Oh look, it’s everyone’s favorite Brazilian/American metal experiment, SEPULTURA, playing their “new” song “The Place” live for the first time in Perth, Australia. How quaint! Nothing says “we’re breaking up soon” like debuting fresh material. I’m sure the fans were thrilled to hear something they’ve never heard before while simultaneously mourning the impending death of the band they love.
The setlist from this historic event included such gems as “Beneath The Remains” (because nostalgia is the only thing keeping this ship afloat), “Inner Self” (ironic title given the band’s current identity crisis), and of course, the live debut of “The Place” (which I’m sure sounded exactly like everything else they’ve done for the past 20 years).
According to the band’s fearless leader, Derrick Green, “The Place” is about immigrants who come seeking refuge, get assimilated into “false security,” and then start acting out against themselves. Wow, that’s deep. Or it’s just another metal song about being angry at stuff. Hard to tell with these guys anymore.
But wait, there’s more! While on their “farewell” tour (which apparently has no end date because they’re still playing shows in 2026), SEPULTURA has been secretly recording four new songs with their 23-year-old drummer Greyson Nekrutman. Because nothing says “we’re done” like going into the studio and laying down tracks. Andreas Kisser, the band’s guitarist, claims this was all very “spontaneous” and “relaxed” with “no pressure from labels.” Sure, buddy. I’m sure Nuclear Blast Records was totally cool with you guys recording new music while simultaneously announcing your retirement. That’s definitely how record labels work.
Kisser also took some time to explain why they’re doing this whole farewell tour thing, saying it’s because being in a band for 40 years is “too predictable” and artists need to be “not in the comfort zone.” You know what’s also not in the comfort zone? Breaking up your band while still actively creating and performing new music. But who am I to question the logic of metal veterans?
The band plans to release these new recordings as an EP, because why not? It’s not like they’re actually breaking up or anything. They’re just… taking a break? Going on an extended vacation? Who knows! The future is “the future,” according to Kisser, who followed this profound statement with a laugh. Classic.
In other news, SEPULTURA’s final concert is supposedly planned for October 2026 in São Paulo, Brazil, where they’ll apparently invite every former member to come jam, including the Cavalera brothers. Because nothing says “peaceful farewell” like dredging up decades of drama and inviting everyone who’s ever been involved in the band’s numerous lineup changes. This should be fun!
The band kicked off this endless farewell tour in March 2024, which means they’ve been saying goodbye for over two years now. Their former drummer Eloy Casagrande left to join SLIPKNOT (bet he’s regretting that decision now), and was replaced by Nekrutman, who previously played with SUICIDAL TENDENCIES. So basically, SEPULTURA is now the band that metal drummers join when they’re in between bigger gigs.
Oh, and they’re recording 40 songs in 40 different cities for a live album. Because when you’re on a farewell tour, the best thing to do is document every single show. This is definitely a band that knows how to quit while they’re ahead.
Coming up next: SEPULTURA’s North American farewell tour leg, featuring support from thrash legends EXODUS, hardcore band BIOHAZARD, and some newcomers called TRIBAL GAZE. The trek will wrap up in Los Angeles in May 2026, at which point SEPULTURA will likely announce their new album and world tour. Stay tuned, metal fans! The experiment continues!
Chord F. Discord, the Beethoven of Buffoonery, is a self-taught expert in music who once claimed he could “play the kazoo in four languages.”
Born in Crescendo, Indiana, Chord’s first brush with fame came when he accidentally entered a yodeling contest thinking it was a pie-eating competition—and won both categories.
Chord F. Discord: proving that laughter, much like a poorly tuned ukulele, is truly universal.
