MAX CAVALERA On Performing SEPULTURA’s Entire ‘Chaos A.D.’ Album: ‘There’s A Whole New Generation Of Fans Who Never Got A Chance To See’ Classic Lineup Playing It
Max Cavalera is performing Sepultura’s 1993 album “Chaos A.D.” in its entirety during recent tours of Europe and North America. Cavalera told Poland’s Mystic Festival that the performances, featuring brother Igor Cavalera, Travis Stone, and Igor Amadeus Cavalera, serve as a tribute to the era for a new generation of fans.
Who is performing on the “Chaos A.D.” tour?
The touring lineup consists of Max and Igor Cavalera alongside “young guns” Travis Stone on lead guitar and Igor Amadeus Cavalera on bass. Max Cavalera described the dynamic as a mix of the older members and the energy brought by the younger musicians.
According to Cavalera, as transcribed by BLABBERMOUTH.NET, the experience is the “best feeling” because of the band’s love for the material. He noted that current fans who never saw the original lineup perform these songs are reacting strongly to the record.
Why did “Chaos A.D.” differ from earlier Sepultura albums?
Max Cavalera stated that the band intentionally avoided making “Arise Part II” when developing the 1993 record. He categorized the 1987 release “Schizophrenia,” 1989’s “Beneath The Remains,” and 1991’s “Arise” as a trilogy of “nearly perfect death-thrash records.”
To move beyond that sound, the band opted to slow down and strip the songs to create a more solid feel. This resulted in an eclectic output that incorporated groove-oriented paces, industrial soundscapes, and hardcore punk elements.
The album also introduced semi-instrumental tracks like “Kaiowas” and “We Who Are Not As Others.” According to Cavalera, the band also included a cover of “The Hunt” by New Model Army because they loved the group and felt there were “no rules” during the process.
What made “Chaos A.D.” a commercial breakthrough?
The album’s success was driven by a shift toward politically charged lyrics and a more diverse sonic palette. Tracks such as “Refuse/Resist” and “Biotech Is Godzilla,” the latter penned by Jello Biafra, focused on protest and conspiracy theories.
Sepultura’s rise to influence began with its 1983 founding by Max and Igor Cavalera, Wagner Lamounier, and Jairo Guedes Braga. The lineup solidified in 1987 when Andreas Kisser replaced Braga, leading to the creative peak seen during the “Chaos A.D.” era.
How was the “Chaos A.D.” cover art created?
The band commissioned artist Michael Whelan to create a brand new painting based specifically on the album’s title. While Whelan had worked on “Beneath The Remains” and “Arise,” those were existing paintings rather than custom commissions.
The resulting artwork depicts a body bag containing money in an upside-down position, surrounded by electronic equipment. Max Cavalera described the final visual representation as “really cool.”
What happens next for the performances?
Given the positive reception from a new generation of fans, the band may continue to perform landmark albums in their entirety. Future tours could potentially expand to other regions or include other era-specific tributes.
The current chemistry between the veteran Cavalera brothers and the younger members suggests the tour is likely to maintain its high-energy approach to the 1993 material.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the current musicians performing “Chaos A.D.” live?
The lineup includes Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Travis Stone on lead guitar, and Igor Amadeus Cavalera on bass.
Which albums make up Sepultura’s death-thrash trilogy?
According to Max Cavalera, the trilogy consists of “Schizophrenia” (1987), “Beneath The Remains” (1989), and “Arise” (1991).
Who wrote the song “Biotech Is Godzilla”?
The song was penned by Jello Biafra.
Do you think the shift from thrash metal to groove and industrial sounds helped Sepultura reach a wider audience?