SEPULTURA

In the gritty streets of Belo Horizonte, Brazil, during the mid-1980s—a time of political transition and economic hardship—a powerful musical movement was brewing. It was here, in 1984, that Sepultura was formed by teenage brothers Max Cavalera and Igor Cavalera. What began as a raw expression of rebellion would evolve into one of the most iconic and influential metal bands in history.

The Early Days: A Sonic Revolution

Max (vocals/guitar) and Igor (drums) were inspired by bands like Metallica, Slayer, Venom, and Celtic Frost. Their musical journey began with limited resources, homemade instruments, and a fierce DIY spirit that reflected the challenges of being metal musicians in 1980s Brazil.

The name Sepultura, meaning “grave” in Portuguese, was inspired by the Motörhead song “Dancing on Your Grave.” With bassist Paulo Jr. and guitarist Jairo Guedz, the band quickly made waves in the local underground scene.

First Releases: Bestial Devastation and Morbid Visions

Sepultura’s recording career began in 1985 with the release of the EP Bestial Devastation, a split with Overdose under Cogumelo Records. A year later, their debut album Morbid Visions introduced the world to their raw black/death metal sound. The album featured the underground hit “Troops of Doom.”

Despite the rough production and limited English skills, Sepultura’s energy and ferocity captured the attention of metal fans worldwide. Shortly after, Jairo Guedz left the band, paving the way for the entry of guitarist Andreas Kisser, a key figure in the band’s evolution.

The Rise of a New Sound: Schizophrenia and Global Attention

With Andreas Kisser on board, Sepultura’s sound matured dramatically. Their 1987 album Schizophrenia blended thrash, death metal, and progressive elements. Songs like “Escape to the Void” showcased advanced songwriting and technical skill.

The album’s success attracted Roadrunner Records, propelling Sepultura onto the global stage. Tours across Europe and the U.S. soon followed, cementing their reputation as a rising force in the international metal community.

Forging an Identity: Brazilian Metal on the World Stage

As a Brazilian metal band, Sepultura faced unique challenges: limited access to equipment, financial hardship, and cultural isolation. But these obstacles helped shape a distinct identity. Sepultura brought a fresh perspective to the metal world, embracing their roots while forging something new.

They were not just mimicking American or European thrash—they were creating a voice for Latin American metal, blending aggression with cultural authenticity. This foundation would lead to genre-defining albums like Arise (1991) and Roots (1996).

Legacy of the Early Years

The early years of Sepultura—from 1984 to 1989—laid the groundwork for decades of innovation. Albums like Bestial Devastation, Morbid Visions, and Schizophrenia captured the raw, unfiltered energy of a band determined to break boundaries.

More than just musicians, Max and Igor Cavalera were visionaries who turned adversity into art. Their passion, dedication, and originality helped turn Sepultura into a household name in the world of heavy metal, redefining what it meant to be an international metal band.