As the legendary Brazilian thrash metal titans SEPULTURA embark on their poignant "Celebrating Life Through Death" farewell tour, frontman Derrick Green has offered a compelling glimpse into his post-band future, revealing a multifaceted artistic and personal trajectory that extends far beyond the realm of heavy music. In a candid interview with the U.K.’s Heavy Matters, Green articulated a vision for a future brimming with "endless possibilities," underscoring his commitment to continued creative expression across various disciplines.
Green’s immediate post-SEPULTURA plans are not a radical departure from his lifelong passions, but rather an expansion and refinement of them. "I’ve always been into photography, and I will continue to do that," he stated. This artistic inclination, while perhaps less visible than his powerful stage presence, has been a consistent thread throughout his career. Furthermore, his dedication to a healthy lifestyle, particularly in the "plant-based world," signifies a personal evolution that he intends to nurture. "I’ve been really into fitness and health and this plant-based world, and I’ll continue doing that," Green elaborated. However, the allure of music remains potent, with Green expressing a strong desire to form a new band. "I will continue doing music. I definitely would love to do another band. And I’m putting that together as we speak."
The prospect of forming a new musical collective after nearly three decades with SEPULTURA presents a unique set of challenges and excitements for Green. He acknowledges the process of forging new creative partnerships: "Trying to align with certain people, it’s like starting from scratch – well, not necessarily from scratch, but it’s definitely a challenge to form that connection with people again – different people." His tenure with guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr., dating back to 1998, represents a significant chapter in his life and career. The shift to building new musical relationships is, for Green, a source of invigorating anticipation. "After being with a band for so long – I’ve been especially with Andreas Kisser and Paulo Xisto Pinto Jr. for so many years, since like 1998 – so it’s interesting to think back and then now be where we’re at, where it’s just, like, ‘Okay, I’ll try to find other people to jam with.’ It’s exciting, I have to say."
When pressed about the musical direction of his prospective new project, Green hinted at a synthesis of his past experiences and evolving artistic sensibilities. While he indicated a potential return to his hardcore roots, he also emphasized the valuable lessons learned within SEPULTURA’s distinct soundscape. "I was able to learn so much and take away so much being with SEPULTURA, and I will use different elements from that. Then, the hardcore, of course, it’s always flowing in my blood." He also revealed a growing comfort and proficiency with more melodic elements, suggesting a nuanced approach to his future compositions. "And then also a lot of melodical-type stuff I was doing. I felt that I’ve grown and evolved in being able to do that. So I wanna have a mix of that, and for sure have a heavy groove on whatever it is I’m gonna do in the future. So I’m looking forward to really combining all those different elements." This suggests a sound that honors his foundational influences while embracing a broader palette of musical expression.
Andreas Kisser Charts an Independent Artistic Path
Green’s reflections are mirrored by those of his longtime bandmate, guitarist Andreas Kisser, who also shared his post-SEPULTURA aspirations with France’s Metal OBS. Kisser, like Green, is resolute in his commitment to continued musical endeavors. "I’m not gonna stop, of course, doing music. I have so many ideas, but I didn’t decide yet where to go." He emphasized a desire to fully immerse himself in the present experience of SEPULTURA’s final performances before charting a definitive course. "I still wanna enjoy the moment, enjoy the tour, enjoy the very last run that we have this year. But I have many possibilities."
Kisser’s vision for his future extends beyond traditional band structures, embracing a more experimental and interdisciplinary approach. "Maybe [I will] do another album myself or try something different. I wanna explore different worlds. I’m going more to the art world, like painting and mixing music with colors and stuff. And it’s interesting, to try to go to different places." This deliberate move away from replicating the SEPULTURA sound is a key differentiator in his outlook. "I don’t wanna find another world that is the same as SEPULTURA. I already did [all that] during SEPULTURA. So I’d like to absorb more ideas and to be aware of new possibilities and see what happens." His immediate focus, however, remains on the present. "But now I’m very focused of what we doing today and the [last few months of the] tour."
