Philip Anselmo, Scott Ian and Matt Heafy Join Sepultura on Stage at Knotfest Brasil

Knotfest Brasil was one for the books. The event, which took place at Sambódromo Do Anhembi in São Paulo, featured heavyweight roster as well as some unexpected on-stage pairings. The most notable among them was during a set by Brazilian heavy metal veterans Sepultura, who hosted a series of guest musicians to play alongside them.

Philip Anselmo (Pantera), Scott Ian (Anthrax, Mr. Bungle) and Matt Heafy (Trivium) all joined the group during their performance Sunday night. Anselmo contributed vocals on the track “Arise,” Ian played the guitar on “Cut-Throat” and Heafy took on guitar plus vocal duties for “Slave New World.” Check out the fan-recorded videos below:

The set preceded Pantera’s headlining spot — the reformed band’s fourth gig without bassist Rex Brown, who confirmed a week back that he had texted positive for COVID-19. As a result, he was unable to perform at Knotfest Chile in Santiago on December 11.

Sepultura guitarist Andreas Kisser discussed Pantera’s return in a recent interview:  “I think it’s so stupid that people try to judge the fact that there are gonna be some live shows. It’s just so stupid. Their music is so fantastic, and there are countless bands all over the world that are jamming their songs every single day. Phil and Rex are gonna be doing it, and the actual family of the brothers are behind it, supporting it. So, how some people have negative things to say about it, it’s something I just don’t understand. The existing bandmembers, the existing crew, the family of Vinnie and Dime are all behind it, so, what’s the problem? It’s an amazing gathering of friends with Charlieand Zakk — they have a long history with that band. It’s gonna be a big party, and I’d love to be part of it. In fact, we’re gonna be playing with them at some festivals, and I’m very excited about that.”

“Look, it’s never gonna be the same, but people need to understand that even if the brothers were still alive, it would be different,” he explained. “So my advice is, relax, go out with your friends, see the show, and sing ‘5 Minutes Alone’ with Phil Anselmo.”

Sepultura recently concluded their “Quadra” European tour with Sacred Reich and Crowbar. (Blabbermouth)

Photo Credit: Boston Schulz

Karan Singh: I am an Indian American music journalist based in Los Angeles. My interests include (but aren't limited to) hip-hop, punk, rhythm & blues, rock and traditional world music. After working in the publishing industry as a copy editor for nearly three years, I decided to switch professions and become a writer. I have a bachelor's degree in English from UC Santa Cruz and a master's degree in Specialized Journalism from the University of Southern California. My aim as a writer is to explore the forces that energize creativity. I've always felt a natural pull toward the arts and entertainment space, and my stories seek to magnify the facets of its adjoining cultures.
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