In a recent appearance on the Talk Toomey podcast, Max Cavalera, former frontman of Sepultura and founder of Soulfly, took a nostalgic look back at the impact of Korn’s groundbreaking self-titled debut album.
For Cavalera, Korn’s raw energy and innovative grooves became a defining influence, especially as he was about to embark on recording Sepultura’s Roots, an album that would also challenge the boundaries of metal. In the interview, he shared a heartfelt memory involving his late stepson, Dana, who introduced him to the then-new sounds of Korn and Deftones for the first time.
Cavalera reflected on the powerful moment when Dana brought home promo copies of Korn and Deftones’ Adrenaline. Dana, who was Gloria Cavalera’s son and tragically passed away in 1996, played a pivotal role in bringing these innovative bands to Max’s attention. “Yeah, it’s very nostalgic,” Cavalera said, remembering the scene vividly. “Dana came home with the promo of both records, Korn—he had a one-song promo—and Deftones’ Adrenaline. I listened to both. I had no idea who those bands were,” he laughed. “I even joked with Dana about the names. Korn? That’s a weird name, man. I don’t think that’s gonna fly. How wrong was I? But, yeah, I loved the music for real.”
This first exposure to Korn and Deftones had a lasting impact on Cavalera. He explained that the grooves and heaviness of these bands were unlike anything else at the time, and their sound resonated with him deeply. Korn’s music, in particular, had a raw emotional edge and a bone-crushing intensity that was fresh and exciting. “The grooves are f***ing great — great grooves on that record,” he praised. This musical awakening would go on to influence his own creative process in significant ways.
As Cavalera prepared to record Roots, Sepultura’s iconic album, he found himself drawing inspiration from the sounds of Korn and Deftones. “Especially recording Roots and Soulfly’s debut album, Soulfly, a lot of times, in the car going up to the studio in Malibu, I was blasting Korn’s debut album and Deftones’ Adrenaline,” he shared. The music of Korn and Deftones provided the perfect soundtrack for his creative journey, capturing the heavy, groove-driven elements he wanted to incorporate into Roots. Cavalera emphasized that these albums didn’t just provide background noise—they fueled his artistic vision, helping him channel similar energy into his music.
One of the standout moments in the interview came when Cavalera expressed his admiration for Around the Fur, the second album by Deftones. “I got to be part of the second Deftones album, Around The Fur, which is one of my favorite records of all time. That record is so good, man. It’s so killer. I still listen to that and just go, ‘Whoa, what a banger of an album.’” Cavalera’s admiration for Deftones’ sound reflects his respect for bands that push boundaries and continually evolve.
Beyond drawing inspiration, Cavalera recognized the reciprocal nature of artistic influence. He shared that Korn, in fact, had been inspired by Sepultura’s earlier work, especially Chaos A.D., which was released in 1993. This album introduced a distinct mix of groove and thrash metal, and its influence on the emerging nu-metal genre was profound. Cavalera recounted conversations with Korn’s frontman, Jonathan Davis, and bassist, Fieldy, where they confirmed that Chaos A.D. had been a significant influence on their music. “It’s so fun to know that from them, talking to Jonathan Davis and talking to Fieldy, they let me know they were totally into Sepultura’s Chaos A.D. when they made the first Korn record. And they listened to Chaos A.D. a lot. That’s a beautiful thing, man,” he said. This exchange of influence and inspiration between Sepultura and Korn was a testament to the mutual respect and admiration that existed among artists of the time.
For Cavalera, this relationship is an example of how creativity thrives on mutual influence and collaboration. He believes that artists should never shy away from being inspired by others or inspiring others themselves. “And you should never shy away from being inspired or inspiring people. I think, forever, it always will be cool. I’m inspired by stuff all the time,” he said. The collaborative nature of metal music, where bands build upon each other’s work and take inspiration from each other’s successes, has always been central to the genre’s evolution. Cavalera’s perspective underscores the importance of this exchange in creating groundbreaking music and pushing the genre forward.
In his advice to listeners, Cavalera encouraged fans to explore the records that shaped his musical journey. “If people watching this have not checked out [Korn’s debut] record, go check that out. Check out that, check out Soulfly, and check out Deftones’ Around The Fur. That’s a great way to start.” His recommendations offer a glimpse into his influences and reflect the diversity of sounds that shaped his own work. For fans of Cavalera’s music, delving into these albums provides a deeper understanding of the creative forces that helped shape Roots and Soulfly.
Korn’s self-titled debut album has often been credited with sparking the nu-metal movement, a genre that combined elements of alternative metal, grunge, and hip-hop. Its release in 1994 introduced a sound that was dark, raw, and intensely emotional, setting Korn apart from other bands of the era. With Jonathan Davis’s distinctive vocal style and Fieldy’s innovative slap-bass technique, Korn’s sound was both experimental and accessible, drawing in fans from various musical backgrounds. The album’s heavy grooves and brutally honest lyrics struck a chord with listeners, many of whom found solace in the themes of alienation and struggle.
This authenticity is something that Cavalera appreciates deeply, as he has always valued emotional honesty in music. For him, Korn’s debut was not just a new sound; it was a powerful statement that reshaped the metal landscape. Cavalera’s own music has similarly been characterized by its raw intensity and willingness to tackle difficult subjects. Through his work with Sepultura, Soulfly, and other projects, he has consistently pushed boundaries, both musically and lyrically.
Today, Korn’s legacy endures, as they continue to release new music and inspire a new generation of artists. Cavalera’s reflections highlight the album’s lasting influence, not only on him but on the metal genre as a whole. His memories of Dana and the impact of Korn’s music serve as a reminder of how art can transcend time and loss, bringing people together through shared experiences. Cavalera’s respect for Korn and Deftones underscores the significance of their contributions to metal, and his own contributions reflect the same spirit of innovation and resilience.
For fans of metal, Cavalera’s interview on the Talk Toomey podcast offers a rare glimpse into the personal experiences that helped shape his musical journey. His recollections are a testament to the power of music to inspire, connect, and heal, even amid tragedy. As metal continues to evolve, artists like Cavalera, Korn, and Deftones remain at the forefront, paving the way for future generations and reminding us all of the enduring power of heavy music. Whether through the aggressive grooves of Korn or the experimental sounds of Deftones, the spirit of creativity and collaboration that Cavalera celebrates will undoubtedly continue to shape the metal landscape for years to come.
