Yesterday, February 20, 2026, marked the 30th anniversary of Sepultura’s landmark album Roots, widely regarded as one of the most influential records in metal history. In celebration, Max Cavalera shared a video reflecting on the making of the album and dedicating it to his wife and manager, Gloria Cavalera.
Max emphasized in his testimony that Gloria played a crucial role, not just in his personal life, but also in enabling the creation of one of the most significant albums of his career.
“I want to dedicate this album to the love of my life, Gloria Cavalera. Without her, this album wouldn’t exist. Wow, I wouldn’t exist, I wouldn’t be here talking to you all,” he said. “Incredible businesswoman, incredible mother, incredible person, my partner… together, we made this happen.”
A defining feature of Roots was the band’s collaboration with the Xavante tribe on the track “Itsári“. Max remembered how the idea, once thought to be crazy, became reality thanks to the support of his manager and partner.
“I remember when I was composing Roots in my kitchen and I told her about my idea of going to a tribe. I was watching a movie, I had a dream, kind of a vision, and I said: ‘We have to go to Brazil to record with a tribe in the middle of the Amazon rainforest.’ She replied: ‘You’re not Michael Jackson , we can’t do that.’ But she made it happen,” Max recounted.
Max briefly explained the process of making it happen: “She contacted the right people, spoke with the Brazilians who work with the Xavante people, and made it happen. We traveled on propeller planes; it was a crazy journey. Those were the craziest days of my life, those three days we spent with the Xavante.”
Recognizing her dedication, Max pointed out that Gloria managed all the album’s logistics, with every detail “planned to the letter.”
“That’s why this album is so important and I’m so happy to be here celebrating. We’re both here, we’re partners forever. I can’t wait to see what we do next,” he stated.
Max Cavalera concluded: “Today is Roots day, so if you haven’t already, turn the volume up as high as you can! Celebrate Roots. Happy birthday, Roots, and see you on the road!”
Roots tracklist:
- “Roots Bloody Roots”
- “Attitude”
- “Cut-Throat”
- “Ratamahatta”
- “Breed Apart”
- “Straighthate”
- “Spit”
- “Lookaway”
- “Dusted”
- “Born Stubborn”
- “Jasco”
- “Itsári”
- “Ambush”
- “Endangered Species”
- “Dictators**t”
- “Canyon Jam”
