SEPULTURA // Albums That Helped Shape A Band (Part One)

Brazilian heavyweights Sepultura helped define and expand the heavy metal genre. In fact, they put Brazilian metal on the map.

And there are certainly albums from their catalogue that would make many a musician’s most influential album list. But what would make the lists for some of the guys in Sepultura? Hysteria asked Andreas Kisser and Derrick Green what three albums changed their lives and helped them be the musicians they are today.

Let’s look at Andreas Kisser first. The top three from the guitarist are a mixed bag, with some classic selections that nod to the obvious influences in the music he creates, but also define how he has approached writing and expanding his own sound.

Kisser lists Queen’s A Night At The Opera as a special one, and the top of his list.

“It was my first album, the first vinyl I bought and I still think is the best ever. A perfect mix of rock, classical, jazz, folk and more! All the members wrote songs for it which makes it even more special,” Kisser says.

It is truly a classic, even if it doesn’t seem like an obvious choice for the shredder.

Queen // A Night At The Opera

His second pick, Metallica’s Ride The Lightning, is maybe a more fitting selection.

“I heard Metallica first with Kill’Em All and I remember I didn’t like that much, but when I heard this album I was surprised by the evolution of the band. Metallica showed new ways to play heavy music, at the same time very aggressive and very melodic, a revolution in metal,” Kisser says.

The evolution of Metallica in their early days helped to show bands that it was possible to do so, and that if you limited yourself, and your ability, you might not make it very far in this industry. This is clearly something that has resonated with Kisser, as Sepultura certainly can’t be pinned to one specific area of the genre as they have so many takes on their own sound.

Metallica // Ride The Lightning

Rounding out Kisser’s top three are the legends in Judas Priest with British Steel.

“This is a true classic, a very different album from the previous complex Priest albums. Very simple but so powerful. It was my first school when I started to play metal guitar, I listened to this album so much and learned to play simple but effective chords that changed my world!” Kisser says.

Judas Priest // British Steel

And certainly, Judas Priest are the godfathers of heavy metal and have influenced so many, with Derrick Green also naming them at number one in his top three with Sad Wings Of Destiny.

“This album made me fall in love with the band. It’s an album that is all connected from beginning to the end. Rob Halford’s vocals take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions. The album many people sleep on even with Judas fans but for me it’s the best,” Green says of the album.

Judas Priest // Sad Wings Of Destiny

Green rolls with another classic; III from Led Zeppelin.

“This album had bad reviews from critics when it first came out. It ended up being one of the best albums of their career. It’s a very spiritual album for me and their ability to evolve as musicians was inspirational,” Green explains, with another nod to Sepultura’s ability to evolve in their music as well.”

Led Zeppelin // III

And last but not least, the third album to really shake things up for Green was Axis: Bold As Love by Jimi Hendrix.

“This album showed me that music has no limits or boundaries. It’s capable of moving in every direction with no fear,” Green says.

The Jimi Hendrix Experience // Axis: Bold As Love

With albums such as these shaping the minds behind Sepultura, it’s clear how they became what they are today, even if it may be a wonder exactly how they became the metal juggernaut they are, with such 70s and 80s rock influences behind them.

Sepultura are touring Australia in May, alongside Death Angel.

Tuesday, 15th May – 170 Russell, Melbourne
Wednesday, 16th May – The Gov, Adelaide
Friday, 18th May – Eatons Hill Hotel, Brisbane
Saturday, 19th May – Metro Theatre, Sydney
Sunday, 20th May – Capitol, Perth

Tickets available here.