Shaman

Shaman was a Brazilian progressive power metal band that emerged from the split of Angra in 2000. The band's classic lineup featured Andre Matos on vocals and keyboards, Luis Mariutti on bass, Hugo Mariutti on guitar, and Ricardo Confessori on drums. They released four studio albums, with their debut Ritual (2002) establishing their epic sound.

After the original members left in 2006, Confessori reformed the band with a new lineup, releasing Immortal (2007) and Origins (2010). The band reunited in 2018 but was cut short by Matos's death in 2019. Shaman's legacy lives on through their music and the bands that evolved from them, like Noturnall. [edit]

Shaman came together in mid-2000 in São Paulo, born from the ashes of Angra. Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti, and Ricardo Confessori had just left Angra, one of Brazil's most prominent metal bands. They wanted to continue their musical journey, and soon brought in Hugo Mariutti, Luis's younger brother, to handle guitar duties. Hugo had been playing in Henceforth, and his addition completed the lineup.

The band's name, Shaman, was chosen to reflect the spiritual practice of shamanism, which they felt captured their music's mystical and powerful nature. They immediately began writing and testing new material on the road, touring Europe and Latin America before ever stepping into a studio. This live experience helped them shape their sound and build a dedicated following.

In 2002, they traveled to Germany to record their debut album Ritual with producer Sascha Paeth, who had worked with them during their Angra days. The album was well received and showcased their blend of power metal with progressive and folk elements. They spent the next year and a half touring the globe in support of it.

However, tensions within the band grew, and in October 2006, Matos and the Mariutti brothers announced their departure. Confessori was left to rebuild, and he did so with a fresh lineup featuring vocalist Thiago Bianchi, guitarist Léo Mancini, bassist Fernando Quesada, and keyboardist Junior Carelli. This new incarnation released two albums before Confessori left during the recording of a third, leading the remaining members to form Noturnall.

In 2018, the classic lineup reunited for a 17th anniversary tour, much to the delight of fans. But tragedy struck on 8 June 2019, when Andre Matos passed away unexpectedly. The reunion was cut short, and Shaman's future became uncertain. [edit]

Shaman's music is a potent mix of power metal and progressive metal, with a touch of folk metal that gives it an epic, dramatic feel. AllMusic describes their sound as aggressive and dramatic, heavily influenced by classical music and 1980s metal. Drummer Ricardo Confessori, a lifelong Rush fan, brought a progressive sensibility to the rhythm section, while Andre Matos's soaring vocals and keyboard work added a symphonic layer.

Their debut Ritual set the template with fast-paced guitar riffs, intricate song structures, and mythological lyrics. On Reason (2005), they experimented with more melodic and accessible elements, though still rooted in their signature style. The later albums with the new lineup, Immortal and Origins, continued this evolution, incorporating heavier and more modern metal influences. [edit]

Shaman's impact is most felt within the Brazilian metal scene and among fans of progressive power metal worldwide. As a direct continuation of Angra's legacy, they helped keep Brazilian metal on the international map. Their formation was a significant event, showing that members of a successful band could branch out and create something new.

The band's music inspired many young musicians in Brazil, and their albums are still celebrated by fans of the genre. Their second incarnation also left a mark, with members later forming Noturnall, which has gained its own following. Shaman's story is a testament to the enduring appeal of Brazilian metal. [edit]

Shaman's fanbase is dedicated, though not as organized as those of mainstream pop acts. Fans of the band often come from the broader metal community, and they share a deep appreciation for Brazilian progressive metal. There's no official fandom name or lightstick, but fans show their support through concert attendance, online forums, and social media groups. The band's reunion in 2018 was met with excitement, and their legacy continues through tribute pages and fan covers. [edit]

Ricardo Confessori is a lifelong Rush fan, which influenced the band's progressive leanings. Hugo and Luis Mariutti are brothers, and both also played in Henceforth. The band briefly changed their name to Shaaman in 2005 due to a legal dispute with a Finnish band, but reverted to Shaman after the issue was resolved. Andre Matos's death in 2019 shocked the metal world, and his legacy lives on through his music. The second-era lineup evolved into Noturnall, which continues to perform today. [edit]