Sepultura’s Andreas Kisser recently discussed the band’s decision to retire and reflected on the stark contrast between their current harmonious environment and the troubled “Roots” era that led to Max Cavalera’s departure, in an interview with Strano Podcast.
When asked about finding the courage to end Sepultura and what people can learn from endings, Kisser emphasized the privilege of being able to plan their farewell properly.
“I think it’s a privilege to have this possibility you know everything organized,” Kisser said. “We’re going through our best times and we had a great album, ‘Quadra,’ great touring, an amazing management, structure with the crew and everything. We enjoying ourselves. It is possible to go on the road and enjoy ourselves.”
The guitarist then contrasted this with the band’s darker period during the “Roots” tour. He highlighted the dysfunction that plagued the group.
“I mean, I’ve seen so many bands including Sepultura during the ‘Roots’ tour was like completely destroyed backstage, you know, traveling separate and separate dressing rooms and all that,” he continued. “Then you go on stage and you closed everything and then you do your stuff. But dude, I mean to stay away from family and kids and stuff and have a miserable life on the road. Why? You know, it doesn’t make any sense, you know?”
Kisser explained how the band’s current unity allows them to end on a positive note.
“And nowadays we have such a great spirits and that’s why we could stop with no drama because we are in a safe place,” he said. “We are in a very organized place. We can talk to each other. We love each other. I love Paulo. I love Derek. I love Greyson. We respect each other. We go out together. We have a great time together. We don’t need to separate rooms. We don’t need to separate anything.”
The guitarist concluded by reflecting on the true purpose of forming a band and the importance of unity over individual control.
“Joining forces. That’s why we are together, right? Why do you create a band? To join forces to enjoy ourselves and to learn from each other, right?” Kisser said. “And not to try to control everything or try to, oh, this is mine. Dude this is pathetic, you know, nothing is ours. Everything is, it’s in everyone’s heart and soul. The relationship that you have with Sepultura is yours, it’s not mine. So enjoy.”
Kisser’s reflections come as the Brazilian metal legends prepare for the final chapter of their remarkable 40-year journey. They have transformed from the chaotic environment he described into a cohesive unit ready to close their legacy on their own terms.
Blabbermouth reported that Sepultura’s “Celebrating Life Through Death” farewell tour includes a final North American leg announced for 2026, supported by Exodus and Biohazard. The current lineup features vocalist Derrick Green, guitarist Andreas Kisser, bassist Paulo Jr., and new drummer Greyson Nekrutman, who joined in 2024 after Eloy Casagrande’s departure to Slipknot.
The band’s troubled past that Kisser referenced stems from Max Cavalera’s departure in 1997 amid the “Roots” era due to internal conflicts. These included management disputes and tensions over scheduling, family issues, and business decisions. His brother Igor followed suit in 2006, leaving Kisser and Paulo Jr. as the remaining founding members to rebuild the band with Derrick Green, who has now been with Sepultura for nearly three decades.
As the band prepares to close this chapter, The Rock Pit noted that Sepultura is releasing a final EP titled “The Cloud of Unknowing” on April 24, 2026, via Nuclear Blast. This captures their last creative output with tracks like “The Place.” This farewell release represents the culmination of a career that has seen the band evolve from the internal strife of the 1990s to the unified force Kisser describes today.
The contrast between past and present couldn’t be more stark. Where once the band traveled separately and maintained separate dressing rooms during the turbulent “Roots” era, the current Sepultura enjoys the camaraderie and mutual respect that Kisser believes should define any musical collaboration. This transformation has allowed them to plan their farewell tour across multiple continents, including Australian dates in March 2026. They can now celebrate their legacy rather than simply endure it.
