78 Days After Death band photo

SEPULTURA's Final Riffs: A Farewell to Metal's Titans

By Jason
As the legendary band gears up for their last hurrah, Kisser reflects on the essence of great riffs and the legacy they leave behind.

In a recent intimate chat with Paolo Phoenix of Magenta TV at the iconic Wacken Open Air festival in Germany, SEPULTURA's guitar wizard Andreas Kisser opened up about the elusive nature of what makes a riff truly great. Kisser's insights resonate deeply in the metal community, where the emotional core often trumps technical prowess. "It's not just about technique; it’s about feeling. Think about IRON MAIDEN's 'Number Of The Beast' or METALLICA's 'Fight Fire With Fire'—those riffs transport you to another realm," he mused, his voice tinged with nostalgia. The guitarist vividly recalls the electricity of creation, imagining the legendary METALLICA lineup hammering out that monumental riff for the first time—an experience that sends shivers down the spine of any true metalhead.

When pressed about modern riffage that has recently sparked his interest, Kisser didn’t hesitate to sing the praises of GOJIRA. "Their approach is fresh and original," he stated. The French titans have indeed carved out a unique niche in the metal landscape, blending intricate tapping techniques with a groove that is hard to pin down but impossible to ignore. Kisser's acknowledgment of GOJIRA is a testament to the band's influence and innovation, proving that the spirit of heavy metal is very much alive and evolving.

Formed in 1984 in Belo Horizonte, SEPULTURA stands as a colossus in heavy metal history, and their influence can be felt across generations. With albums like "Beneath The Remains" and "Roots," they not only shattered boundaries but also paved the way for Brazilian metal to gain international acclaim. Their legacy is not just a chapter in metal history; it's a saga that continues to inspire countless bands to this day.

As the band gears up for their grand finale—a farewell show set for November 7, 2026, in São Paulo—fans are bracing themselves for an event that promises to be both monumental and emotional. The lineup will feature metal heavyweights including METAL ALLEGIANCE, KRISIUN, and SACRED REICH, alongside former members of SEPULTURA, creating a tapestry of history and homage. This final performance marks not just the end of an era but a celebration of the indelible mark SEPULTURA has left on the metal world.

The farewell tour, which kicked off in March 2024, saw the band introducing drummer Greyson Nekrutman to the stage amid a whirlwind of excitement and nostalgia. This comes on the heels of former drummer Eloy Casagrande’s shocking departure to join SLIPKNOT, leaving the remaining members in disbelief. Yet, as they prepare to unleash a live album featuring 40 songs recorded across 40 cities, SEPULTURA is determined to go out with a bang, showcasing the raw power and energy that has defined their storied career.