Sepultura

Roots

SEPULTURA

Review Score:

(10/10)
The innovative death metal band Sepultura (Portuguese for "Grave") was formed in Belo Horizonte, Brazil in 1984 by brother Max (vocals) and Igor (drums) Cavalera, who together with schoolmates Jairo T. (guitar) and Paulo Pinto Jr. (bass) became one of Brazil's most popular metal bands, releasing standard fare such as Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions. After the departure of Jairo in 1986 Sepultura brought in Andreas Kisser on guitar and released 1987's Schizophrenia, which further built their reputation in the worldwide underground metal scene. 1989's Beneath The Remains and 1991's Arise, both released on Roadrunner Records, broke the group worldwide. With a frenetic metal sound that recalled groups such as Iron Maiden and Metallica and often political lyrics inspired by the punk band the Dead Kennedys, Sepultura not only touched on the usual themes of death and despair but also spoke out against corruption in their troubled homeland, setting them apart from most death metal bands. After signing to Epic, Sepultura returned in 1993 with Chaos A.D., an album which won them rare critical acclaim and catapulted them into the U.S. Top 40. Following tours with acts such as Pantera, Ministry and Ozzy Osbourne, the Brazilian foursome recorded 1996's Roots, another highly praised release which blended the usual metal riffs with the complex rhythms of the besieged Xavantes Indians of the Amazon, whose plight the band discusses in their lyrics. Sadly Sepultura broke up in early 1997 due to musical differences; its members are currently working on other projects.

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