The historic Angra reunion, which will bring the Nova Era lineup to the Bangers Open Air 2026 — featuring Edu Falaschi , Kiko Loureiro , and Aquiles Priester — was the central theme of the interview with Rafael Bittencourt and Felipe Andreoli Assino Embaixo program Régis Tadeu YouTube channel .
Guitarist Rafael Bittencourt, contextualizing the difficulties of the reunion, stated that the main obstacles were "in the human realm, in human relations," and highlighted Andreoli's role as a key figure: "In fact, I think I'm mirroring you [Felipe]. You're further ahead than I am in this process. You already have a good conversation and everything. I, on the other hand, will have the opportunity, in this show, to reconnect, let go of grudges and talk, try to understand, now with a more mature mind, with other perspectives. It's an opportunity." (Transcription via igormiranda.com.br )
It was up to Felipe Andreoli to explain that the show only became possible because the band "has been building this rapprochement for some time, smoothing out a series of rough edges that needed to be trimmed and a series of issues that needed to be discussed, even sometimes somewhat difficult conversations that needed to be had."
The bassist emphasized that, months earlier, the idea would have been rejected, proving that the collaboration was the result of long and delicate behind-the-scenes work, and not a mere commercial arrangement.
On a personal level, Rafael Bittencourt opened up about overcoming tensions, especially with drummer Aquiles Priester. He revealed that he reached out to Aquiles a few years ago, after a long period without contact, to "try to put all those bad feelings behind him." The guitarist explained that he wanted to wish his former bandmate the best and apologize for any offense, noting that the unexpected gesture caused things to "gradually unravel."
Regarding Edu Falaschi, Rafael compared the legacy of shared albums to a child who needs to be cared for: “When you have a legacy of albums together, it’s like having a child with that person who needs to be cared for. And the responsibilities and rights of each person need to be very clear.”
Finally, he sees the show as a personal opportunity to "settle some karmas, let go of grudges, and converse, trying to understand other perspectives now with a more mature mind," celebrating the moment as a victory for everyone involved.
Angra at Bangers Open Air 2026
As previously announced , the Brazilian heavy metal scene will witness a historic moment on April 26, 2026, with Angra's show at Bangers Open Air, at the Memorial da América Latina, in São Paulo.
Confirmed as the main attraction on Sunday, the show titled Angra Reunion will not be an ordinary performance, but rather a celebration of different phases of the band, uniting the current lineup with iconic members of the so-called "New Era," which marked the album Rebirth (2001). Returning to the stage will be vocalist Edu Falaschi, guitarist Kiko Loureiro, and drummer Aquiles Priester, who will join current members Rafael Bittencourt (guitar) and Felipe Andreoli (bass) — the latter already present in the Rebirth . The event, which takes place in the year Angra celebrates its 35th anniversary, consolidates the strength and relevance of Brazilian metal, overcoming past disagreements for the sake of the music and the fans.
This event has been eagerly awaited by the metal community for years and promises a long, intense, and emotionally charged night. The performance will be divided into three acts, dedicated to significant periods in the band's history, culminating in all the musicians joining together on stage to celebrate the band's legacy. The importance of this show is so great that the festival organizers classify it as a "historical milestone" for Brazilian metal.
Amidst this celebration, the band also announced the departure of vocalist Fabio Lione and the arrival of Alírio Netto as the new official vocalist, who will join the current lineup. With this, Bangers Open Air becomes the stage for one of the biggest and most anticipated reunions of South American metal, uniting generations of musicians and fans in a single show.
Read also: Angra announces Fabio Lione's farewell and calls up Alírio Netto for Bangers Open Air.
