Originally formed under the moniker Inflikted in 2006, Cavalera Conspiracy’s Brazilian brothers max Cavalera and Igor Cavalera were previously in the hard-hitting heavy metal group Sepultura. Soulfly guitarist Marc Rizzo and Gojira vocalist Joe Duplantier were later added to the lineup, assisting in the thrash metal narrative of the band. Cavalera Conspiracy’s debut album “Inflikted” was issued by Roadrunner Records in March 2008. Recorded in Los Angeles, California, with co-producer Logan Mader, the album enjoyed significant chart success in Austria, Finland and Germany. In support of the record, the band embarked on the Infliktour, making their debut performance at the Electric Weekend Festival in Madrid, Spain, followed by an extensive European tour, and subsequent U.S. tour. This marked the arrival of Johny Chow of Fireball Ministry to replace bassist Duplantier who was busy fulfilling responsibleties with his band Gojira.
Working with producer Logan Mader once again, Cavalera Conspiracy issued their sophomore album “Blunt Force Trauma” in March 2011. Earning positive reviews for their groove metal mentality, the record charted in over 10 countries and features Roger Miret of Agnostic Frost on the track “Lynch Mob”. Following the release John Chow relinquished his roll as bassist, and was replaced by the live bassist Tony Compos in late 2012. Released on Napalm Records, the band’s third full-length “Pandemonium” arrived in October 2014. Led by the single “Banzai Kamikaze”, the record represents their fastest and most intense to date.
The formation of Cavalera Conspiracy showed the fortunate reunion of the Brazilian brothers, Igor and Max Cavalera, who were formerly in the heavy metal band Sepultura and became estranged from one another after Max left Sepultura. The Cavalera brothers took the thrash metal sound that they perfected in Sepultura and took it to full force with Cavalera Conspiracy.
Cavalera Conspiracy has a kind of strength behind them that is similar to Slayer and Metallica, except they perform their music more closely to the Groove Metal genre. This means that instead of playing lighting fast tempos they slow the tempo down a bit, but still deliver their music with the intensity you would expect to hear from thrash metal. The members of Cavalera Conspiracy have great chemistry with one another as would be expected from a band with brothers in it. Max plays his guitar with a strong, rhythmic quality that syncs right into the tempo of Igor’s thunderous drumming delivery. Igor can be found behind a massive drum kit on stage, pounding away on his double bass drums and hitting the floor tom with all his strength to get a low, resonating sound that has the power to knock you off your feet. Lead guitarist, Marc Rizzo, is quick to shred complex scales and solos on his guitar that incorporate highly difficult techniques such as sweeping. Max’s voice is incredibly barbaric and intense, and is likely to leave chills down your spine when ever he yells into the microphone.
Although the band is mostly a metal band, they incorporate different influences into their music that makes them a unique metal band. Max’s appreciation for reggae and Igor’s love of the DJ culture add a unique flavor to the band’s sonic soundscape. Cavalera Conspiracy is quite the intriguing band to see live. Max wears long dreadlocks that he shakes around stage while rocking out to his music. Fans are overly excited to see Cavalera Conspiracy perform live and start up mosh pits that look as brutal as Cavalera Conspiracy’s music sounds.
Cavalera Conspiracy’s performances reminiscent back to the days when Sepultura was at the top of their game. The reunion of the Cavalera brothers shows the two brothers at a more mature time of their life that allows them to coherently see what they want to do musically and present their music without any reservations or set backs.