Drummer Iggor Cavalera, former drummer of Sepultura, spoke with Polyend about his legacy as a musician and his creative processes.
Asked how he feels about his position as one of the most influential metal drummers of all time, Cavalera said: “It’s great to receive this kind of recognition, especially since I’ve always tried to progress as an artist and musician. It means a lot. At the same time, I truly believe there’s always something more to learn.”
Cavalera also mentioned that his connection with the drums is always evolving, and that exploring new perspectives, such as electronic and experimental sounds, is what has kept him connected to the instrument over the years. “Playing drums comes from within. It’s physical, but also emotional. It comes from the soul. It’s something deeply instinctive and human. That’s what has kept me connected to it all these years,” he said.
Iggor added: “My roots are in metal and punk, that raw energy, the urgency, the almost hostile honesty. That foundation shaped everything. But, over time, I became more interested in space, texture, repetition, and trance. The aggression is still there, but transformed. It’s less about speed or force, and more about depth and intention.”
Finally, the musician spoke about his use of modular systems and what attracts him to them: “The excitement comes from the unknown, from breaking down barriers between styles and dissolving traditional ideas of what music should be. My setup is created on the spot, which leaves a lot of room for flaws, mistakes, and beautiful accidents. This unpredictability is fundamental to how I approach rhythm and texture.”
READ ALSO: Andreas Kisser admits he has "absolutely no desire" to play with the Cavaleras.
