Sepultura
| Sepultura | |
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 Sepultura performing live at Metalmania, in 2007
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| Background information | |
| Origin | Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil |
| Genre(s) | Death metal, thrash metal, groove metal |
| Years active | 1984–present |
| Label(s) | Cogumelo, New Renaissance, Roadrunner, SPV |
| Associated acts | Sarcófago, Nailbomb, Soulfly, Cavalera Conspiracy |
| Website | www.sepultura.com.br |
| Members | |
| Paulo Jr. Andreas Kisser Derrick Green Jean Dolabella |
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| Former members | |
| Wagner Lamounier Jairo Guedes Max Cavalera Igor Cavalera |
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Sepultura (Portuguese: "grave"[1]) is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, formed in 1984.[2] The band was a major force in the death metal and thrash metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s,[3] leading the Brazilian thrash metal scene, and their later experiments melding hardcore punk, industrial music, and indigenous Brazilian music with extreme metal[4][5] provided a blueprint for the groove metal genre.[6]
Sepultura have released ten studio albums so far, and another one has been announced to be released in 2009. Their most successful records are Arise (1991),[7] Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1996),[8] each of them having surpassed the one million mark worldwide. Sepultura has sold over 15 million units worldwide,[9] gaining multiple gold and platinum records across the globe, including in countries as diverse as France,[10][11] Australia,[12] Indonesia,[13] United States,[14] and their native Brazil.[15]
Contents |
History
Formation and Morbid Visions (1984–1986)
Sepultura was formed in 1984 at Belo Horizonte, the capital city of Minas Gerais, Brazil.[2] At the core of the band were brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, the impoverished sons of model Vânia and Graciliano, a well-to-do Italian diplomat whose fatal heart attack left his family in financial dire straits.[16] Graciliano's death deeply affected his sons, providing them the impetus to start a band.[17] They chose "Sepultura" as the group's name after Max Cavalera was translating the lyrics of the Motörhead song "Dancing on Your Grave".[1]
The brothers' early likes included popular heavy rock artists of the early 1980s, such as Van Halen, Iron Maiden, Motörhead, AC/DC, Judas Priest and Ozzy Osbourne.[2] Their listening habits changed dramatically after being introduced to Venom. As Igor Cavalera put it,
| “ | I remember the first time I listened to Venom, it was on a friend's borrowed tape. It was similar to Motörhead, only a lot heavier. I remember someone saying: it's the devil's Motörhead! After we got acquainted with Venom, we stopped listening to Iron Maiden and all that lighter stuff.[18] | ” |
From then on the Cavaleras rapidly started listening to bands such as Kreator, Sodom, Metallica, Exodus and Exciter.[19]
After a constant band member changes, Sepultura established a temporary line-up of Max on guitar, Igor on drums, vocalist Wagner Lamounier, and bassist Paulo Jr..[20] Lamounier exited the band in March 1985 after disagreements with the band, and moved on to become the frontman of the Brazilian black metal pioneering band Sarcófago. After his departure, Max took over the vocal duties. Jairo Guedes was the invited to join the band as their lead guitarist.[21]
After about a year of performing, Sepultura signed to Cogumelo Records in 1985. Later that year, they released Bestial Devastation, a shared EP with fellow Brazilian band Overdose. In 1986, the band released their debut full-length album, Morbid Visions, which is widely considered as one of the first pure death metal albums. It was initially released in the United States on New Renaissance Records, a record label owned by Ann Boleyn.
New Renaissance Records was heavily criticized by the media for signing and promoting Sepultura. However, their song "Troops of Doom" gained them higher airplay. After Morbid Visions, Jairo Guedes left the band for another thrash metal venture and was replaced by São Paulo-based guitarist Andreas Kisser.
Schizophrenia, Beneath the Remains, and Arise (1987–1992)
In early 1987, Jairo Guedes quit the band; Sepultura's lead guitarist had by then lost interest in playing death metal. Immediately after leaving Sepultura, Guedes formed Hanky Panky, a "cock rock" group in the vein of Ratt and Mötley Crüe.[22] Guedes later on joined brazillian thrash stahlwarts The Mist, Overdose and Eminence.[23]
The band's second studio album, Schizophrenia, was released in 1987. It saw a stylisitc change towards a more thrash metal-oriented sound, while still keeping the death metal elements of Morbid Visions. The album was a critical success, which led them to being signed to Roadrunner Records. With Roadrunner distributing Schizophrenia worldwide, Sepultura reached new and more numerous audiences of metal fans.
This stylistic change and critical success was cemented by the band's third studio album, Beneath the Remains, which was released in 1989. It was followed by a long European and American tour. Their first US show was held on October 31, 1989 at the Ritz in New York City, opening for Danish black metal band King Diamond. It is hailed by Terrorizer magazine as one of the all-time top 20 thrash metal albums[24], as well as a gaining a place in their all-time top 40 death metal records.[25]
Sepultura moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1990, and began recording material for their fourth studio album, Arise. By the time it was released in 1991, the band become one of the most critically-praised thrash/death metal bands of the time, in spite of a lack of mainstream success. The album was also their first to chart on the Billboard 200, reaching #119.[26]
Chaos A.D. and Roots (1993–1997)
Sepultura's fifth album, Chaos A.D., was released in 1993. It saw a departure from their death/thrash metal style,[27] mixing it with industrial and hardcore punk elements.[4] The album helped usher the groove metal genre,[6] and saw the band achieve recognition beyond the thrash metal community.
