The Making of Arise by Sepultura

Introduction

In the early 1990s, amidst the burgeoning thrash and death metal scenes, a Brazilian band emerged from the shadows to redefine the boundaries of heavy metal. Sepultura’s fourth studio album, Arise, released on March 25, 1991, stands as a seminal work in the genre, blending ferocious thrash metal with experimental elements that would influence countless artists in its wake. Recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, and produced by the legendary Scott Burns, the album represents a pivotal moment in the band’s career and the wider metal landscape.

This article delves into the making of Arise, exploring its genesis, recording process, commercial performance, and enduring legacy. Through meticulous research and verified data, we aim to provide an exhaustive analysis of this landmark album, leaving no stone unturned in our quest to understand its significance and impact.

Reflecting on Arise, Max Cavalera once remarked, “It was the first time we had the budget to make an album that sounded like the records we admired.” Indeed, the album’s impact on the metal scene was profound, as it not only solidified Sepultura’s status as a leading force in the genre but also inspired a new generation of musicians to explore the possibilities of heavy music.

The Genesis of “Arise”

The story of Arise begins in the late 1980s, a time when thrash and death metal were evolving rapidly, with bands like Slayer and Death pushing the boundaries of speed and aggression. Sepultura, hailing from Belo Horizonte, Brazil, had already made waves with their previous album, Beneath the Remains, which showcased their technical prowess and raw energy. The album was a critical success, and it set the stage for the band’s next creative leap.

As Sepultura prepared to record Arise, they found themselves at a crossroads. The band had begun to experiment with new sounds and ideas, incorporating elements of industrial music and hardcore punk into their thrash metal foundation. This experimentation was driven by the band’s desire to evolve and push the limits of their music, as well as the influence of their producer, Scott Burns, who encouraged them to explore new sonic territories.

The main creative forces behind Arise were the Cavalera brothers, Max and Igor, along with guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paulo Jr. Together, they crafted a collection of songs that combined relentless speed and aggression with intricate arrangements and complex rhythms. The album’s title and concept were inspired by themes of social and political upheaval, reflecting the band’s experiences growing up in Brazil during a time of significant change.

Financed by Roadrunner Records with a budget of $40,000, the recording of Arise was not without its challenges. The band faced pressure to deliver a commercially successful album, while also staying true to their artistic vision. The album’s cover art, designed by Michael Whelan, depicted a surreal, apocalyptic scene that perfectly captured the album’s themes of chaos and destruction.

Recording Process

The recording of Arise took place at the renowned Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, a studio famed for its role in shaping the sound of death metal in the late 1980s and early 1990s. Under the expert guidance of producer Scott Burns, Sepultura embarked on an intensive recording process that spanned from late 1990 to early 1991. Morrisound’s state-of-the-art facilities provided the band with the tools they needed to achieve the powerful, polished sound they envisioned.

Scott Burns, known for his work with bands such as Death and Obituary, brought a wealth of experience to the project. His role as producer and engineer was instrumental in capturing the intensity and precision of Sepultura’s performances. The studio’s equipment, including the Solid State Logic Duality 48 Channel console and Genelec monitors, ensured that every detail of the band’s complex arrangements was faithfully reproduced.

During the recording sessions, the band utilized a range of high-quality microphones, including Neumann and Audio Technica models, to capture the nuances of their sound. Guitarists Max Cavalera and Andreas Kisser employed a variety of amplifiers, such as Peavey and Marshall, to achieve the crushing tones that define the album. The result was a sonic assault that pushed the boundaries of what was possible in metal music at the time.

The recording process was not without its challenges. The band spent considerable time experimenting with different drum tunings and microphone placements to achieve the desired sound. Igor Cavalera’s drumming, characterized by its intricate rhythms and powerful grooves, was a focal point of the sessions. Despite the technical demands, the band maintained a relentless work ethic, driven by their passion for the music and their desire to create something truly groundbreaking.

Other Albums Produced by Scott Burns

Scott Burns’ influence on the metal scene extended far beyond his work with Sepultura. His production credits include some of the most iconic albums in the genre, showcasing his versatility and expertise.

Commercial Performance and Reception

Upon its release, Arise was met with critical acclaim and commercial success, cementing Sepultura’s status as one of the leading forces in the metal scene. The album debuted at number 145 on the Billboard 200, marking the band’s first entry into the charts. Its success was not limited to the United States; Arise also gained traction internationally, earning a gold certification in Indonesia and selling 60,000 copies in the United Kingdom, where it achieved silver status.

