Sepultura was formed in Brazil, way back in 1984 by brothers Max and Igor Cavelera. They were one of the world's most popular and influential heavy bands from the late 80's and through the 90's. Beneath The Remains (1989), Arise (1991), Chaos AD (1993) and Roots (1996) are all undisputed metal classics. Their sound was a thrash and death metal combined with their country's native music. It was a strange combination, new and bold. When singer/guitarist and primary songwriter Max Cavelera left at the end of 1996, it seemed unlikely that the band would continue. Sepultura somehow survived, and is touring to celebrate their 30th anniversary. I caught them headlining a five band bill with an international flavor at The Pyramid Scheme in downtown Grand Rapids, MI on May 26th.

It was strange to see such big buses parked outside the small 420 capacity venue. The first thing I noticed when I walked in was that the place was maybe half full. It was a Tuesday night, and the bands' fanbase is getting old, but still. The first thing I heard was "We're Micawber from Green Bay, Wisconsin. Thanks a lot". I didn't hear a single song. Unfortunately, I saw the whole half hour set from Melbourne Australia's Boris The Blade. Their sound was a combination of nu-metal and metal-core, complete with drum triggers and seven string guitars. Their synchronized, deep knee bend headbanging was more boy band than heavy metal. The didn't do a thing for me, and apparently I wasn't the only one. The crowd stood around, back from the stage, looking bored, restless or annoyed. The end of each song was greeted with a little polite clapping. I don't suppose Boris The Blade made many new fans that night.

Virginia's Arsis was up next, and they seem to be getting a lot of positive buzz in the metal community. The band lived up to the hype with their inspired brand of technical death metal. They reminded me of Death (the Florida version), which is very high praise. They made the most of their half hour, and the audience really got into it. They also talked in their regular voices between songs, not in that stupid cookie monster metal voice. It was also during Arsis' set that I was reminded of how one muscular idiot with tribal tattoos could ruin a lot of people's fun.

Next up was the band that I was most looking forward to seeing, Destruction. In the US we have the big four of thrash: Metallica, Megadeth, Anthrax and Slayer. In Germany they have the big three of thrash: Destruction, Kreator and Sodom. The band has been around since the early 80's and is still going strong. They played matching Dean Flying V guitars. Their leather vests were covered in spikes and chains. Wind machines blew their hair back in an epic manner. Their excellent 45 minute set was probably the highlight for most in attendance.

Sepultura took the stage with authority, but it soon became clear that this was not the group of our youth. They are still rhythmically powerful, but they miss Max's second guitar. Singer Derrick Green is a physical presence, and has a fair amount of charisma, but he's not Max. When the crowd was screaming along to "Refuse/Resist" or "Roots Bloody Roots" it didn't matter who was in the group. The rest of time is was all too obvious that this was a highly diminished version of the band. For years there have been rumors of a Sepultura reunion of the classic line-up. Egos and hard feelings always seem to get in the way. If that happens the band will play for a couple thousand people a night instead of a couple hundred. Until then they're just a decent band, not an important one.