Angra announced last week that their new album, Cycles Of Pain, out November 3 via Atomic Records, is now available for preorder.
Guitarist Rafael Bittencourt says:
“This is a very special record for us for several reasons: First, much has happened since our last release in 2018. During the last five years, we experienced a lot of pain—personally and collectively—alongside challenges, frustrations, glories, and successes, on a rollercoaster of emotions that became a giant cauldron of subjects and inspirations. In the year 2019, my father passed away, and a few months later, also, Andre Matos died; that had a big impact on my life. I know the struggles of my bandmates too.
“This is a dense album of experiences and accumulated pain. Although we are in a great moment, the album draws inspiration from all pains experienced to bring reflections on them from different angles: what hurts us, how it arrives, the cure, the trauma, the scars. We avoid and we are faced with pain constantly from birth, in an endless cycle; we want it to be far away, but it is what molds and matures us during life. And in the midst of such a profound topic, we want to bring hope and strength to people who are suffering right now. I believe this album will make a difference in the lives of many people and will set a new standard within our style.”
Bassist Felipe Andreoli adds:
“Cycles Of Pain brings different perspectives on human pain and the cycles that involve it. It reminds us that while pain is inevitable, it is also an integral part of growing and learning. By recognizing and facing these cycles, we can discover our inner strength and find a path to healing and transformation. The album leads us to contemplate our own journey of pain and to embrace the hope that despite the seemingly endless cycles, there is always a light at the end of the tunnel. It is an invitation to reflect on the complexities of human pain, addressing topics such as loss, disillusionment, loneliness, and despair, but also bringing a message of resilience and hope.
“The combination of elements—an angel of death with bright, worn wings adorned with religious and pagan symbols, a dark forest with fire and rain, the prevalence of Brazilian elements—conveys a deeper narrative regarding the album’s theme and musical interpretation. It conveys the idea that pain is a recurring and transformative experience, encompassing spiritual and earthly aspects and encouraging us to delve into the depths of our own pain, explore its many dimensions and find strength and healing in the journey of these cycles.”
The album also features guest appearances by: Amanda Somerville (“Tears Of Blood”), Brazilian artists Lenine (“Vida Seca”) and Vanessa Moreno (“Tide Of Changes – Part II” and “Here In The Now”), and Juliana D’Agostini on piano (“Tears Of Blood”).
Preorder the album here.
Angra Live:
8/12/2023 Ópera De Arame – Curitiba, BR
10/28/2023 Festival Hora do Rock @ Arena Vale Fest – São José dos Campos, BR *New*
11/03/2023 Tokio Marine Hall (Album Release Show) – São Paulo, BR
11/18/2023 Armageddon Metal Fest – Joinville, BR
12/15/2023 Circo Voador – Rio de Janeiro, BR *New*
1/29-2/02/2024 70,000 Tons Of Metal – Miami, FL