Sepultura

Sepultura is a highly influential heavy metal band from Brazil.

Formed in 1984 in Belo Horizonte, the group became a global force in several musical genres. They were major contributors to thrash metal, death metal, and groove metal. They also played an integral role in the development of deathrash. Over their long career, the band's sound evolved significantly. They merged heavy metal with alternative metal, nu metal, and industrial metal. They also incorporated progressive rock, hardcore punk, and world music into their style. This ability to blend different textures made them a unique force in the music industry.

The band's musical evolution followed a specific sequence of stylistic shifts. In their early years, they focused on extreme metal styles. After signing with Roadrunner Records in 1988, they moved toward a more technical thrash metal sound. This change was aided by the arrival of guitarist Andreas Kisser in 1987. Later, the band shifted toward groove metal with the release of Chaos A.D. in 1993. This album added elements of industrial music and hardcore punk. By 1996, the band experimented with Brazil's indigenous music on the album Roots. This resulted in a slower, down-tuned sound that influenced the nu metal scene.

Sepultura's discography consists of fifteen studio albums released across several decades. Their debut full-length album, Morbid Visions, arrived in 1986. This was followed by Schizophrenia in 1987, which featured a more thrash-oriented direction. The 1989 release, Beneath the Remains, served as their international breakthrough. This album was highly acclaimed by critics and magazines. Other essential albums include Arise (1991), Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1996). Each of these records helped define a different era of the band's musical identity.

The band's origins are rooted in personal history and cultural influence. Brothers Max and Igor Cavalera formed the group in 1984. Their father, a diplomat, passed away, which left the family in financial ruin. This event deeply affected the brothers and inspired their musical path. They chose the name Sepultura, which is the Portuguese word for "grave." This name was inspired by a lyric from a Motörhead song. Early on, the brothers traveled to São Paulo to find new musical ideas. They listened to various American and Brazilian metal bands to shape their early sound.

Sepultura achieved massive commercial success on a global scale. The band has sold almost 20 million units worldwide. In the United States alone, they have sold over three million units. These sales earned them multiple gold and platinum records in many countries. These honors include recognitions in France, Australia, Indonesia, Cyprus, and the United States. They also received significant accolades in their native Brazil. Their ability to reach such diverse audiences proves their impact on the heavy metal genre.

The band's lineup has seen many changes since its formation. The "classic" lineup included Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, bassist Paulo Jr., and guitarist Andreas Kisser. This specific group remained together for nearly a decade. Max Cavalera departed the band in 1997. Igor Cavalera left the group later, in 2006.

Paulo Jr. is the longest-serving member of the band. He joined shortly after the formation in late 1984. Andreas Kisser has appeared on every album since Schizophrenia. The current lineup features Paulo Jr., Kisser, frontman Derrick Green, and drummer Greyson Nekrutman.

The band's legacy is tied to its role in the "second wave" of thrash metal. This period spanned from the late 1980s to the mid-1990s. They also helped pioneer the groove metal movement during the 1990s.

Their influence can be seen in many later musical movements, including nu metal.

After more than four decades of activity, the band is now concluding its journey. In March 2024, Sepultura began a two-year-long farewell tour. Once this tour is complete, the band will officially disband.