In an interview with Wikimetal, Rafael Bittencourt spoke about the public criticism made by former members of Angra.
Rafael explained: “The criticisms that existed were the personal views of each individual; there’s no way to explain these facts. In reality, they are perspectives on these events. So, in fact, they are fragments of a view on the facts, and many times I felt I didn’t have to respond. I had a very different view and I left it at that. Many say that silence implies consent, but I think it’s not just that; I think sometimes a person wants attention, a person is hurt and wants to vent, but my view is always very different from those that are expressed out there. But I’m also not saying that my view is the right one.”.
Although Rafael Bittencourt didn't mention names, 's recent departure Fabio Lione from Angra has generated differing accounts from the vocalist and the guitarist. According to Rafael, the decision was amicable and primarily motivated by the band's announced hiatus after their recent tour. According to the guitarist, since there were no concrete plans for activities in the coming years, Lione preferred to leave the group to dedicate himself to other projects, and the departure was by mutual agreement.
However, in an interview with Rolling Stone's version Rafael Bittencourt, stating that this explanation is merely a "comfortable truth" presented by the guitarist. "It's complicated and at the same time it isn't. Honestly, I didn't want to talk much about this Angra issue. What Rafa said is true […] Rafa preferred to do this interview telling this truth, which is true, but a comfortable truth for him. It's like: 'I don't want anyone to stay in the band, the band is on hiatus and he wants to leave.' It's a very 'I want to come across as a saint' way of doing things," said Leoni.
Despite the criticism, Fabio Lione stated that he holds nothing personal against the band members and said he hopes for the best for Angra's future.
The current phase of Angra with Alírio Netto on vocals
In an interview with Wikimetal, Rafael also confirmed Alírio Netto as the new vocalist. “Yes, he is indeed the new vocalist for Angra. However, Angra remains on a kind of hiatus. In other words, we had a change of vocalist in the middle of a hiatus. So, yes, he is the new vocalist. But there aren't any very clear plans yet.”
Angra had announced a hiatus in August 2025 after the end of the 20th anniversary tour for the album Temple of Shadows. The decision was motivated by exhaustion after years of intense work and the members' desire to dedicate themselves to personal projects.
According to Rafael Bittencourt, the band's hiatus should last 2 to 3 years, and during this period, the group will not be working on new compositions. However, the band announced a reunion show at Bangers Open Air 2026 in São Paulo on Sunday, April 26th , and a side show at Espaço Unimedon April 29th, celebrating 's 25th anniversary Rebirth
READ ALSO: Fabio Lione refutes Rafael Bittencourt's version of his departure from Angra.