In 1994, Max and Igor, aided by Alex Newport of Fudge Tunnel, released an even more industrial-oriented album, Point Blank, in 1994 under the name Nailbomb. Nailbomb performed only one full live gig, and the performance was released as Proud to Commit Commercial Suicide. The band also played selected tracks live on Sepultura's 1994 tour with Fudge Tunnel as guests.
Sepultura's death/thrash departure continued with their sixth album, Roots, which was released in 1996. The band further innovated by experimenting with elements of the music of Brazil's indigenous peoples, with a slower, downtuned metal sound. The track "Roots Bloody Roots" off the album is probably the band's most well-known song, and is often a staple at live shows.
Later that year, the band played on the Donnington main stage alongside Ozzy Osbourne, Paradise lost, Type o negative, Biohazard, and Fear Factory. However, at the height of Sepultura's fame, a series of events broke the band apart. Just after the release of Roots, Sepultura decided to fire their manager, Gloria, Max Cavalera's wife.
Internal tensions within the band occurred throughout the latter half of 1996, and at the end of a successful tour of Britain, at Brixton Academy on December 16, 1996, the band told Max that they would not renew Gloria's management contract. He then left the band, and subsequently formed a new one, Soulfly. The other members announced that they would continue under the Sepultura name and were searching for a replacement.
Against, Nation and Roorback (1998–2005)
Sepultura chose Derrick Green from Cleveland, Ohio to fill in as their frontman and vocalist. With the new line up, the band recorded their seventh album, Against, which was released in 1998. The album was commercially less successful than its two predecessors. Aided by Max's departure, the band saw a further change in their thrash metal elements.
The band's eighth album, Nation, released in 2001, was slightly more successful than their previous album but sold poorly. This is probably in part due to having a more pure-thrash metal sound than its predecessors. It would be their last studio album released through Roadrunner Records.
A recording of Max's last live show with the band, Under A Pale Grey Sky, was later released in 2002 by their former record label, against the wishes of the band.
After recording Revolusongs, an EP of covers in 2002, the band released their ninth studio album, Roorback, in 2003. Despite having greater critical acclaim than its predecessors, sales remained low. It was their first album released through SPV Records.
In 2005, the band played in Dubai for the annual Dubai Desert Rock Festival.
In November of that year, a live Double-DVD and Double-CD, Live in São Paulo, was released. This was the first official live album from the band. The release of the album marked the first involvement of the new "Sepularmy" street team in promotion of Sepultura. The Sepularmy is unrelated to any of the band members or its record label, and its members are motivated purely by the desire to share the band's music and message around the world.
Dante XXI and A-Lex (2006–present)
Sepultura's tenth album, Dante XXI, was released on March 14, 2006. It is a concept album based around Dante's The Divine Comedy. The album has been considered to be the band's best effort with Derrick Green and musically continues in the vein of Roorback. Music videos for the songs "Convicted in Life" and "Ostia" were released, following on from the album's concept.
In a recent interview in Revolver Magazine, Max Cavalera stated that Igor and himself would reunite with the original lineup. There were also rumors that the new line up would play on the main stage at Ozzfest 2007. However, this was denied by Kisser and the proposed reunion did not occur.[28]
Andreas also stated that the band is planning a new studio album release for early 2009, being the first without any Cavalera member.[29] As stated on their Myspace page, it will be another concept album, entitled A-Lex, based on "A Clockwork Orange." The album was recorded at Trama Studios in São Paulo, Brazil, with producer Stanley Soares.
The band was one of the featured musical guests at the Latin Grammy Awards of 2008 on November 13. They performed a cover of "The Girl from Ipanema" and a new song called "We've Lost You" from their upcoming album A-Lex.[30] The 9th annual Latin Grammy Awards ceremony was held at the Toyota Center in Houston, Texas and aired on Univision.[31]
Sepularmy
The Sepularmy was set up in 2005 by Sepultura fans to help promote the band. In the past, the band had suffered from poor promotion from various record labels. After the split from Roadrunner Records, the band suffered a loss in popularity, and as a result, got less exposure.[32]
Their aim is to help spread the music and message of Sepultura, and to promote the band in various ways. Methods include producing flyers that fans can print out and distribute in local venues and music shops, and posting on Internet forums to help reach potential fans.
