Metal act Angra has been known for it's classical interludes, high technical instrumental playing and Brasil regional elements. Through the years they have come to this point with the release of their eight full-length album "Secret Garden". Frontman vocalist Fabio Lione discusses the band's process with this release as well as Kiko Loureiro's role as Megadeth's new guitarist plus future plans of promoting this release with relentless touring and shows!
1. First of all, who are you, and what do you do in the band?
Fabio: I am the singer/songwriter.
2. Why and where did the band's name Angra come into the picture?
Fabio: Mmmm difficult to say there's a city in Brasil named Angra do reis probably we had this name in mind somehow, anyway this name that we liked a lot is connected with the Goddess of Fire and we really liked this subject as a band name,
3. It's been four years since new music from Angra, why such a long time gap to get some new tunes out and about?
Fabio: Well as you may know the band had some line-up changes regarding the old drummer and singer. Of course this was the main reason and finally we decided to move on and create a new team of people, friends and musicians. We composed new stuff and released a new record!!!! I have to say that the band is in a very good moment and we are really happy regarding the new record.
4. Your new album is called "Secret Garden" so what is in your guys' secret gardens?
Fabio: The "Secret Garden" is something personal, a kind of research can be a religious path or something like that as the main character of our concept (in this record we have a scientist/a doctor that discovers and embraces some religious paths, he found a way to communicate with his wife who was killed in a car accident and so on).
5. Why did you go the concept album route on the new album?
Fabio: Well we discuss and had many ideas I have to say in general all band members liked the idea and the concept, Rafael proposed to the band. I think it's something interesting, modern, in a way and this way we have something more to give to our fans, different kinds of songs, ideas, guests, and a story behind all of this.
6. How did you challenge yourself sound wise to fit this concept?
Fabio: Of course having a concept means different moods and moments so a kind of variety in the music style and in the songs. As a singer I really liked that you can have the possibility to approach with different moods and styles and be more powerful, when is needed or soft or aggressive, theatrical and so on. All this in the end is making a big difference like different "colours" that you can give with your voice and I am sure the listener will not get bored. As when you could be listening to 10 similar songs with the same speed, mood, style and approach.
7. Is the concept of the album going to develop into any other mediums like film or graphic novels?Fabio: This is a nice idea, I have to say that we had some similar ideas in mind, especially regarding a graphic novel. But it's not so easy to release and at that moment we are really busy with shows and promotions.
8. Did you get the album you wanted? Is everything on there or were there some things that were just impossible to pull off?
Fabio: We really wanted this sound, everyone in the band is really happy and I think we did the right choice with the studio producer and songs, everything sounds great, fresh, more modern with some new elements in the music. But at the same time our style is there! This record is important for us because it's like a new reborn with a new stronger this is Angra 2015!!!!!
9. Would you say that the cinematic equivalent of "Secret Garden" would be the film of the same name or another film altogether or no film at all?
Fabio: Yes, same name so why not.
10. Is it important for you to paint visual pictures with the songs?
Fabio: I think it's necessary you have to "talk" with people and you have to give them some pictures, ideas, feeling messages, etc.
11. How did you guys choose who you wanted to have as guest vocals on the new album?
Fabio: Well Simone of Epica is a good friend of mine, since the Kamelot tour of 2011, I was really happy to know that she wanted to be a part of the record, same regarding miss Doro, she's absolutely great and a good friend with the band! Concerning the concept we needed some female guest voices on the record and we immediately thought about Simone and Doro. So we are really happy that both agreed to be on the record.
12. What's your take on "Secret Garden" as a whole?
Fabio: A strong record with a great production, songs, and concept. One of the best releases of the band for sure.
13. You are now a member of the infamous Megadeth, how does this make you feel?
Fabio: Well I can try to answer for Kiko! I am sure he's happy regarding this and he will have more to do and be good! At the same time I think it's kind of a dream, one big band that called him and will be a great new experience for him. I think this will be great for Megadeth cause Kiko is a very talented guitar player, composer, musician and so on.
14. Whom got in touch with whom?
Fabio: I think Kiko and Dave knew each other since some years, they had a photo session for a cover of a Japanese magazine some years ago and they talked and stayed in contact so everything was natural and easy in a way.
15. Did you ever give it a second thought as to not taking or were you set on taking it either way?
Fabio: A second thought sure.
16. What do you think you will bring to the table for Megadeth and it's fan base?
Fabio: I am sure Kiko will bring some new elements. He's a technical guitar player with a great sense for melodies and a good composer so surely one of the most talented at the moment.
Fabio: Surely he will do his best in both bands and this new experience will give great new motivation.
18. How about plans for touring and shows, what do you have lined-up?
Fabio: At the moment we have many shows with Angra fixed and we still have more to finalize I guess. (Japan, Brasil, Italy, Germany, Chile, U.S.A.) so the band will be soon touring promoting the new record until the end of the year. Then we are thinking on releasing something different like an acoustic DVD or CD with orchestra and new material but we are still discussing that.
19. Do you have any last words for fans, or potential new fans?
Fabio: We wanna thank all of our fans all over the world and we hope everyone appreciates our new release, we invite all of you to be at a show of the new tour and feel energy of the new songs with surprises, new great setlist, guests, and more!
20. Is that your final answer?
Fabio: A great thank you! To everybody that supports our band and good music!!!!
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