Critics praised the album for its innovative blend of thrash and death metal, as well as its incorporation of industrial and punk influences. Publications such as Kerrang! and Metal Forces lauded the album’s production quality and the band’s musicianship, noting the significant leap in creativity and technical proficiency compared to their previous work. Sepultura’s extensive world tour in support of the album further solidified their reputation as a formidable live act.

The competitive landscape in 1991 was fierce, with several significant releases from similar artists. Despite this, Arise stood out for its unique sound and powerful execution. The album’s impact on the metal scene was further recognized through various awards and accolades, including its induction into Decibel magazine’s “Hall of Fame” in 2016, solidifying its legacy as a classic of the genre.

• Metallica by Metallica [31,000,000]
• Nevermind by Nirvana [10,000,000]
• Blood Sugar Sex Magik by Red Hot Chili Peppers [7,000,000]

Singles and Track Analysis

The singles released from Arise played a crucial role in introducing Sepultura’s music to a wider audience. “Arise,” “Dead Embryonic Cells,” and “Under Siege (Regnum Irae)” were released as singles, each showcasing the band’s ability to combine intense thrash metal with thought-provoking lyrics and complex arrangements.

Each track on the album offers a unique perspective on the themes of chaos, destruction, and societal decay. The following table provides an overview of the album’s tracks, including their length and songwriting credits.

Note: Tracks marked with * were released as singles. “Arise” and “Dead Embryonic Cells” achieved notable chart positions, with “Arise” reaching number 42 on the UK Singles Chart.

Influences and Legacy

The creation of Arise was influenced by a wide range of musical styles and artists. Sepultura drew inspiration from thrash metal pioneers like Slayer and Metallica, as well as industrial acts such as Ministry and Nine Inch Nails. The band’s willingness to incorporate elements of hardcore punk and Latin percussion into their sound set them apart from their peers and paved the way for future experimentation.

Over the years, Arise has inspired countless artists across various genres. Its blend of aggression, technical proficiency, and innovative production techniques has left a lasting impact on the metal scene, influencing bands like Slipknot, Lamb of God, and Gojira.

The year 1991 was a pivotal moment in history, marked by significant global events that resonated with the themes explored in Arise. The Gulf War ended in February, while the dissolution of the Soviet Union began later that year, signaling the end of the Cold War era. In the world of cinema, films like Terminator 2: Judgment Day and Silence of the Lambs dominated the box office, reflecting society’s fascination with themes of power, control, and the human condition.

Five Things about Arise

As we delve deeper into the legacy of Arise, here are five intriguing facts about the album that highlight its unique place in music history.

Media and Television Usage

The songs from Arise have found their way into various media, showcasing the album’s lasting influence and appeal.

Critical Reviews and Retrospectives

Over the years, Arise has been the subject of numerous critical reviews and retrospectives, with many praising its innovation and impact on the metal genre.

After Arise

Following the release of Arise, Sepultura continued to evolve and expand their sound, exploring new musical territories with each subsequent album. Their next release, Chaos A.D., saw the band further incorporating elements of groove metal and hardcore punk, cementing their status as pioneers of the genre.

The band experienced significant lineup changes in the years following Arise, most notably the departure of Max Cavalera in 1996. Despite these challenges, Sepultura persevered, continuing to release critically acclaimed albums and maintain a loyal fanbase. As of October 2023, the band remains active, with a lineup that includes Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr., Derrick Green, and Eloy Casagrande, continuing to tour and release new music.

Remasters and Reissues

Over the years, Arise has been reissued and remastered several times, offering fans the opportunity to experience the album with enhanced audio quality and additional content.

The remastered editions of Arise have been praised for their improved sound quality and the inclusion of previously unreleased material, providing fans with a deeper insight into the album’s creation and legacy.

Conclusion

More than three decades after its release, Arise remains a cornerstone of heavy metal, revered for its innovative approach and relentless energy. Its influence can be heard in the work of countless artists who have followed in Sepultura’s footsteps, and its themes of chaos and resistance continue to resonate with listeners around the world. As we reflect on the album’s enduring legacy, it is clear that Arise will continue to inspire and challenge the boundaries of metal music for generations to come.

Further Reading

• The Making of Chaos A.D. by Sepultura (Our Blog)
• The Making of Beneath the Remains by Sepultura (Our Blog)
• Wikipedia page for “Arise”
• Official Sepultura website
• Roadrunner Records website

Let us know in the comments what your thoughts are on Arise by Sepultura. Did we miss anything? Share your experiences and join the conversation!