Band members
Current members
- Derrick Green – lead vocals (1997–present)
- Andreas Kisser – lead guitars (1986–present)
- Paulo Jr. – bass (1984–present)
- Jean Dolabella – drums, percussion (2006–present)
Former members
- Wagner Lamounier – lead vocals (1984–1985)
- Jairo Guedes – lead guitars (1985–1986)
- Max Cavalera – lead guitars (1984–1985), lead vocals, rhythm guitars (1985–1996)
- Igor Cavalera – drums, percussion (1984–2006)
Touring members
- Roy Mayorga – drums, percussion (2006)
Discography
- Morbid Visions (1986)
- Schizophrenia (1987)
- Beneath the Remains (1989)
- Arise (1991)
- Chaos A.D. (1993)
- Roots (1996)
- Against (1998)
- Nation (2001)
- Roorback (2003)
- Dante XXI (2006)
- A-Lex (2009)
References
- Anonymous (May 2003). Beneath the Remains. In: A Megaton Hit Parade: The All-Time Thrash Top 20. Terrorizer #109, page 35.
- Barcinski, André & Gomes, Silvio (1999). Sepultura: Toda a História. São Paulo: Ed. 34. ISBN 85-7326156-0
- Harris, Keith (2000). Roots?: The Relationship between the Global and the Local within the Extreme Metal Scene. Popular Music, 19(1): 13-30.
- Hinchliffe, James (December 2006). Beneath the Remains. In: Death Metal|The DM Top 40. Terrorizer #151, page 54.
- Lemos, Anamaria (Setembro 1993). "Caos Desencanado". Bizz #98, pages 40-45.
- Schwarz, Paul (February 2005). Morbid Visions. In: The First Wave. Terrorizer #128, page 42.
- Sepultura (1996). Roots. [CD]. New York, NY: Roadrunner Records. The 25th Anniversary Series (2-CD Reissue, 2005).
Notes
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 17.
- ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 16.
- ↑ Darzin, Daina (1994-05-05). "Sepultura: Chaos A.D.". Rolling Stone. Retrieved on 2008-07-13.
- ↑ 4.0 4.1 Haagsma, Robert (1993). "Sepultura". Aardschok / Metal Hammer. Retrieved on 2008-05-03. Archived at Sepultura.be
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, pages 89 & 90.
- ↑ 6.0 6.1 "FOCUS ON CHAOS OF THE CARRION KIND". Roadrunner Records (2006-09-26). Retrieved on 2008-07-13.
- ↑ Rivadavia, Ed. "((( Sepultura > Biography )))". allmusic.com. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ↑ Harris 2000, page 14.
- ↑ "Sepultura - Dados Históricos" (in Portuguese). Dicionário Cravo Albin de Música Popular Brasileira. Instituto Cultural Cravo Albin. Retrieved on 2008-08-07. "O grupo já vendeu 15 milhões de cópias de seus 11 discos, por todo o mundo."
- ↑ "Les certifications Albums - Année 1994". Musique sur Disque en France (SNEP). Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ↑ "Les certifications Albums - Année 1997". Musique sur Disque en France (SNEP). Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ↑ "ARIA Charts - Accreditations - 1997 Albums". Australian Recording Industry Association. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, pages 109 & 143.
- ↑ "GOLD AND PLATINUM - Searchable Database". RIAA. Retrieved on 2008-07-08.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 143.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 14.
- ↑ Chirazi, Steffan (2005). "The Roots of Sepultura", p. 13 [CD booklet]. Album notes for Roots by Sepultura. New York, New York: Roadrunner Records.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 19.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 26.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 21.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 28.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes (1999), page 47.
- ↑ Granado Júnior, Jairo (2008-10-26). "Entrevista exclusiva: Jairo "Tormentor" Guedz dá uma geral em sua carreira e fala sobre o passado e o futuro com o Sepultura!". ... collector's room .... Retrieved on 2008-10-30.
- ↑ Terrorizer #109 (2003), page 35 (author unknown)
- ↑ Hinchcliffe 2006, page 54
- ↑ "Top Music Charts - Hot 100 - Billboard 200 - Music Genre Sales". Billboard Music Charts. Retrieved on 2008-10-30.
- ↑ Barcinski & Gomes 1999, page 131.
- ↑ "There Will Be No Sepultura Reunion In 2007". BLABBERMOUTH.NET (2006-11-15). Retrieved on 2007-07-13.
- ↑ "Sepultura Guitarist Andreas Kisser: New Studio Album Planned For 2008". BLABBERMOUTH.NET (2007-01-16). Retrieved on 2007-09-17.
- ↑ "Sepultura Performs at Latin Grammy Awards; Video Available". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records (2008-11-14). Retrieved on 2008-12-02.
- ↑ "Sepultura to Perform New Song at Latin Grammy Awards in Houston". Blabbermouth.net. Roadrunner Records (2008-11-10). Retrieved on 2008-12-02.
- ↑ http://www.myspace.com/sepularmy
External links
- Official website
- Artist page at Allmusic
- Sepularmy Network
- "Heavy Metal Music in Postdictatorial Brazil: Sepultura and the Coding of Nationality in Sound", academic paper by Tulane University professor Idelber Avelar commenting the evolution of Sepultura's style up to Roots on the lights of a socio–historic analysis of postdictatorial Brazil.
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