by Robert Dean
Twenty years ago, when Sepultura released Roots, it was a milestone in heavy metal. On the surface, it was
unique to see a band embrace their cultural heritage instead of trying to be
completely Americanized. Sepultura
was from Brazil, and they wanted to make a statement that they were from a
rhythmically different side of the planet. Their traditions gave them different
time signatures, a deeper reliance on drums, a different feel of timbre. Roots
showcased heavy metal as world music, and it changed the game.
But, as their signature
record gained stream and bands around the world copied the crushing style, Max
Cavalera bailed on Sepultura. The
classic lineup of the band was over. And in the years since, Cavalera has gone
on to form Soulfly, while the remaining
members of Sepultura keep busy with
recording and touring. Iggor, Max’s brother, stayed in Sepultura for some years later, but eventually left the band he and
his brother formed all those years ago.
With the 20th anniversary
of the seminal Roots record coming to pass into 2016, the Cavalera brothers,
along with Soulfly alum Mark Rizzo
and Tony Campos hit the road to celebrate. As bad blood flows black as night
after all of these years, getting the original lineup today proves a Misfits-style quagmire, but hey Glenn
and Jerry patched it up for two shows, so who knows what the future holds.
The Roots tour made its way through Austin last night, and the vibe was
exactly what I wanted from some vintage metal: very drunk and very excited.
With lots of head bobs and beer guts, the folks who came up on the Roots album were in full force. Everyone
might be a little older, but the excitement was just the same. As for the
Cavaleras, it seemed like Max was a little skeptical, and going through the
motions of the set, as this is the second leg of the tour. But, as he saw the
reactions of the crowd, and felt the appreciation coming back from chants and
interaction, he livened up as the songs went by.
As they pulled out the
drums and held tribal jam sessions, or crushed their way through Dusted, or even the encore of songs like
Procreation of The Wicked, Children of The Grave or Ace of Spades, it was evident to anyone
that the band went from another night on the road, to enjoying the room full of
people who wanted to do nothing more but pour their hearts out back to them.
I'd say their classic unholy trinity were there defining albums, but roots is great as well. You got me all pumped to see them in a few days now haha
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