Shaman (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2000 |
| Founder | Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti, Ricardo Confessori |
| Defunct | 2023 |
| Headquarters | São Paulo , Brazil |
| Products | Progressive power metal music, albums, live performances |
Shaman was a progressive power metal group from Brazil, created in 2000 by ex-members of Angra: Andre Matos, Luis Mariutti, and Ricardo Confessori. To complete the ensemble, guitarist Hugo Mariutti, Luis' younger sibling, joined the band. Due to legal complications, the band briefly adopted the name Shaaman but later reverted to their original name.
In October 2006, Matos along with the Mariutti brothers exited the band. Confessori then rebuilt Shaman with fresh talent including vocalist Thiago Bianchi, guitarist Léo Mancini, bassist Fernando Quesada, and keyboardist Junior Carelli. This lineup produced two albums before several members moved on to establish Noturnall alongside former Angra drummer Aquiles Priester.
On 29 June 2018, the founding members reunited for a tour celebrating their 17th anniversary, which was cut short following the unexpected passing of lead singer Andre Matos on 8 June 2019.
Biography
Formed in mid-2000 by Andre Matos (vocals, keyboards), Luis Mariutti (bass), and Ricardo Confessori (drums) after leaving Angra, Shaman initially lacked a guitarist until Hugo Mariutti joined permanently. The band’s name draws inspiration from shamanistic traditions.
Their first album, Ritual (2002), fused elements of heavy metal with classical and world music influences. Primarily recorded in Germany under the production of Sascha Paeth and Phil Colodetti, it was distributed in over fifteen countries. The World Ritual Tour encompassed more than 150 performances across Europe, Latin America, Asia, and Brazil.
Ritual received widespread acclaim in Brazil, securing best album honors from Folha de S. Paulo readers in both 2002 and 2004. In 2004, Shaman supported Iron Maiden during their São Paulo concert before releasing RituAlive, a live CD/DVD featuring guest appearances by artists such as Tobias Sammet and Michael Weikath.
Following legal disputes, the band changed its name to Shaaman in 2005 and renamed their sophomore album Reason, which aimed to evoke the spirit of 1980s heavy metal. The track "Innocence" achieved notable radio airplay and chart success within Brazil.
Shaman announced a break in October 2006 when Matos and the Mariutti brothers departed. Confessori maintained the band with new members and released Immortal in 2007. By 2013, all remaining members except Confessori had formed Noturnall; none intended to revive Shaman.
The original formation reunited in June 2018 for commemorative concerts throughout Brazil but halted activities after Matos passed away in June 2019.
Line-up
- Past members
- Andre Matos – vocals, piano, keyboards (2000–2006, 2018–2019; deceased 2019)
- Luis Mariutti – bass (2000–2006, 2018–2023)
- Hugo Mariutti – guitar (2000–2006, 2018–2023)
- Fábio Ribeiro – keyboards, piano (2000–2006; touring 2018–2022; official 2022–2023)
- Ricardo Confessori – drums (2000–2013, 2018–2023)
- Thiago Bianchi – vocals (2007–2013)
- Léo Mancini – guitars (2007–2013)
- Fernando Quesada – bass (2007–2013)
- Junior Carelli – keyboards, piano (2012–2013)
- Alirio Netto – vocals (2019–2023)
Discography
Studio albums
- Ritual (2002) No. 101 French Charts, #80 Japanese Charts
- Reason (2005) #200 Japanese Charts
- Immortal (2007)
- Origins (2010)
- Rescue (2022)
Demo albums
- Shaman (2001)
Live albums
- RituAlive (2003)
- AnimeAlive (2008)
- Live at Masters of Rock (2011)
Singles
Videography
Music Videos
- "Fairy Tale" (2002)
- "For Tomorrow" (2003)
- "Innocence" (credited as Shaaman, 2005)
- "More" (credited as Shaaman, 2005)
- "In the Dark" (2007)
- "Finally Home" (2010)
- "Ego" (2011)
- "Nocturnal Human Side" (2013)
- "Brand New Me" (2020)
- "Turn Away (Live)" (2020)
- "Reason" (2020)
DVD Releases
- RituAlive (2003)
- Animelive (2008)
- Shaman & Orchestra – One Live (2011)