Freedom Call

Released in 1996, Freedom Call serves as a bridge between Angra's seminal 'Holy Land' and the subsequent 'Fireworks'. Though technically an EP, its impact on the power metal community was significant, primarily due to the inclusion of the title track - a fan favorite that exemplifies the band's ability to merge social commentary with anthemic, high-register metal. The EP is notable for featuring the 'Reaching Horizons' demo, showcasing a more stripped-back, melodic side of the band's songwriting. Perhaps most famously, it includes a cover of Judas Priest's 'Painkiller', which became a benchmark for vocalists in the genre due to Andre Matos's faithful yet distinctively operatic delivery. Critics, including those at AllMusic, have noted the EP's high production values and the band's seamless integration of symphonic elements without sacrificing the 'speed' essential to the genre's identity. It remains a cornerstone of the Brazilian metal scene.