Max Cavalera: Primal Screams and Unyielding Authenticity

Photo: Markus Felix

Metal icon Max Cavalera opens up about family legacy, artistic integrity, and staying true to his roots in an interview with Elevar Magazine

There’s no mistaking the voice of Max Cavalera; he’s become a legend in the metal world. He brought Brazilian groove to heavy metal in the nineties with his brother Igor, when they graced us with the sounds of Sepultura—I’d heard nothing like it. Max went on to form many other bands, all with just as much passion and angst as the original; Soulfly, Nailbomb, and Cavalera Conspiracy are just a few. The passing of his father (Italian Ambassador to Brazil) when he was only nine years old would unleash the storm of musical passion we've all come to enjoy today.

This blow to the family was sudden, forcing Max and his siblings straight into the workforce as very young children just to stay alive. It sparked a fire in Max and Igor that gave their music more purity than anything out there. We all watched as he grew older and wiser, building his own family and nourishing both their creativity and independent minds. He now performs with his son, Igor Amadeus Cavalera, in Go Ahead And Die. It’s another great band with the same authentic aggression. 

The fact that he overcame such a hit in his youth and went on to become a fundamental part of the metal music world is a testament to the human spirit. He’s never been a sheltered kid, and he conquered everything he set out to do. The music and the mindset is an inspiration to all of us who don’t always have the support or resources we need. And through all of it, Max Cavalera has retained an unpretentious and respectful attitude, continuing to give generously to his fans. 

You brought a real groove to metal with Brazilian rhythms and a lot of heart—I remember when you guys first toured America as Sepultura. We were mesmerized by your grit and fortitude. You pretty much brought Brazilian metal to the states. What is it like for you now to look back and realize you were initially the band that connected Brazilian metal to North America?

I feel honored and proud, but in a real humble way! You can say we changed the landscape of Metal, especially with Roots and Soulfly—by presenting a different way to look at Metal and (experiencing) the feel of it!  We made a Metal Tribe and the biggest Tribe in the world, and it’s crazy that we brought that to the universe of music!

Making the decision to go all in and embark upon a full time career as a musician can be intimidating for newer artists- in any climate or age. Can you give any wisdom to those musicians who are wondering whether or not to take such a chance with their careers? I'm sure a lot of young people take a look at you and see how you kind of “grandfathered” yourselves into a really good place in life with your music career. It can seem impossible to someone just getting started in 2024- things are really different today.

Just follow your heart! You have to not give a fuck about what people say about you and find your North Star and follow that all the way! Also, practice jamming and connecting with people! Find the right person to be involved with in the journey with you.

Your brand of metal has an ancient, ethnic spirit to it that stands out like a beacon in life's darkness. It really did you well to stick to your individuality and your personal independence all these years. How did your upbringing and your own personal background influence this sense of perseverance in your music?

It’s in our blood! From the beginning, we knew we were different and we came from a different place. Once you embrace your roots, there’s no boundaries to all the places where you can trace Metal to. I’m the first Brazilian to be in the Rock ‘N’ Roll Hall of Fame, and that’s insane!

I love that your entire family has been heavily involved in the music as long as you have; Gloria has been flawless guidance and management since the beginning. It's inspiring to see everyone's dedication to each other's dreams. What's it been like bringing your children along with you as you've built your career? How has it been working so closely with Gloria in a professional sense? 

All my achievements have been deeply connected to Gloria’s hard work! She’s the most badass manager in the universe and I’m lucky I found someone like her to be in my corner! I love the fact that the whole family is involved with music. We are a Metal family! Organic! Created by love of Metal! For generations to come, the name, Cavalera will be connected with Metal! We are the biggest tribe in the world and I’m proud of that!

And it’s true. The name Cavalera will be forever connected to metal. There’s nothing like an artist who takes adversity, rolls it up into a lightning bolt of success and throws it in the face of a world designed to oppress. It’s the most genuine form of art there is.

Under the name Cavalera, Max and Igor have re-recorded the older Sepultura albums Morbid Visions and Bestial Devastation (1985-86 through Cogumelo Records). As for Soulfly (formed in 1997), he acknowledged he was working on a new album on an episode of Nu Pod with Joshua Toomey and Ro Kohli back in January. Cavalera Conspiracy begins their tour in Europe this June. Gloria Cavalera (no stranger to adversity, either) was thrown right into the fire of managing Sacred Reich in 1986 while raising five kids as a single mom. She began managing Sepultura and met Max at a Sacred Reich/King Diamond show in 1989. 

One of the things that allowed me and so many more to really identify with this inner mindset is the resiliance in which the Cavalera brothers's put up with things in the beginning of their careers—like being referred to as “The Jungle Boys” by Roadrunner. As a southern Appalachian girl, I've caught my share of stereotypical wisecracks. Max and Igor Cavalera will always be two of the biggest inspirations when it comes to following your heart and never allowing anyone to dismantle your spirit. I'm ending this by repeating his words one more time. Don't forget them.

"Just follow your heart! You have to not give a fuck about what people say about you and find your North Star and follow that all the way!

Check out the European tour dates for Cavalera Conspiracy here.