How to Sound Like Igor Cavalera — Drum Gear & Setup Guide | MetalForge
Replicate Igor Cavalera's Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax drum sound. Gear list, settings, and technique tips to get that signature tone.
Frequently Asked Questions
What drum kit did Igor Cavalera use on Roots?
Igor Cavalera used Tama Artstar kits during the Roots (1996) recording and touring period. The Artstar was Tama's professional maple series at the time, providing warm, resonant tone suited to both the tribal elements and the heavy metal intensity of the album. He currently plays Tama Starclassic Maple.
How did Igor Cavalera create the tribal drum sound on Roots?
The tribal elements on Roots came from two sources: Igor's incorporation of Brazilian rhythmic concepts into his drumming, and Sepultura's actual recording sessions with the Xavante indigenous tribe in Brazil. Igor studied Brazilian percussion and folk rhythms and integrated those syncopation patterns and accent points into metal drumming contexts. The key is playing mid-tempo patterns with deliberate, heavy intent rather than speed — the weight of each hit matters more than its velocity.
What cymbals does Igor Cavalera use?
Igor Cavalera uses Paiste RUDE series cymbals — Paiste's loudest and most aggressive line. His setup includes 14" RUDE hi-hats, 18" and 19" RUDE Crash Rides, a 22" RUDE Power Ride, and a Paiste 2002 China for accents. The RUDE series' volume and projection suits both tribal stomp patterns and high-tempo blast beat sections.
Does Igor Cavalera use double bass?
Yes. Igor Cavalera uses a double bass drum setup with Tama Iron Cobra double pedals. Unlike Nicko McBrain's single-pedal commitment, Igor uses double bass for thrash and blast-beat contexts while his tribal groove patterns often use the double bass drums to reinforce tribal accent points rather than play straight 16th-note patterns.
Can a beginner learn Igor Cavalera's style?
The tribal groove patterns are actually accessible to intermediate drummers — they're not fast, but they require a feel-forward approach that takes time to develop. Start with Roots Bloody Roots and Refuse/Resist, which have clearer groove structures than the faster Beneath the Remains material. The blast beats from Arise and Beneath the Remains require more technical development.