The Making of Roots – Sepultura’s Cultural Revolution

Introduction

Sepultura’s album Roots, released in 1996, stands as a pivotal moment in the evolution of metal music. The Brazilian band’s sixth studio album marked a departure from their earlier work, embracing a blend of groove and nu metal while deeply integrating Brazilian cultural elements. This bold move not only redefined Sepultura’s sound but also influenced the broader metal genre, making Roots a significant entry in music history.

In this article, I will explore the album’s genesis, recording process, commercial performance, and lasting impact. We’ll delve into the tracks, their meanings, and the critical reception, providing an exhaustive resource on Roots. Let’s begin by examining the album’s core attributes.

Attribute	Details
Release date	February 20, 1996 (Europe); March 12, 1996 (U.S.)
Album title	Roots
Genre	Groove metal, Nu metal
Total runtime	72:08
Number of tracks	16
Record label	Roadrunner
Recording studio	Indigo Ranch Studios, Malibu, California
Producer(s)	Ross Robinson

The album’s impact was immediate and enduring, with its fusion of metal and Brazilian rhythms setting a new standard. As Max Cavalera once noted

"It's about being proud of your heritage and where you come from."

Such sentiments resonated with fans worldwide, solidifying Roots as a landmark album.

The Genesis of “Roots”

Sepultura’s journey to Roots began in a time of musical exploration and cultural reflection. Prior to this album, the band had already made waves with Chaos A.D., which introduced slower tempos and Latin influences. However, Roots pushed these boundaries further, drawing inspiration from Brazilian indigenous music and culture.

Before creating Roots, Sepultura was known for their thrash and death metal influences. Albums like Arise and Beneath the Remains established them as leaders in the genre. Yet, the band sought to evolve, with Max Cavalera envisioning an album that would integrate their Brazilian roots more fully.

The album featured contributions from key band members and guest artists. Carlinhos Brown, a Brazilian musician, played a crucial role in bringing authentic Brazilian percussion to the album. Additionally, Jonathan Davis of Korn and Mike Patton of Faith No More lent their talents, enriching the album’s diversity.

Below is a table listing the band members and their roles during the production of Roots:

Band Member	Instrument/Role
Max Cavalera	Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Andreas Kisser	Lead Guitar
Paulo Jr.	Bass
Igor Cavalera	Drums

Financially, the recording was supported by Roadrunner Records, with a budget that allowed for extensive studio time and travel to Brazil for authentic recordings. The album’s title, Roots, reflects the band’s exploration of cultural identity, while the artwork, designed by Michael Whelan, visually represents this theme.

Recording Process

The recording of Roots took place at Indigo Ranch Studios in Malibu, a location known for its serene environment and top-notch equipment. The sessions spanned from October to December 1995, capturing the band’s experimental spirit and dedication to authenticity.

Ross Robinson, a prominent figure in the nu metal scene, produced the album. His previous work with Korn and Deftones positioned him as an ideal collaborator for Sepultura’s new direction. Robinson’s approach involved pushing the band to explore new sonic territories, incorporating indigenous sounds and rhythms.

The studio was equipped with advanced hardware, including vintage microphones and amplifiers. Although specific equipment details aren’t fully documented, Indigo Ranch was known for its high-quality gear, contributing to the album’s distinctive sound.

Hardware	Details
Microphones	Vintage models, likely Neumann or Shure
Consoles	Aengus console
Amplifiers	Custom-built units

During recording, the band faced challenges such as integrating traditional Brazilian instruments with metal. Nevertheless, their commitment to innovation led to a unique blend of sounds that defined Roots.

Ross Robinson’s extensive discography includes several notable albums. Here’s a list of some other albums he produced:

Producer	Artist	Album	Year
Ross Robinson	Korn	Korn	1994
Ross Robinson	Slipknot	Slipknot	1999
Ross Robinson	Deftones	Adrenaline	1995

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Roots achieved significant commercial success. In the United States, it reached number 27 on the Billboard 200 chart, while in the UK, it peaked at number 4. These positions reflect the album’s broad appeal and impact on the global music scene.

