Brazilian Thrashers Invade Atlantic City

When Metallica asked Sepultura to play at the metal superstars’ Orion Music + More Festival this weekend, June 23 and 24, at Bader Field in Atlantic City, the Brazilian thrashers quickly rearranged their European tour schedule.

“We said yes right away and rescheduled a couple of shows to make it happen,” guitarist Andreas Kisser said by phone from a tour stop in the Czech Republic. “It’s the first Metallica fest. It’s a big honor to be a part of it.”

Sepultura will play in Spain on June 22, fly to New Jersey the next day, perform at 6:30 p.m. on June 24 and return to Spain for a gig on June 26.

Sepultura has played more than its share of big festivals over the course of the band’s 27-year-career, including the prestigious Rock in Rio event in the group’s home country.

But the Orion Music  + More festival is new territory for Sepultura. The concert features a diverse lineup of more than 40 bands covering the metal, hard rock, punk, alternative and even country genres. In addition, fans can peruse exhibits focused on Metallica’s passions, including a classic car show, a comic and horror movie memorabilia display, film screenings and a surf and skate exhibition.

“It’s a great idea and only Metallica have the experience and power to do something like this in the States,” said Kisser, who is celebrating his 25th year in the band.

Sepultura has been touring the past year supporting its latest release, “Kairos,” which hit shelves on June 24 of last year. The CD marked a departure for the band from the theatrical to the philosophical.

Kairos is an ancient Greek word that means, roughly, an opportune moment in which something special happens. Each song on the album is based on a moment that helped shape Sepultura, Kisser said.      

“It’s an album that talks about Sepultura, our own history, and about our friends and families and experiences on the road,” he said. “It’s cool because the fans feel closer to the concept.”

The band’s previous two albums, “A-Lex” and “Dante XXI,” were based on the film “A Clockwork Orange” and Dante Alighieri’s 12^th-century epic poem “Inferno,” respectively. 

Kisser said “Kairos” is such a strong album that the band has been playing five songs from the disc at its recent shows. Bands typically play around three songs live from new CDs.

Sepultura has also been inspired by the addition late last year of 21-year-old drummer Eloy Casagrande, whom Kisser said has injected a fresh bolt of energy into the band.

“We have to keep up with him,” Kisser said with a laugh. “He’s such a great guy with such a great technique and power.”

Sepultura is rounded out by original member Paulo Xisto Jr. on bass and singer-Cleveland native Derrick Green, the sole American member of the band.

Kisser said he is especially excited to see Metallica perform its 1984 album, “Ride the Lightning,” in its entirety on June 23. “Ride the Lightning" is Kisser’s favorite Metallica album. He recalled listening to the collection on cassette repeatedly as a teenager growing up outside São Paulo.

“Ride the Lightning” features a number of Metallica classics including “Creeping Death,” “For Whom the Bell Tolls” and “Fade to Black.” “Nothing can compare to “Ride the Lightning,” Kisser said. “It’s very unique. I remember listening to the tape and freaking out.”

Sepultura have churned out their own metal classics over the past quarter-century. The band’s albums, which include “Arise,” “Chaos A.D.” and now “Kairos,” are essential listening for thrash fans. Sepultura hopes to begin planning its next album toward the end of this year, Kisser said.

“There have been so many challenges behind us and ahead of us,” he said. “To be part of such a group, coming from Brazil and touring everywhere, I feel great.”

More information: http://sepultura.uol.com.br  

IF YOU GO: Metallica Orion Music + More festival, 1 to 11 p.m. Saturday, June 23 and Sunday, June 24. Featuring Metallica, Sepultura, Gaslight Anthem, Modest Mouse, Titus Andronicus, Charred Walls of the Damned and more. Bader Field, Atlantic City. $90 Saturday, $90 Sunday, two-day pass $150 (advanced purchase only). For more information, including a FAQ section, visit www.orionmusicandmore.com.