After weeks of rumors, Megadeth finally announced the addition of guitarist Kiko Loureiro to their lineup, and there's no one more thrilled for Loureiro than his Angra bandmates.

The guitarist joins Lamb of God drummer Chris Adler as new players in the story of Megadeth, with both set to play an integral role in recording the band's next album. They'll join Megadeth founder Dave Mustaine and longtime bassist David Ellefson on the disc.

Angra's group members took to their Facebook page to express their excitement for Loureiro. Fellow guitarist Rafael Bittencourt was the first offer his well wishes, issuing the following statement:

Oh boy! My spine is still giving me goosebumps! Kiko is in Megadeth! Wow! What a feeling of pride! I have known Kiko for many years and he deserves this great opportunity more than anyone else. I usually say that we have a brotherhood’s relationship, so we always wish the best for each other. Kiko has been tracking a very serious and talented career.
I take to say this is also an amazing achievement for Brazilian metal. The beginning of this new epic stage is something we all should celebrate. It will be great for Angra and for all Brazilian bands, since it draws attention and highlights the talent of Brazilian musicians in general.
Regarding the works with Angra, I believe he will comply with all activities that he has already committed to and he will always be part of our family. He will definitively not be able to turn his back for something he helped build with so much effort. I'm sure we will still make a lot together, either in or out of Angra.
 Brother, lots of luck and success to you!

Bittencourt was followed by the band's manager Paulo Baron. You can read his statement below:

We always work to be better than our own idols and so one day we reach the opportunity. Kiko worked hard for it and became a great Latin American pride so I think he deserves to be in this position now. I think Angra made the difference. Without it perhaps he would not be chosen and it could be any other member of our group, because our band is great. If every American or English citizen had to go through what we have spent to build a career; from learning to speak a foreign language till buy a music instrument much more expensive than any American or British citizen would pay for it we can already consider this a great victory to be highlighted.
Kiko deserves it. He is a great example of nowadays professional musician and he is a successful example to be followed by many other Brazilian and Latin musicians who wish to achieve success in their life.

And finally, bassist Felipe Andreoli issued his best to Loureiro as well. Check out his comments below.

When I received the call from Kiko saying he was going to audition for Megadeth, I was in awe! My friend and partner of 14 years joining a band that was part of my musical formation in a very intense way... it's not the kind of news that you get everyday! Immediately my thought was "wow, Megadeth is in very good hands."
I really think that the extraordinary talent and the unique professionalism of Kiko Loureiro, with whom I have learned so much over the years, qualify him to enter any band in the world. Like Angra, now Megadeth is lucky to have him. A world class Brazilian talent.
I am very proud of my friend and wish him nothing but the best! This is the beginning of an amazing journey where he walks with legends, a place he certainly deserves.

Dave Mustaine revealed that he first met Loureiro about eight years ago during a magazine cover shoot and soon grew to learn the depth of the man and his talent. "Very few Megadeth alumni have had the same feel and ability as Kiko," stated Mustaine. "As Frank Sinatra says, 'The best is yet to come!'"

Megadeth's Kiko Loureiro

Kiko Loureiro
Facebook: Angra / Photo by Henrique Grandi
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