The album sold over two million copies worldwide, earning gold certifications in several countries, including the United States, France, and the United Kingdom. Its sales figures cemented Roots as Sepultura’s best-selling album to date.

Here’s a table showcasing Sepultura’s studio albums and their respective sales or producers:

Album	Year	Sales Data
Roots	1996	2,000,000
Chaos A.D.	1993	685,000
Arise	1991	60,000
Beneath the Remains	1989	100,000
Against	1998	120,000
Nation	2001	85,000
Dante XXI	2006	60,000
A-Lex	2009	50,000
Kairos	2011	2,500
The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart	2013	1,800
Machine Messiah	2017	1,900
Quadra	2020	3,250

The album received numerous accolades, including a gold certification from the RIAA in the United States. It was also included in many “best of” lists, such as Kerrang!’s “100 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.”

In 1996, several other notable albums were released, contributing to a vibrant year in music:

Life Is Peachy by Korn
The Great Southern Trendkill by Pantera
Load by Metallica

Overall, Roots was recognised for its innovation and cultural significance, influencing many artists and shaping the future of metal music.

1996 was a year filled with significant events in heavy music. The first Ozzfest tour took place, featuring Ozzy Osbourne and Slayer. Alice in Chains performed their last concert with Layne Staley, marking a turning point for the band. Additionally, the original lineup of KISS reunited, and Tim “Ripper” Owens replaced Rob Halford as the lead singer of Judas Priest. These events, along with the release of Roots, made 1996 a landmark year in the world of heavy metal.

Track Analysis

The singles released from Roots showcased the album’s diverse sound and cultural themes. “Roots Bloody Roots,” “Attitude,” and “Ratamahatta” were key tracks that defined the album’s identity and commercial success.

Below is a table detailing each track on the album, along with their length and writing credits:

Track Name	Length	Writing Credit
Roots Bloody Roots*	3:32	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Attitude*	4:15	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr., Dana Wells
Cut	2:44	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Ratamahatta*	4:30	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr., Carlinhos Brown
Breed Apart	4:01	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Straighthate	5:21	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Spit	2:45	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Lookaway	5:26	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr., Jonathan Davis, Mike Patton
Dusted	4:03	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Born Stubborn	4:07	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Jasco	1:57	Andreas Kisser
Itsári	4:48	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Ambush	4:39	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Endangered Species	5:18	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Dictatorshit	1:26	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.
Canyon Jam	13:17	Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr.

Note: Tracks marked with * were released as singles. “Roots Bloody Roots” and “Attitude” charted on the U.S. Mainstream Rock Tracks chart.

Song Meaning and Lyrics

The lyrics of Roots are deeply rooted in themes of cultural identity and resistance. The singles “Roots Bloody Roots,” “Attitude,” and “Ratamahatta” each convey powerful messages that resonate with listeners worldwide.

“Roots Bloody Roots” is an anthem of self-awareness and cultural pride. The song’s chorus, “Roots, bloody roots,” emphasizes the importance of staying true to one’s heritage. As Max Cavalera stated, “It’s about believing in yourself and being proud of your roots.”

“Attitude” explores themes of individuality and defiance. Written by Dana Wells, the song challenges societal norms and encourages listeners to live authentically. The line “Live your life, not the way they taught you” captures this rebellious spirit.

“Ratamahatta” combines Brazilian tribal rhythms with heavy metal, celebrating the resilience of marginalized communities. The song’s lyrics, written in Portuguese, highlight the struggles faced by Brazil’s indigenous peoples and serve as a call to action.

For further insights into the lyrics and meanings, visit SongMeanings for “Roots Bloody Roots,” SongMeanings for “Attitude,” and Beat Crave for “Ratamahatta.”

