Sepultura Arise Drum Setup: Igor Cavalera's 1991 Gear Breakdown | MetalForge

Frequently Asked Questions

What drum kit did Igor Cavalera use on Sepultura's Arise?

On Sepultura's Arise recorded in 1990 and released in 1991, Igor Cavalera played a Tama Artstar II kit with birch shells. The setup included dual 22x16 inch bass drums, three rack toms in 10, 12, and 13 inch sizes, and a single 16 inch floor tom. This was a significant professional upgrade from the Pearl Export he used on Beneath the Remains, with the Artstar II's birch shells delivering the sharper attack and greater resonance needed for the album's technically demanding material. The Tama Star-Cast mounting system allowed the shells to resonate more freely, contributing to the fuller tom sound audible throughout the album.

What cymbals did Igor Cavalera use on Arise?

On Arise in 1991, Igor Cavalera used Zildjian A Series cymbals. His setup included Zildjian A 14 inch Heavy hi-hats, A 16 and 18 inch Medium Crashes, an A 20 inch Medium Ride, and an A 18 inch China Boy High. The A Series' bright, cutting tone was well suited to Morrisound Recording's environment and Scott Burns' production approach, allowing the cymbals to slice through the dense guitar arrangements without becoming harsh. This represented a change from the Paiste 2002 series he used on Beneath the Remains.

Where was Sepultura's Arise recorded and who produced it?

Arise was recorded at Morrisound Recording in Tampa, Florida, the same studio where Sepultura recorded Beneath the Remains in 1989. The album was once again produced by Scott Burns, who by 1990 had become the definitive producer of American extreme metal, having worked with Death, Obituary, Morbid Angel, and Deicide. Burns's philosophy of capturing drum performances with maximum clarity and without electronic triggers or samples meant every sound on Arise is Igor Cavalera performing live in the Morrisound live room.

How does Igor Cavalera's drumming on Arise compare to Beneath the Remains?

Igor's drumming on Arise is noticeably more advanced and powerful than on Beneath the Remains, reflecting two years of constant touring and practice. The double-bass work is tighter and more sustained, the blast beats are more precise, and the overall control at extreme tempos is significantly greater. Arise also shows Igor beginning to explore dynamics and musical phrasing — particularly on the mid-paced track Desperate Cry — hinting at the groove-metal direction he would fully pursue on Chaos A.D. in 1993. The drum sound itself also benefits from the upgraded Tama Artstar II kit, which has more resonance and definition than the Pearl Export used on Beneath the Remains.

How much does a replica of Igor Cavalera's Arise drum kit cost?

At the time of recording in 1990 to 1991, a Tama Artstar II kit was priced at approximately $2,000 to $3,000 depending on configuration. Today, vintage Tama Artstar II kits sell on the used market for $1,500 to $4,000 depending on condition and configuration. Period-correct Zildjian A Series cymbals matching the Arise setup run $600 to $1,200 on the vintage market. A Tama steel snare of the era adds $200 to $400 used. A complete replica of the Arise-era setup can be assembled for approximately $2,500 to $5,500.