Interview: Max Caverlera say Sepultura has name but his new band has the spirit

April 30, 2008

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Decibel: Were you upset that [SEPULTURA] kept the band name after you left?
Max: No, but it’s not the same, you know? And it’s not just me who feels that way — it’s a lot of the fans, too. I just felt betrayed, you know? When something is yours and it’s taken away from you… it’s just betrayal. But it was really hard because my brother [former SEPULTURA and current CAVALERA CONSPIRACY drummer Igor Cavalera] was in the band, too. Musically, I got over it really quickly because I got so busy with SOULFLY that I didn’t have time to be bitter.
Decibel: Now SEPULTURA exists without you or Igor. How fuckin’ weird is that?
Max: They might be touring under the name, but me and Igor are carrying the whole spirit under the name [CAVALERA] CONSPIRACY. So the name SEPULTURA might be out there, but there’s nothing inside. What I’m doing with Igor is the closest thing to a reunion, but it’s better because we’re playing new songs. I couldn’t really ask for more.
Decibel: Have you talked to [SEPULTURA guitarist] Andreas [Kisser] or [bassist] Paulo [Xisto Pinto Junior] since you left SEPULTURA?
Max: No, I haven’t talked to either of them. You know, people even though the whole thing with Igor was made up. People in Europe would say, "Oh, you guys hang out at family reunions — you just tell the press that you don’t talk." But no, man — I’m not making this shit up. I didn’t talk to Igor for a long fucking time, and I still haven’t talked to the other guys. It’s kinda weird, but because of the way things have worked out with Igor, there’s a possibility that we might do some shows together with those guys. I’m very open about saying I’d love to do a reunion — even with the guys from the early incarnation of SEPULTURA, from the 10 years of what I like to call "death metal boot camp" that we did in Brazil before we even came to the States. Those were great years — we played like shit and we knew nothing, but those were fundamental years for me and Igor. That incarnation of SEPULTURA was very important, and I think a lot of people forget that. Without those years, there never would have been a "Chaos A.D." or "Roots". That was the foundation; that was the beginning. So if we ever do a reunion, I’d really like to invite those guys to show people something a little deeper than the classic lineup.
Decibel: Has there been any backlash from that interview with the Swedish magazine, the one where you called KILLSWITCH ENGAGE gay?
Max: Not much, man. People haven’t really asked. It’s my opinion, man, you know? I don’t like NICKELBACK either. But opinions are like assholes and a lot of people don’t really like my ass.