As Sepultura embarks on potentially the last handful of shows of their farewell tour, a lingering question continues to surface: could the Cavalera brothers — Max and Igor — rejoin the band for one final performance?
In a new conversation with Cassius Morris, guitarist Andreas Kisser offered a candid take. “Yeah, the final show, for sure,” he said when asked about the possibility of a reunion (via Blabbermouth). “The idea is to invite everyone that were a part of Sepultura, as a musician — everybody, roadies and stuff, people who were so important in specific times in our career and history that make this band be here today. And, of course, this includes the Cavalera brothers, which will be amazing if we have them to jam.”
The notion of a grand send-off featuring former members comes after decades of tension, particularly following Max Cavalera’s departure in 1996. But for Kisser, the past is no longer the focus.
“I’m not interested in discussing who is right, who is wrong about history and all the bullshit that we went through and et cetera, the politics behind [everything],” he said. “That’s totally irrelevant. It’d be great just to go on stage, jam to ourselves, to our families, and to our fans especially, and celebrate one last gig all together. And that’s it. Hopefully, that will happen. And not only Cavalera brothers, but also Jairo Guedz and Jean Dolabella, Eloy Casagrande and Roy Mayorga, and so many different musicians that were so important in our history. So, regardless of the participation of A or B, we’re gonna celebrate ourselves. If they wanna be a part of the party, they’re welcome.”
He continued, emphasizing the importance of leaving grudges behind. “We’re not gonna get to a point of agreement. And it doesn’t matter. It’s totally unnecessary, this point of agreement. It’s just, like, let’s respect what we have together. It’s a beautiful history. We built something so special and so powerful. And it’d be amazing to have this chance to jam one last time for the sake of music. All the rest is just irrelevant.”
When asked about Max Cavalera’s comment that although the current band still uses the Sepultura name, “everybody knows that it’s not the same and it’s never gonna be the same,” Kisser offered a philosophical — and slightly cheeky — response. “I hope so. [Laughs] Who is the same? Tell me somebody that is the same as 10 years ago or yesterday… And who cares? Who cares what he says about us? … It’s just not a part of what I am or of what I live or what I do. Opinions are out there. You have an opinion. It’s the same as if he has an opinion, or my son has an opinion. Whatever. If you have an opinion, speak up. You’re free to speak up. So enjoy. [Laughs]”
But perhaps the most grounded and emotional parts of the conversation came when Kisser reflected on his bond with longtime bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Junior, the only remaining original member of the band.
“Oh, it’s great. Paulo has been my brother since day one. He was the first one that I really met in Belo Horizonte. He opened the doors to his house. And since then, we lived together for a few years. And he’s the godfather for my first child. And we have known each other for all this time that I’ve been in Sepultura, since 1987. And we went through so many different things together. And our friendship and brotherhood are stronger than ever. And he’s a much better musician today. He went through so many different personal things to improve and to be confident.”
He also shared a deeply personal aspect of the band’s evolution: sobriety. “Alcohol was kind of a big problem inside our families and business, all the stuff that happens, alcohol was a big problem,” Andreas explained. “And now we don’t drink. I’m five years without alcohol. Paulo is around three or four years. Derrick hasn’t drunk for six years. It’s amazing, man. It’s the best. He’s playing better than ever. He’s a better person, a little more focused, more into everything. We wake up without a fucking hangover, and we saved a lot of money, not spending it on fucking alcohol. So, yeah, we help each other. We are family. He is basically the main reason we’re still here. [We’ve had] so many different changes throughout Sepultura’s career, and he’s the only one who is still here since the very beginning. It’s fantastic.”
As they approach the end, Sepultura is documenting their final tour with a live album. The band is recording one song in each of 40 cities, aiming to create “a massive compilation of our best, most energetic moments on stage,” as per a statement issued in December 2023.
Whether the Cavalera brothers join for a final jam or not, Sepultura’s legacy — forged through turmoil, reinvention, and endurance — will close on its own terms. And perhaps that’s what really matters.
