TIME TO BE FREE is Andre Matos’ first studio album in his solo career, after his departure from the band Shaman. Produced by Roy Z (Judas Priest, Helloween, Bruce Dickinson, Halford) and mixed by German guitarist Sascha Paeth, the album is considered a classic of the “melodic metal” genre.

The lyrics are about independence, freedom, and new horizons, presenting a sincere and very personal approach to the artist’s beliefs at that time. After years of participation in notable bands on the scene (Viper, Angra and Shaman), Matos has selected a team of exceptional musicians for the project: Hugo Mariutti and André “Zaza” Hernandes on guitars; Luis Mariutti on bass; Rafael Rosa on drums, and Fábio Ribeiro on keyboards. The album also features guest appearances by Amanda Sommerville on backing vocals and violinist Marcus Viana.

The precise, heavy and visceral sound stands out in songs such as Rio (nominated for best heavy metal song at the Worldwide Prize Music Awards 2008), Letting Go, Endeavor and in the intriguing A New Moonlight, a peculiar reinterpretation of Piano Sonata No. 14 in C- Sharp Minor, Op. 27 No. 2 “Moonlight”: I. Adagio Sostenuto (Moonlight Sonata) by Ludwig van Beethoven.