How to Pronounce Cavalera

Meaning and Context

The term Cavalera primarily denotes the influential Brazilian-born brothers, Max and Iggor Cavalera, seminal figures in the global extreme metal scene. Founding members of the groundbreaking thrash and groove metal band Sepultura in 1984, they pioneered a sound that fused aggressive riffing with tribal percussion and socio-political themes, most famously on landmark albums like Beneath the Remains (1989), Arise (1991), and the globally acclaimed Chaos A.D. (1993). After Max's departure from Sepultura in 1996, the brothers pursued separate projects—Max with Soulfly and Iggor with Sepultura and later Mixhell—before reuniting in 2007 to form Cavalera Conspiracy, a band dedicated to recapturing the raw, primal energy of their early work. Their legacy is cemented as key architects of death metal, thrash metal, and nu-metal, inspiring countless bands with their innovative blend of metal authenticity and Brazilian cultural elements, making the Cavalera surname synonymous with a specific, powerful lineage in heavy music history.

Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings

The surname Cavalera is phonetically straightforward but can be subject to occasional misspellings, often arising from mishearing or typographical errors. Common variants include "Cavelara," "Cavellara," or "Cavalerra," where the middle 'e' is substituted or an extra consonant is added. Some may incorrectly pluralize it as "Cavaleras" when referring to the brothers collectively, though "the Cavalera brothers" is the standard phrasing. In early fanzines or non-native English contexts, one might encounter "Kavalera," attempting a phonetic spelling. It is also worth noting that "Cavalera" is distinct from the similar-looking Italian word "cavaliere" (meaning knight) or the English "cavalier."

Example Sentences

For many fans, the classic Sepultura lineup featuring the Cavalera brothers represents the band's most creatively vital period.

After years of speculation, the announcement of Cavalera Conspiracy's debut album was met with immense excitement in the metal community.

Max Cavalera's guttural vocals and down-tuned guitar style defined an entire generation of extreme metal.

Iggor Cavalera's innovative, tribal-influenced drumming technique remains a benchmark for percussionists in the genre.

The "Return to Roots" tour, where the brothers performed Sepultura's 1996 album in its entirety, was a poignant moment for long-time followers.

When discussing the evolution of groove metal, the work of the Cavalera siblings is invariably considered foundational.

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