In an interview with Wikimetal, Rafael Bittencourt revealed that the invitation to 's reunion show Angra at Bangers Open Air 2026 did not include the band's current lineup.
The founding guitarist revealed when the invitation came about: “I believe it started in September of last year. It wasn’t a plan, it was an invitation.”.
He explained: “We were invited by the Bangers Open Air production to have this reunion. And our hiatus plan had already been planned long before. The hiatus doesn't have so much to do with the possibility of a reunion, right? Because it's a completely unusual and special situation. The hiatus was… Because after three albums, we released an album, which was Cycles of Pain (2023), we released an acoustic album and soon after we did a tour celebrating Temple of Shadows. One right after the other. So, regarding the hiatus, we told the fans that we were going to stop.”
At the time of the invitation, the lineup included, in addition to Rafael Bittencourt, Felipe Andreoli (bass), Bruno Valverde (drums), Marcelo Barbosa (guitar) , and former vocalist Fabio Leoni. Asked about how the current members reacted to the news of the reunion, Rafael revealed: "Initially, the invitation for the reunion did not include the current lineup."
“We were the ones who insisted that the current lineup also be part of this celebration. Because it doesn't make sense for us to have been working with this lineup for several years, on various albums and everything else, tours… And suddenly put a spotlight on the reunion that could overshadow what we've been doing. So, the great truth is to show the moment we are in now, as a lineup, and also with the maturity to celebrate our past, our legacy,” concluded Rafael.
Show at Bangers Open Air
Angra announced a show at Bangers Open Air 2026 with the so-called New Era lineup, marking a historic reunion of Rafael Bittencourt and Felipe Andreoli with Edu Falaschi, Aquiles Priester and Kiko Loureiro.
The show will be divided into three acts celebrating different phases of the band's history. The first act will feature the current lineup, with Bittencourt, Felipe Andreoli, Marcelo Barbosa, Bruno Valverde, and Alírio Netto, with a guest appearance by Fábio Lione. In the second act, the Rebirth. Finally, in the third and final act, everyone will be together on stage in a grand celebration of the band's legacy, which will mark its 35th anniversary in 2026.
The band also has a side show at Espaço Unimedon April 29th, celebrating in grand style the 25th anniversary of Rebirth, the album that redefined the band's destiny and marked an entire generation of Brazilian and worldwide metal fans.
READ ALSO: Find out what Angra's reunion show will be like at Bangers Open Air 2026
