Sepultura – Roots 25th Anniversary 5xLP Box Set

Roots is the sixth studio album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura. It was released in Europe on February 20, 1996 and in the U.S. three weeks later on March 12 by Roadrunner Records. It is the band’s last studio album to feature founder and vocalist/rhythm guitarist Max Cavalera, who left in late 1996 at the conclusion of a run of European dates in support of the album.

Following the shift to slower tempos and Latin-tinged rhythms on Chaos A.D., Roots delves further into Brazilian musical textures and features significant contributions from iconic Brazilian musician Carlinhos Brown, who guided and arranged the sections throughout the album that feature ensemble percussion playing. Both in sound and overall aesthetic, Roots is a conscious nod to Brazil’s marginalized indigenous population and cultures. The song “Itsári” features a Xavante chant that re-appears on the song “Born Stubborn” and serves as a loose thematic thread for the album, which showcases the band’s increased affinity for experimentation and collaboration.

“Lookaway” features guest appearances by Korn vocalist Jonathan Davis, then-Korn drummer David Silveria, House of Pain/Limp Bizkit turntablist DJ Lethal, and Faith No More/Mr. Bungle vocalist Mike Patton. Riff-wise, Roots also draws influence from the then-surging nu metal movement, specifically Korn (whose first two albums were also produced by Roots producer Ross Robinson) and Deftones. After leaving the band, Max Cavalera continued pursuing the nu metal and “world” stylings of Roots with his band Soulfly.

Roots has received critical acclaim as a seminal work in Sepultura’s discography. It has proven commercially successful, selling over two million copies worldwide, and remains Sepultura’s highest-charting album, peaking at 27 on the Billboard 200.