A Legacy Culminates: The Farewell Tour and its Context
The farewell tour, aptly titled "Celebrating Life Through Death," marks the culmination of SEPULTURA’s four-decade-long career, a journey that has profoundly impacted the global heavy music landscape. The tour commenced on March 1, 2024, with a sold-out performance at Arena Hall in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, a fitting starting point for a band with deep roots in the country. This inaugural show also marked the debut of drummer Greyson Nekrutman, a prodigious talent previously associated with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES, stepping into the formidable role vacated by Eloy Casagrande.
The abrupt departure of Eloy Casagrande on February 27, 2024, sent ripples of surprise and speculation through the metal community. Casagrande’s decision to join "another project," later confirmed as the iconic SLIPKNOT, came just weeks before the scheduled commencement of the farewell tour. This timing, less than a month prior to the tour’s launch, caught the remaining SEPULTURA members "by surprise," as stated in their official announcement. The band expressed their bewilderment that their drummer would "abandon everything related to SEPULTURA" at such a critical juncture, highlighting the unexpected nature of this significant personnel change.
Documenting the Final Chapter: Live Album and EP Release
In parallel with their farewell tour, SEPULTURA has released a new EP, "The Cloud Of Unknowing," via Nuclear Blast Records, offering fans a contemporary taste of their enduring musical output. This release follows earlier singles from the EP, "The Place" and "Beyond The Dream." The latter track features a notable collaboration with Sérgio Britto and Tony Bellotto of the renowned Brazilian rock band TITÃS, showcasing SEPULTURA’s continued willingness to engage with diverse musical collaborations.
Furthermore, SEPULTURA is meticulously documenting their final performances for a forthcoming live album. The band intends to record 40 songs across 40 different cities, aiming to capture "a massive compilation of our best, most energetic moments on stage." This ambitious undertaking underscores their commitment to providing fans with a comprehensive and powerful commemoration of their live legacy.
The North American Finale and Festival Appearances
The North American leg of the "Celebrating Life Through Death" tour is set to be a significant event, featuring a formidable lineup of supporting acts. Thrash metal pioneers EXODUS, hardcore stalwarts BIOHAZARD, and emerging outfit TRIBAL GAZE will join SEPULTURA on this final continental run. The tour is scheduled to kick off on April 29 in Montclair, New Jersey, traversing major cities across the United States and Canada, including Montreal, Detroit, Chicago, Denver, and culminating in Los Angeles at The Wiltern on May 29. SEPULTURA’s presence at major festivals such as Welcome To Rockville and Sonic Temple further solidifies their position as enduring icons within the festival circuit.
Analyzing the Implications: A New Era for Metal Icons
The dissolution of SEPULTURA, while marking the end of an era for the band itself, signifies a moment of profound transition for its members. Derrick Green’s proactive approach to building a new musical identity, coupled with his commitment to photography and personal well-being, suggests a future defined by artistic exploration and personal growth. Andreas Kisser’s inclination towards interdisciplinary art forms indicates a desire to push creative boundaries beyond the confines of a single genre or medium.
The unexpected departure of Eloy Casagrande and the subsequent recruitment of Greyson Nekrutman highlight the dynamic nature of the music industry and the challenges faced by long-standing bands. The band’s response, while expressing surprise, ultimately facilitated a seamless continuation of their farewell tour, a testament to their professionalism and dedication.
The comprehensive documentation of the final tour through a live album and EP release serves not only as a tribute to SEPULTURA’s legacy but also as a valuable historical record for the metal genre. It provides fans with an opportunity to celebrate the band’s enduring impact and to witness their final performances with a sense of occasion and closure.
Ultimately, the "Celebrating Life Through Death" tour represents more than just a final series of concerts; it is a demarcation point, signifying the end of a seminal chapter in heavy music history and the dawn of new creative journeys for the individuals who have shaped SEPULTURA’s iconic sound. The band’s legacy, etched in decades of groundbreaking music and powerful live performances, will undoubtedly continue to inspire and influence generations of musicians and fans to come. The individual paths forged by Green and Kisser, while distinct, are united by a shared commitment to artistic evolution and a refusal to rest on past achievements, promising exciting new contributions to the cultural landscape.
