The Caval-era comes to a close: An interview with Sepultura's Andreas Kisser

September 1, 2006

Many consider Sepultura one of the most important metal bands of our time. With heavyweight albums like Beneath the Remains, Arise, Chaos AD, Roots and their
latest, Dante XIII, in their discography, it's hard to argue that point.

Dante XII, a thrash metal concept album, represents something of a rebirth for the band. Earlier this year, longtime drummer, Igor Cavalera left the band, just as his brother and former vocalist, Max Cavalera, did years ago. Now, with both Cavalera brothers gone, what lies ahead for the future of Sepultura? The band currently is touring its home country of Brazil, while Dante XII has been receiving strong reviews from the metal press.

Guitarist Andreas Kisser had a few answers when he recently responded to a Q & A with Live-Metal.net, touching on the situation with the Cavalera brothers and discussing the new album and more with Live-Metal.net's Jeff Maki.

Live-Metal.net: You have recently played your first shows with new drummer Jean Dolabella. Where did you find him and do you think he will be fully able to fill [former drummer] Igor Cavalera's shoes?

Andreas Kisser: We know about him for quite a while , he used to play in a band called Udora. And he left the band five months ago, We knew Igor was not into touring and all, So when he announced his wish to leave the band we were kind of prepared. We did some tests with drummers here in brazil and Jean showed the best attitude and energy to play with us. He's respecting the sounds of Sepultura and slowly putting his own way of playing.

Now that both Cavalera brothers are no longer in Sepultura, is there anything that everyone could have done differently, or is this the way it was meant to be?

Is the way it is ...

Now for the question that everyone has been asking: Would there ever be a chance for a Sepultura reunion with the Cavaleras?

There's always a chance, I don't know. We are very much enjoying the response we have with our new album ... don't think about that very much.

[Vocalist] Derrick Green sounds as if he's really come into his own on Dante XXI. Describe his progression within the band over the last few albums:

We knew we had to have patience and work a lot with him, He grew up so much since he joined the band in 1998. THat reflects on the studio and when we write. It helps too when you have the situation offstage working very well, like manager, record label, booking agent. We can focus a lot more on music only.

Now for some info on the latest release, Dante XXI. Where did the idea come from to do a concept album? And what is it all about?

It came from an idea I had to find either a book or a movie to write a soundtrack for it. My suggestion was A Clockwork Orange, but Derrick suggested The Divine Comedy, which is a book he studied in school when he was younger. The book is a masterpiece by Dante Alighieri and is very rich in details, history, stories, politics. I think it was a perfect choice to be inspired by, to write the music, the lyrics, the artwork.

	Sepultura Dante XXI

Most of, if not all of the tribal elements are gone from this release. The album seems more straight hardcore/thrash metal oriented. Is this what you set out to do on this release?

Yes, every album has it's own story. We did the tribal stuff on Roots, but we always like to try new things, hear new music.

Where did you record the album and what was the whole process like?

We did everything in Brazil, the conception till mixing. It was a process that started in August 2004, writing the songs and then we recorded in September 2005. We basically produced the album ourselves, with the help of Stanley Soares, who worked all the Pro Tools and all the engineering. And Andre Moraes, who did all the arrangements for the cellos, horns, drum machines.

What did you try differently if anything in recording this album?

The production part of it, that was a first for us.

How is the current tour of Brazil going and how is the new material being received?

Very well. The reaction is being great. We are playing a lot of the new album and it's fitting awesome with the old material.

What is a typical set list look like on this tour? How much of Dante XXI are you playing live?

Dark Wood of Error
Refuse/Resist
Convicted In Life
False
Dead Embryonic Cells
Ostia
7-Crown & Mitter
Sepulnation
Choke
Spit
Buried Words
Troops of Doom
Beneath the Remains
Breed Apart
Territory
Arise
Come Back Alive
Roots

What are the plans for touring the U.S. in the near future?

We are planning a tour in the U.S for November and December.

Is it kind of strange to you that Soulfly also plays past Sepultura material live?

No, for it is normal ...

What does the future hold for Sepultura and how long do you plan to keep this band going?

Who knows. All that I can say that I love what I do and the motivation that the Sepulfans bring keep us going. Still a lot of fun to be part of it.

Is there anything else you want to say?

Thanks for the support and hope to see you all on tour.


Sepultura Official Website
Myspace.com/sepultura
AndreasKisser.com