unlike what happens with bands nowadays, there is no drop in quality as the album progresses: all the songs are very good. The aforementioned Iceland, for example, is the last one on the CD.
What you might not know: Viper was very successful in the 80s and 90s. They even had music videos that reached number one on the MTV Brazil charts, songs on the radio, etc. They also toured the US, Europe, and Japan. During the band's hiatus, Felipe Machado, who is also a journalist, wrote four books. The CD "God Man Ape" includes a re-recording of the song "The Shelter ," which he composed for Viper's "Evolution" album. The album was produced by guitarist Val Santos of Toyshop, who also plays at promotional shows.
What to expect: the first CD was a huge hit with both the public and critics, and the band is a frequent presence in São Paulo's concert venues. Expect more shows and a second CD.
THE UNABOMBER FILES
Who they are: a side project of musicians from Chakal, The Mist, Eminence, Overdose, and Sepultura, aiming to create raw and efficient thrash metal. The lyrics, sung by vocalist Korg, are sarcastic and original, "celebrating" his ability to make a perfect circle with his new wheelchair or declaring that "the enemy of my enemy is my best friend." In 2013, the band released a six-song EP.
What you might not know: Paulo Xisto has been questioned in Brazil for supposedly not deserving of his position in Sepultura. Nonsense! After sharing the stage with Steve Vai at Rock in Rio Vegas, the bassist received praise for his solidity and "swing" in his bass lines. But a prophet is not recognized in his own land…
What to expect: the first CD and, if schedules allow, the first international tour.
ALMAH
Who they are: Almah started as a side project of vocalist Edu Falaschi, back when he was still the vocalist for Angra. After his departure, Almah became his full-time focus. Besides the talented vocalist and composer Edu, the band has always featured excellent musicians such as Felipe Andreoli, Bill Hudson, Marcelo Moreira, Eduardo Ardanuy, and Aquiles Priester. They have just released another great CD, “EVO”, and a music video for the track “ Speranza ”.
What you may not know: In 2011, they lost guitarist Paulo Schroeber, who left the band due to health problems. In 2014, the guitarist passed away due to heart problems.
What to expect: CD release shows across Brazil, likely continuing the collaboration with Angra.
CHAKAL
Who they are: An efficient thrash metal band from Minas Gerais, formed in the 80s. Known for their peculiar sense of humor, they once featured piglets roasting a big bad wolf on the cover of one of their albums, in a comic book style. Their lyrics explore "different" themes, such as Santa Claus's skin cancer caused by holes in the ozone layer ( Santa Claus has Got Skin Cancer ). Their latest CD, "Destroy," received rave reviews in Brazil and abroad. Guitarist Mark A. is a standout. Pay attention to the solos!
What you may not know: the ACME song Dead End Road was played on radio stations in England in the 80s. In the lyrics, the cartoon character Wile E. Coyote manages to hunt down the Road Runner after hiring his jackal cousin to create storylines for the cartoons.
What to expect: the new lineup is preparing a celebration for the 25th anniversary of the album "The Man is His Own Jackal".
ANGRA
Who they are: The band has been active since 1995, when they released the CD "Angels Cry". Since then, they have released several CDs, toured extensively, and achieved immense success. This success is felt both here in Brazil, in Europe, in the USA, and especially in Japan. Today, the band features the Italian Fabio Lione on vocals. Despite several lineup changes, the band remains active, releasing CDs and performing shows that delight audiences.
What you may not know: since the band had just lost their drummer before recording the CD "Angels Cry" in Germany, they invited German drummer Alex Holzwarth to handle the drumming.
The problem: the song Never Understand has “different” rhythms, perhaps never heard before by him and certainly never recorded on a Heavy Metal album. Something close to baião… Since the internet practically didn't exist at the time, the musicians had to “teach” the drummer what baião was by dancing. Everyone who has ever been in the band – without exception – is a virtuoso on their instrument.
You might not know what ZITO is, but I can't tell you because I don't know either…
Looking ahead to 2017: the CD “Secret Garden” is from 2014. Besides continuing with live performances, he should begin composing its successor.
BUSIC
Who they are: a band formed by brothers Andria and Ivan Busic after the end of Dr. Sin, also featuring Hard Alexandre and Zeca Salgueiro on guitars. They already have a CD in stores. The brothers continue with good songs and riffs, but, unlike Dr. Sin, they chose to sing in Portuguese.
What you may not know: brothers Andria and Ivan Busic have lent their talent to bands such as Ultraje a Rigor, Taffo, Supla, Chave do Sol, and Platina. They are currently engaged in a social media campaign to prevent the disintegration of the 27-year work of the São Paulo State Symphonic Band .
What to expect in 2017: shows all over Brazil to promote their first album, which you shouldn't miss!
HELLS PUNCH
Who are they: a Thrash band formed by experienced musicians from the Belo Horizonte scene. Their first CD, “Burn It Down”, is subtle like a punch in the face… A first-rate hit that will surely please fans of Slayer, Sepultura and Pantera. But it also has influences from New York Hardcore, especially Sick of It All and Biohazard.
The CD is also being distributed in the USA.
What you may not know: with Overdose, guitarist and vocalist Sérgio Ferreira had a song that reached second place on US Heavy Metal radio. He also did several tours in the US and Europe.
What to expect: shows in the CD and in the US to launch the first CD.
*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.
