Text by: Eduardo Simões
About to take a break from their activities, Angra came to Belo Horizonte to say goodbye to the Minas Gerais audience with a scaled-down version of Angra Fest .
The first band of the night, VIPER , opened the event with the excellent “Under the Sun,” from their latest album, Timeless . Following that, a return to the 80s with two songs from the unsurpassed Theatre of Fate : “To Live Again” and “A Cry From the Edge.”
Even without the presence of founding member Pit Passarell, who passed away in 2024, the band manages to maintain an impeccable show. His replacement, Dani Matos , in addition to being an excellent musician, is a long-time member of the VIPER family – he is the brother of the late former vocalist Andre Matos .
Before “Wings of the Evil”, the band brought to the stage the guitarist from Minas Gerais Eduardo P. , formerly of Chakal . The vocals for the beautiful “The Spreading Soul” were shared between Dani Matos and Leandro Caçoilo .
The sound was loud, clear, and heavy. The new lineup works very well live. Besides the aforementioned Dani Matos, original member Felipe Machado is joined by Guilherme Martin on drums, probably one of the hardest-hitting drummers in Brazil, and the virtuoso Kiko Shred on guitar. But we need to talk about the charismatic Leandro Caçoilo, who sings all of VIPER's songs in the original key. Songs recorded by Andre Matos, Pit Passarell… Nothing is a problem! And the worst part: he makes it all look easy. Without a doubt, a musician who is exceptional.
It's difficult to explain to the new generation the importance of having a music video in the MTV top 10 in the first half of the 90s. But, even if many of those present weren't born at that time, they knew and sang songs like "Rebel Maniac".
Before announcing the final song, founding member Felipe Machado paid a beautiful tribute to the city of Belo Horizonte, highlighting its importance to Brazilian heavy metal. He also emphasized the work and friendship of the VIPER family members who have passed away: Pit Passarell and Andre Matos. And, to the delight of the audience, he began playing the fingerpicking riff of the classic “Living for the Night”.
The excellent reception leaves the door open for Viper to return to Belo Horizonte to correct the only problem with their show: its short duration.
Angra and 'Temple of Shadows' played in its entirety.
After approximately a 30-minute intermission, Angra took to the stage, opening with the killer track “Nothing to Say,” which, let's face it, is worth the price of admission alone. This was followed by “Millennium Sun” and “Tides of Changes,” from the excellent album Cycles of Pain .
There's no doubt: Rafael Bittencourt , Felipe Andreoli , Marcelo Barbosa and Bruno Valverde are extremely competent instrumentalists. And on stage, Fabio Lione uses his refined technique to hit every note, which, when it comes to Angra, is no easy feat.
“Deus Le Volt!” heralded the moment many had been waiting for: the album Temple of Shadows was performed in its entirety.
Angra's music is full of details and arrangements that enhance the work. Getting everything at the right volume is a real challenge. Luckily, the sound was perfect!
After finishing the Temple of Shadows , they played the song "Rebirth." Vocalist Fábio Lione interacted with the audience, joking around and asking if they were tired or wanted more. And the answer was obvious: more.
The song “Angels Cry” took us back to the band's beginnings. It's interesting that Angra and Viper are bands with very similar histories: quintets from São Paulo, they released an excellent first album, released an even better second album, had a certain Andre Matos as their vocalist, went through several lineup changes, overcame difficulties, and now only have one guitarist from the original lineup: Felipe Machado and Rafael Bittencourt.
To close, Angra played two killer tracks: “Carry On” and “Nova Era”, which open the albums Angels Cry and Rebirth .
Packed house, perfect shows, and fans grinning from ear to ear. Unfortunately, both bands had shows the following day, which made an extra date impossible for fans who couldn't get tickets.
May VIPER return soon, adding songs like "At Least a Chance," "Evolution," "The Shelter," "Freedom of Speech," and "The War" to their setlist.
Regarding Angra, after 30 years of service to music, we, the fans, understand the need for a well-deserved break. But we also eagerly await their new "rebirth".
VIPER:
Belo Horizonte, July 11th Intro – Reality
Under the Sun
To Live Again
A Cry from the Edge
Soldiers of Sunrise
Dead Light
Wings of the Evil
Prelude to Oblivion
The Spreading Soul
Rebel Maniac
Living for the Night
ANGRA:
Belo Horizonte, July 11 Nothing to Say
Millennium Sun
Tide of Changes – Part I
Tide of Changes – Part II
Deus le Volt!
Spread Your Fire
Angels and Demons
Waiting Silence
Wishing Well
The Temple of Hate
The Shadow Hunter
No Pain for the Dead
Winds of Destination
Sprouts of Time
Morning Star
Late Redemption
Rebirth
Angels Cry
Unfinished Allegro
Carry On / Nova Era
READ ALSO: Angra makes history with free show on World Rock Day
