Legendary founding Sepultura drummer Igor Cavalera (also known as Iggor) recently sat down with Polyend to discuss his enduring legacy. Widely recognized as one of heavy metal’s most influential percussionists, Cavalera expressed immense gratitude for his status while emphasizing his relentless drive to grow creatively.
“It feels great to receive that kind of acknowledgment, especially because I’ve always tried to push forward as an artist and musician. It means a lot. At the same time, I truly believe there’s always more to learn.”
Detailing how his perspective on the drum kit has matured over the decades, Cavalera explained that rhythm remains the absolute core of his musical and personal existence.
“My relationship with drumming keeps evolving — I’m constantly exploring new ideas and perspectives, which keeps the instrument exciting and alive for me. Everything starts with rhythm. Before melody, before harmony — there’s pulse. Drumming comes from the inside. It’s physical, but it’s 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.”
While his legacy was cemented in the extreme metal scene alongside his brother, frontman Max Cavalera, his modern approach incorporates much broader atmospheric and electronic elements.
“My roots are in metal and punk, that raw energy, that urgency, that almost confrontational honesty,” Igor explained. “That foundation shaped everything. But over time, I’ve become more interested in space, texture, repetition, and trance. The aggression is still there, but it’s transformed. It’s less about speed or power, and more about depth and intention.”
Igor officially exited Sepultura in June 2006, citing artistic differences and a desire to spend more time with his growing family. His departure occurred nearly a decade after Max Cavalera left the Brazilian thrash institution in 1996 following a managerial dispute involving Max‘s wife, Gloria.
Since stepping away from the band he helped build, Igor has maintained a remarkably diverse and prolific career. He reunited with Max Cavalera to continue their unyielding heavy metal lineage under the banners of Cavalera and Cavalera Conspiracy. Branching out from his metal roots, he launched the electronic music duo Mixhell in 2006 with his wife, Laima Leyton, which has commanded stages at major festivals like Glastonbury, Bestival, and Reading.
In 2016, he joined the Belgian act Soulwax, recording drums for their album From Deewee and touring as part of their “Transient Program For Drums And Machinery” production. His drive for experimentation also led to the formation of Petbrick, a grinding, noise-driven electronic collaboration founded alongside Wayne Adams. Additionally, he has focused on experimental solo work, performing intimate live sets with analog modular gear and drum pads, which resulted in recent releases like Aural Manifestations and Alucinações Sônicas.
