Amid the early defining years of their career, Brazilian thrash/groove metal greats Sepultura were centered around the core of their co-founding brotherly duo, Max (vocals/guitar) and Iggor Cavalera (drums). While the group’s earliest forays helped them break out of Brazil, by the time 1991’s “Arise” hit, the brothers, then joined by guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paulo Jr., began regularly capturing lightning in a bottle.
“Arise” melded thrash’s blitzkrieg attacks with death metal’s weight. Its 1993 follow-up nearly perfected the blueprint for generations of groove metal bands that followed. That opus also was the first to land the group a gold record in the United States.
By 1996, the band had undergone yet another evolution with “Roots“, this time welding the aesthetics and downtuned riffs of nü-metal with a tribal groove indigenous to to their home country. That album was the second, and thus far last, of the band’s releases to attain a gold certification in the United States.
Unfortunately, the pressure and conflicts behind the scenes saw “Roots” also serve as the final Sepultura album to feature Max. No strangers to reinvention by that point, the band once again took on a new form with addition of vocalist Derrick Green.
Iggor stuck it out behind the drum kit until 2006, leaving Kisser and Paulo Jr. to carry on the torch. In the years since, Max and Iggor were also able to reconcile their relationship. Meanwhile, the Green era became the more prolific half of the band’s catalog. But that hasn’t stopped fans from pining for the potential of at least a live reunion with Max.
However, absence hasn’t made the heart grow fonder for the brothers — not entirely anyway. Sure, the pair have taken to re-recording the Sepultura‘s first three releases, 1985’s “Bestial Devastation“, 1986’s “Morbid Visions” & 1987’s “Schizophrenia“, in recent years under their Cavalera banner. But the last time Sepultura played a show with both Max & Iggor onstage took place all the way back in 1996.
Given the acrimony involved in their original split, neither party has been too keen to rekindle their friendship. However, it seems there is at least a chance for a one-off reunion. With the door set to close on Sepultura in 2026 following the completion of their 40th anniversary farewell world tour, Kisser has invited the aforementioned brothers to take part in one final show.
In fact, he’s also extended the offer to all former members of the band. Speaking recently with Moshpit Passion, Kisser stated of the hopes for the band’s final sendoff:
“…Everything is possible. I mean, of course, the last show, [it] would be great to have a register. We like to invite all the ex-members, including the brothers, Cavalera brothers. Let’s see what happens. We’re working towards that, to have a big celebration for the fans.”
As for actually burying the hatchet with Max, Kisser stated:
“We don’t care who is right or wrong. We’re never gonna get to that point. [Laughs] We have different point of views and different perspectives about same historical events and stuff. So let’s jam, let’s have a good time for the fans, for us, for ourselves, and really close this amazing 43 years or 44, whatever it’s gonna be at the time, in peace with ourselves, and really reach for something different afterwards. At least in my point of view, I like to, of course, continue with music and everything, but maybe do something different. Who knows?”
Outside of the numerous shows still to come, Sepultura have also been recording and filming various stops on the farewell trek thus far for future planned live releases. With further stops planned, Sepultura have the following touring booked at the moment.
With Jinjer, Obituary and Jesus Piece:
11/05 Brussels, BEL – Ancienne Belgique
11/06 Esch-sur-Alzette, LUX – Rockhal
11/08 Manchester, UK – Manchester Academy
11/09 Dublin, IRE – Olympia Theatre
11/10 Belfast, UK – Telegraph Building
11/11 Glasgow, UK – Barrowland Ballroom
11/12 London, UK – Hammersmith Apollo
11/14 Zurich, SWI – The Hall
11/15 Ludwigsburg, GER – MHP Arena
11/16 Munich, GER – Zenith
11/17 Budapest, HUN – Barba Negra
11/19 Leipzig, GER – Haus Auensee
11/20 Vienna, AUT – Gasometer
11/21 Katowice, POL – Spodek
11/22 Berlin, GER – Columbiahalle
11/23 Prague, CZE – O2 Universum
Sepultura:
11/29 Ribeirão Preto, BRA – Alcans Hall
12/05 Manaus, BRA – Studio5
12/07 São Luís, BRA – Ceprama
12/12 Salvador, BRA – Concha Acustica
12/14 Recife, BRA – Classic Hall
03/15 Mexico City, MEX – Vive Latino
03/22 Buenos Aires, ARG – Lollapalooza Argentina
03/23 Santiago, CHL – Lollapalooza Chile
03/30 Sao Paulo, BRA – Lollapalooza Brasil
07/26 Plovdiv, BUL – Hills Of Rock
07/30 Rasnov, ROM – Rockstadt Extreme Fest
The brothers Cavalera meanwhile continue to tour on their aforementioned trio of early Sepultura releases, which they’ve dubbed the ‘third world trilogy’. Their touring plans include:
01/17 Sydney, AUS – Liberty Hall
01/18 Brisbane, AUS – The Tivoli
01/19 Melbourne, AUS – Northcode Theatre
01/22 Hobart, AUS – The Odeon Theatre
01/23 Adelaide, AUS – Hindley Street Music Hall
01/24 Fremantle, AUS – Metropolis
03/01 Mexico City, MEX – Titans Of Metal Fest
05/11 Columbus, OH – Sonic Temple Art + Music Festival
[via Blabbermouth.net]
