Brazilian thrash metal band formed in Sao Paolo in 1983 by teenage brothers Max and Igor Cavelera (on guitar and drums respectively) with guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paolo Jr. making up the quartet.
While stories of the drinking and partying that went into the making of Arise (1991) are rife, Sepultura’s fourth album is notably more professional than any of their previous efforts. Their first recording outside Brazil, the album is markedly more polished courtesy of producer Scott Burns.
Everything about Arise is dark and threatening, including the distorted imagery of the cover art.
Roots (1996) saw the band boldly push its music forward into unknown territory. Drawing on Brazilian Latin and tribal music, nu-metal, and Sepultura’s own thrash/death style, the results were unique.
The band travelled to a remote region of the Amazon to meet a tribe called the Xavantes and record the acoustic Itsari (Live) with them. Elsewhere, Brazilian vocalist and percussionist Carlinhos Brown guested on the brilliant Ratamahatta, a percussion-laden tour de force.
Soon after the album Max Cavalera made his exit under dramatic circumstances. His stepson had been killed and arguments concerning management finally split the band.
Cavalera formed Soulfly and the rest of the band drafted in a new singer.
Max Cavalera
Vocals, guitar
Jairo Guedes
Guitar
Paulo Jnr
Bass
Igor Cavalera
Drums
Andreas Kisser
Guitar
Derrick Green
Vocals
