That’s how it was with SEPULTURA

November 16, 2024, Munich, Zenith (report)
November 19, 2024 Leipzig, Haus Auensee (photos)

Back to the roots

Just in time for their 40th anniversary. The thrash metal veterans from Sepultura made one last stop in Munich on their “Celebrating Life Through Death” tour. Over 6,000 people gathered in the sold-out Zenith in the north of the city to hear all of the Brazilians’ hits once again.

After the top-class opening acts Jesus Piece, Obituary and Jinjer had already got the crowd going, it was time for Sepultura. As it should be, the Black Sabbath classic “War Pigs” and “Policia” by Brazilian rock band Titãs were played before the quartet, consisting of guitarist Andreas Kisser, singer Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Jr. and new drummer Greyson Nekrutman, took to the stage. Things got off to a furious start with “Refuse/Resist”. A huge banner with two Amazonian tribal chiefs that covered the stage during the first song was removed for the second song, revealing a huge screen. On this video wall, the performance was supported with impressive images, animations and live recordings accompanied by effects, which gave the songs even more life and depth.

The crowd, dressed almost entirely in black – the only occasional outliers were the Brazilian colors yellow and green – embarked on an almost two-hour journey through the history and albums of this style-defining band. Old hits such as “Troops of Doom” from the 1987 album “Schizophrenia” through to “Means to an End” from the last release “Quadra” and timeless classics such as “Choke”, “Territory” and “Arise” were performed. A special highlight was the performance of the song “Kaiowas”, which was strongly inspired by the traditional music of Brazilian indigenous tribes. A dozen fans, as well as members of the evening’s previous bands – such as Jinjer drummer Wlad Ulassewytsch – were allowed to swing the drumsticks and beat on several additional drums in the spirit of tribal brotherhood.

The grandiose performance came to a solemn end with the immortal hits “Rattamahatta” and “Roots Bloody Roots”. Even before the last notes had faded away, everyone in the hall was in agreement: one of the greatest metal bands in history had just bid a fitting farewell to its German fans.

Text: Michael Schille
Photos: Stefan Otto

Setlist:
“Refuse/Resist” – “Territory” – “Slave New World” – “Phantom Self” – “Attitude” – “Means to an End” – “Kairos” – “Corrupted” – “Guardians of Earth” – “Choke” – “False” – “Escape to the Void” – “Kaiowas” – “Dead Embryotic Cells” – “Agony of Defeat” – “Orgasmatron” (Motörhead cover) – “Troops of Doom” – “Inner Self” – “Arise” – “Rattamahatta” – “Roots Bloody Roots”

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