Text by Clovis Roman
The acoustic format has always been present in Angra , since the very beginning. Many promotional events in stores and television appearances used this format, and some occasional releases featured songs stripped of distortion.
Just consider the live tracks from the French FNAC, which were released as bonus tracks on the Freedom Call EP, or those on the Hunters and Prey EP. I myself saw two performances focused on acoustic guitar and vocals, around the time of the releases of Rebirth and Temple of Shadows.
Due to popular demand, the band prepared a full show that, in addition to the regular members, featured a pianist, percussionist, and a chamber orchestra – as well as special guests on certain songs.
The first show like this was held in Curitiba in 2023 and recorded for the band's imminent live release in audio and video formats. This year, selected dates were scheduled, and for the first time, therefore, Angra's acoustic show arrived in São Paulo on the 17th, at Espaço Unimed. The setup with a dance floor and tables in the background allowed fans to choose how they wanted to experience the show: standing or seated.
Without an opening band, shortly after 10 pm, the band members and supporting musicians took the stage and immediately launched into "Nova Era," a more measured track without double bass pedals. Opening with such a classic was a masterstroke, as was following it with "Make Believe," with Fabio Lione transitioning from the more aggressive to the more delicate (as in several other songs throughout the setlist).
Beautiful, “Storm of Emotions” evoked diverse sensations, these were amplified with “Gentle Change,” a gem from the album Fireworks that has once again become a constant presence in the band's shows, even the electric ones. Unlike what is recorded on Omni (2018), Lione takes over the vocals on “The Bottom of my Soul,” whose original voice on the CD is that of Rafael Bittencourt – who shone in a solo moment with the iconic “Reaching Horizons.”
Immediately afterwards, the musicians were introduced to the rhythm of that famous song from the Silvio Santos show, as a tribute to the recently deceased presenter. This moment opened the doors for the special guests.
Vanessa Moreno 's talent and charisma are already well-known to fans, as she recorded "Here in the Now" on her most recent album, Cycles of Pain, and performed at the acoustic show in Curitiba last year. However, even so, what the singer presented here was astonishing (a reaction that was even more enthusiastic in Rio de Janeiro the following day). In "Here in the Now" itself, she and Lione shone, in a performance where Vanessa's voice was the guide.
In “Wuthering Heights,” Vanessa delivered everything and more, showcasing vocal versatility and an unprecedented spiritual and physical commitment.
The duo returns to the spotlight in the pompous and emotional “Tears of Blood,” recorded in the studio by Amanda Somerville . Another guest of honor would be former Angra (and also Megadeth ) Kiko Loureiro , who appears in “No Pain for the Dead” for a historic reunion; another song sung with Vanessa.
In “Holy Land,” Bittencourt and Loureiro displayed an incredible chemistry, including an extended solo at the end, and in “Late Redemption,” Kiko sang the parts in Portuguese. They all reunited for “Rebirth,” sung by both band and audience. The audience, incidentally, was rather subdued at various points, either due to indifference or because they were so engrossed in the show that they set aside any louder reactions.
Bruno Valverde 's drum arrangements proved excellent, with obvious reminiscences of jazz, which permeates his musical background. On the bass, Felipe Andreoli delivered an impenetrable sonic consistency. On the six strings, Marcelo Barbosa was the connecting link alongside Bittencourt. Added to this, Lione with his powerful and wide-ranging vocals. The term "unparalleled synergy" comes to mind, there's no way around it.
The now universally acclaimed “Bleeding Heart” and the supreme classic “Carry On” brought to a close a performance devoid of heaviness and distortion, inversely proportional to the beauty of the new arrangements, the harmonies and melodies that shone through in this format.
Angra has always offered its fans a great deal. Their setlists constantly undergo significant changes, album tours intertwine with celebratory ones, and this acoustic tour is yet another gift from the group to its followers. Bring on the next step!.
Check out exclusive photos by Clóvis Roman in our gallery.
READ ALSO: Angra brings acoustic performance to Curitiba once again
