Not even two weeks removed from their appearance at the Good Things Festival, Sepultura have announced they are breaking up. The legendary Brazilian metal band will say goodbye to fans around the globe with an eighteen-month farewell tour that also coincides with the 40th anniversary of the band's inception.
The band have released the following statement.
“Sepultura has reached the end of the road and has chosen to depart via a conscious and planned death."
“Throughout the next 18 months we will celebrate 40 years of existence together along with our loyal fans on a farewell tour across the entire globe."
“It will be a celebration of the past and the present for one final time."
“After four decades filled with ups and downs, having visited 80 countries and countless different cultures, we’ve had the chance to become Brazil’s messenger to the world and spread our colors and rhythms worldwide. With our latest studio album Quadra, a highlight of our career, we added an unforgettable chapter followed by the SepulQuarta experience that helped us to overcome the difficult times of the pandemic together. We will unite our forces for one final, strong farewell. And all of you can be a part of it."
“During this 40th anniversary tour, we will record 40 live tracks in 40 different cities and release a massive compilation of our best, most energetic moments on stage."
“We are happy and very grateful for everything we could witness within the past four decades. We have released great albums and played unforgettable shows, cultivated friendships, met our idols, contributed to placing Brazilian metal on the world map, and therefore feel that we can leave the music scene with a sense of duty fulfilled.
“We’ve always had the best fans in the world, who supported us with praise and criticism, who were demanding and intelligent, who grew together with the band and have always been loyal. Without you, none of this would have been possible. This album and this tour are for you. Dear SepulNation – we love you and always will!
“Euthanasia, the right to a dignified death. The right to choose to live free and to choose when you die!”
Formed in 1984 in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera, the band has had several lineup changes throughout its 39-year career, with Max and Igor Cavalera departing in 1996 and 2006, respectively. Sepultura's current lineup consists of vocalist Derrick Green (who replaced Max in 1997), guitarist Andreas Kisser, bassist Paulo Jr. and drummer Eloy Casagrande (who replaced Igor's successor Jean Dolabella in 2011). No original members remain in the band since Igor Cavalera's departure in 2006. Paulo Jr. joined Sepultura shortly after its formation in late 1984 and is the longest-serving member, he did not play on any of the band's studio albums until Chaos A.D. (1993).Kisser, who replaced onetime guitarist Jairo Guedz, has appeared on all of Sepultura's albums since their second full-length Schizophrenia (1987), he also recorded bass guitar until Chaos A.D.
Sepultura has released fifteen studio albums to date, the latest being Quadra (2020). Their most successful records are Beneath the Remains (1989), Arise (1991), Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1996).
Sepultura has sold over three million units in the United States and almost 20 million worldwide,gaining multiple gold and platinum records around the globe. In March 2024, after four decades together, the band will begin what is announced as a year-and-a-half-long farewell tour. No Australian dates have been announced. The Cavelera brothers are yet to publicly respond to the announcement of the Sepultura farewell.
Ahead of the appearance on Good Things Festival, Maniacs own Brenton Harris caught up with the band for the festival's official YouTube, during which Kisser does not let on about the plans to disband, but does discuss the farewell tour plans.
Listen to Sepultura
