---
name: "Igor Cavalera"
band: "Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax"
genre: "Thrash Metal / Groove Metal / Death Metal"
country: "Brazil"
primary_brand: "Tama"
profile_url: "https://metalforge.io/drummer/igor-cavalera"
source: "https://metalforge.io"
last_updated: "2026-06-06"
---

# Igor Cavalera

Igor Cavalera is a professional metal drummer best known for their work with Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax, a defining act in thrash metal / groove metal / death metal.

## Quick Facts

| Fact | Value |
|---|---|
| Name | Igor Cavalera |
| Band | Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax |
| All bands | Mats/Morgan Band, Kaipa |
| Genre | Thrash Metal / Groove Metal / Death Metal |
| Country | Brazil |
| Primary brand | Tama |
| Drum kit | Tama Starclassic Maple |
| Signature snare | Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple |
| Sticks | Vic Firth American Classic 5B |

## Biography

Igor Cavalera (born September 4, 1970), also known as Iggor Cavalera, is a Brazilian drummer who co-founded the legendary metal band Sepultura with his brother Max in 1984. His drumming evolved from pure thrash metal speed to incorporating tribal and world music influences, particularly on groundbreaking albums like Chaos A.D. (1993) and Roots (1996). Known as a hard-hitting drummer with impeccable timing, he left Sepultura in 2006 and reunited with Max in Cavalera Conspiracy. He has since expanded into electronic music with DJ duo Mixhell and became one of three drummers in Soulwax. His influences include Dave Lombardo, Bill Ward, and Stewart Copeland.

Igor Cavalera (born September 4, 1970, in Belo Horizonte, Brazil) is a Brazilian drummer, DJ, and producer who co-founded the legendary thrash metal band Sepultura in 1984 alongside his brother Max Cavalera. One of the most influential drummers in metal history, Igor pioneered the fusion of Brazilian tribal percussion with extreme metal.

His innovative drumming on albums like "Arise," "Chaos A.D.," and "Roots" helped define the sound of groove metal and nu-metal. After leaving Sepultura in 2006, Igor reunited with Max in Cavalera Conspiracy and expanded into electronic music with Mixhell. His influence can be heard in countless bands that followed.

## Band History

- **Mats/Morgan Band** — 1985–present (current)
- **Kaipa** — 1999–present (current)

## Gear

- **Drums:** Tama Starclassic Maple
- **Snare:** Tama S.L.P. 14x6.5" G-Maple
- **Cymbals:** Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" RUDE Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" RUDE Crashes, 22" RUDE Power Ride, 18" 2002 China)
- **Hardware:** Tama Iron Cobra Double Pedal, Tama Throne
- **Sticks:** Vic Firth American Classic 5B
- **Heads:** Evans

## Notable Performances

- Subtraction Drum Fill - Sepultura (2023)
- Territory - Live USA (2025) (2025)
- Roots of Rhythm - Live (2024)

## Frequently Asked Questions

**Q: What drum kit does Igor Cavalera play?**

A: Igor Cavalera plays a Tama Starclassic Maple.

**Q: What cymbals does Igor Cavalera use?**

A: Igor Cavalera uses Paiste RUDE & 2002 Series (14" RUDE Hi-Hats, 18" & 19" RUDE Crashes, 22" RUDE Power Ride, 18" 2002 China).

**Q: What band is Igor Cavalera in?**

A: Igor Cavalera drums for Sepultura / Cavalera Conspiracy / Soulwax, a thrash metal / groove metal / death metal band.

---

**Full interactive profile:** [Igor Cavalera on MetalForge](https://metalforge.io/drummer/igor-cavalera)

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*Last updated: 2026-06-06 · Source: [MetalForge.io](https://metalforge.io)*