Max Cavalera Reflects on the Chaos of 'Chaos A.D.' with Iggor on Recent Tours
In a raw and revealing interview at Poland's Mystic Festival, Max Cavalera, the iconic guitarist and vocalist of SEPULTURA fame, shared the visceral experience of performing their seminal 1993 album, 'Chaos A.D.', in its entirety alongside his brother, former drummer Igor 'Iggor' Cavalera. This sibling reunion on stage has become a cathartic tribute, not just to the era, but to the legions of fans who never witnessed the original lineup in action. Max enthusiastically stated, 'I think it's the best feeling because we love the material.' With a lineup that balances experience and youth, featuring the high-octane talents of Travis Stone on lead guitar and Max's own son, Igor Amadeus Cavalera on bass, the stage erupts with energy, reminiscent of the album's fierce spirit.
Reflecting on the creative journey of 'Chaos A.D.', Max dissected its evolution from their previous work, 'Arise'. He candidly admitted, 'It's quite different from the predecessor, and I remember a lot of people would question, 'Are they gonna do 'Arise Part II'?' The answer was a bold 'no' as the band chose to carve a new path, opting to slow down the tempo and craft songs that felt more solid and innovative. The album is a tapestry of sounds, filled with semi-instrumental passages and daring covers like their take on NEW MODEL ARMY's 'The Hunt', showcasing the band's fearless approach to music.
SEPULTURA, birthed in 1983 by the Cavalera brothers along with Wagner Lamounier and Jairo Guedz, has always been a force to reckon with in the metal realm. Their distinctive sound quickly captured the attention of the metal community, propelling them into the spotlight. By the time 'Chaos A.D.' was unleashed, SEPULTURA was at a creative zenith, demonstrating an evolution from thrash to a more eclectic soundscape that mingled groove metal, industrial nuances, and hardcore punk influences.
Tracks like 'Refuse/Resist' and the Jello Biafra-penned 'Biotech Is Godzilla' transformed the album into a powerful protest anthem, marrying heavy riffs with politically charged lyrics that resonated worldwide. This groundbreaking approach not only solidified 'Chaos A.D.' as a monumental release but also helped the band achieve gold status in the U.S., a testament to their enduring impact and a rabid fanbase that has only grown over the decades.
In terms of visual artistry, the album's cover, crafted by Michael Whelan, was a fresh creation that embodied the chaos the title suggested. Max reminisced, 'We gave it to him, and he came up with the body bag with the money upside down and all the electronic stuff going through the body bag.' This haunting imagery perfectly encapsulated the raw essence of the album, leaving a lasting mark on the band's legacy.