Touring and Promotion of Roots

To promote Roots, Sepultura employed various strategies, including the release of music videos for key singles. These videos showcased the band’s cultural themes and reached a wide audience, further boosting the album’s popularity.

The Roots tour included numerous shows across the globe, featuring memorable performances in North America and Europe. The band played over 60 shows in 1996, delivering energetic sets that captivated audiences.

During the tour, Sepultura shared the stage with notable acts like Ozzy Osbourne and Slayer, further solidifying their presence in the metal scene. The tour was marked by intense performances and an unwavering commitment to their artistic vision.

Influences and Legacy

The creation of Roots was heavily influenced by Brazilian music and culture. The band drew inspiration from artists like Carlinhos Brown and the Xavante tribe, incorporating traditional rhythms and instruments into their sound.

Below is a table highlighting the influences on Roots and the artists it subsequently influenced:

Influences on “Roots”	Artists Influenced by “Roots”
Carlinhos Brown	Korn
Xavante Tribe	Slipknot
Brazilian Folk Music	Soulfly

Released in 1996, Roots coincided with significant global events. The Motorola StarTAC, the first flip phone, was released, and Dolly the sheep, the first cloned mammal, was born. In cinema, Independence Day became the highest-grossing film, while Mission: Impossible thrilled audiences worldwide. These cultural milestones framed the era in which Roots emerged, highlighting its lasting impact.

Five Things about Roots

Here are five fascinating facts about Roots that highlight its unique place in music history:

Fact	Details
Indigenous Collaboration	The band recorded with the Xavante tribe in Brazil, capturing authentic tribal sounds.
Unique Artwork	The album cover features an indigenous man from a Brazilian banknote, designed by Michael Whelan.
Cross-Genre Influence	Roots helped shape the nu metal genre, influencing bands like Korn and Slipknot.
Cultural Themes	The album’s lyrics and music videos explore themes of cultural identity and resistance.
Award Recognition	The music video for “Roots Bloody Roots” won Kerrang!’s “Video of the Year Award” in 1996.

Media and Television Usage

Sepultura’s music from Roots has found its way into various media, showcasing its enduring appeal. Below is a table listing the known media appearances of songs from the album:

Song Title	Media	Year
Roots Bloody Roots	Sand Castle	2017
Breed Apart	Faust: Love of the Damned	2000

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Roots received mixed reviews upon release, with critics divided on its experimental approach. Over time, however, it has been recognized as a groundbreaking album that pushed the boundaries of metal music.

Below is a table summarising critical reviews of Roots:

Publication	Review Score	Notable Quotes	Source
MetalReviews	74/100	“A pivotal album that marked a divide in metal.”	MetalReviews
AllMusic	N/A	“A sprawling and innovative follow-up.”	AllMusic
The Quietus	N/A	“A milestone and a complex work.”	The Quietus

After Roots

Following the release of Roots, Sepultura experienced significant changes. Max Cavalera departed from the band, leading to the formation of Soulfly. This shift marked a new chapter for Sepultura, who continued with Derrick Green as their new vocalist.

Despite lineup changes, Sepultura maintained their influence in the metal scene, releasing albums like Against and Nation. As of 2024, the band announced their farewell tour, celebrating 40 years of music and cultural impact.

Remasters and Reissues

The legacy of Roots has been preserved through various remasters and reissues. These editions have brought the album to new audiences, offering enhanced audio quality and additional content.

Below is a table listing the remasters and reissues of Roots:

Edition	Release Date
Roots (Remastered)	2017

Conclusion

In conclusion, Roots remains a vital piece of music history, celebrated for its innovative blend of metal and Brazilian culture. Its impact continues to be felt across the music world, influencing artists and inspiring new generations.

As of 2024, Sepultura’s farewell tour marks the end of an era, celebrating their legacy and contributions to the metal genre. The band’s enduring influence is a testament to their creative vision and commitment to pushing musical boundaries.