Roots Bloody Roots
Encyclopedia
"Roots Bloody Roots" is a song by Sepultura
, the song is released as the first single from their sixth album Roots, released in 1996. The song is the band's best known and remains a concert staple to this day. A music video was filmed for the single which features the band performing in an underground cave as well as on the streets with a tribe of percussionists. This video can be found on the VHS
We Are What We Are, which was later released on DVD as part of Chaos DVD. In addition to the song being Sepultura's most popular, it also one of the most widely recognized metal songs of the '90's.
The song also appears in live form on the band's live releases Under a Pale Grey Sky
and Live in Sao Paulo
. Another live version appears on the limited edition digipak version of the band's 2000 album Nation
. Former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera
has also played the song live numerous times with his other band Soulfly
. Recordings of their version can be found on the limited edition versions of the albums Soulfly
and Prophecy, as well as on the DVD
The Song Remains Insane
.
and native tribes playing the drums in their tribe uniforms.
Another theory is that Max is talking about his own country's roots. The video shows scenes of Catholic churches. It can also be about slavery
in Brazil, and how blood was spilt so generations to come wouldn't be enslaved. This is shown in the lyrics And all I want to see, set us free.
case, while the second was in a standard slimline jewel case. Early copies of the digipak version were embossed with a stamp of the band's thorned ‘S' logo. The vinyl was a strictly limited edition and was red in colour.
)
Disc 2
7” Red Vinyl
Sepultura
Sepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
, the song is released as the first single from their sixth album Roots, released in 1996. The song is the band's best known and remains a concert staple to this day. A music video was filmed for the single which features the band performing in an underground cave as well as on the streets with a tribe of percussionists. This video can be found on the VHS
VHS
The Video Home System is a consumer-level analog recording videocassette standard developed by Victor Company of Japan ....
We Are What We Are, which was later released on DVD as part of Chaos DVD. In addition to the song being Sepultura's most popular, it also one of the most widely recognized metal songs of the '90's.
The song also appears in live form on the band's live releases Under a Pale Grey Sky
Under a Pale Grey Sky
Under a Pale Grey Sky is a live album by Sepultura, released September 24, 2002 through Roadrunner Records. The album was recorded in the Brixton Academy, London on December 16, 1996, the night that Max Cavalera left the band.-Album information:...
and Live in Sao Paulo
Live in São Paulo
Live In São Paulo is the second live album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura. All the tracks were recorded on April 3, 2005, at a concert in São Paulo, Brazil. A DVD of the same name was also filmed at the show....
. Another live version appears on the limited edition digipak version of the band's 2000 album Nation
Nation (album)
Nation is the eighth studio album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura, released in 2001 through Roadrunner Records. Nation features guest appearances from artists such as Hatebreed singer Jamey Jasta, Dead Kennedys singer Jello Biafra, Ill Niño singer Cristian Machado, Bile frontman Krztoff and...
. Former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera
Max Cavalera
Massimiliano Antonio "Max" Cavalera is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Sepultura, before forming Soulfly in the late 1990s...
has also played the song live numerous times with his other band Soulfly
Soulfly
Soulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
. Recordings of their version can be found on the limited edition versions of the albums Soulfly
Soulfly (album)
-Digipak Edition released on October 19, 1999 bonus disc track listing:-Roadrunner Records 25th Anniversary Reissue bonus disc track listing:The album was also released on August 30, 2005 as part of the Roadrunner Records 25th Anniversary Reissues with the Limited Edition bonus tracks and a new one...
and Prophecy, as well as on the DVD
DVD
A DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
The Song Remains Insane
The Song Remains Insane (video)
The Song Remains Insane is the first video by the Brazilian-American heavy metal band Soulfly. It was released through Roadrunner Records on 1 March 2005.- Track listing :All songs written and composed by Max Cavalera, except where noted.#"Prophecy"...
.
Song meaning
Like most Sepultura songs, the song is thought to be another protest song. The most common meaning that fans come up with is that everyone needs to preserve their own roots, and not modernize, forget or feel shame for them. This is shown in the lyrics We don't need to change, our ways to be saved. The music video shows Brazilians practicing CapoeiraCapoeira
Capoeira is a Brazilian art form that combines elements of martial arts, sports, and music. It was created in Brazil mainly by descendants of African slaves with Brazilian native influences, probably beginning in the 16th century...
and native tribes playing the drums in their tribe uniforms.
Another theory is that Max is talking about his own country's roots. The video shows scenes of Catholic churches. It can also be about slavery
Slavery
Slavery is a system under which people are treated as property to be bought and sold, and are forced to work. Slaves can be held against their will from the time of their capture, purchase or birth, and deprived of the right to leave, to refuse to work, or to demand compensation...
in Brazil, and how blood was spilt so generations to come wouldn't be enslaved. This is shown in the lyrics And all I want to see, set us free.
Releases
The single was released on 2 CDs and 7” vinyl. The first CD was presented in a card foldout digipakDigipak
Digipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI World Ltd., an Atlas Holdings company.-Features:...
case, while the second was in a standard slimline jewel case. Early copies of the digipak version were embossed with a stamp of the band's thorned ‘S' logo. The vinyl was a strictly limited edition and was red in colour.
Track listing
Disc 1 (DigipakDigipak
Digipak is a patented style of CD, DVD or BD packaging, and is a registered trademark of AGI World Ltd., an Atlas Holdings company.-Features:...
)
- "Roots Bloody Roots"
- "Procreation (Of the Wicked)" (Celtic FrostCeltic FrostCeltic Frost was a metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again...
cover) - "Refuse/ResistRefuse/ResistRefuse/Resist is Sepultura's third EP, released in 1994. The title song, also included as a single off the album Chaos A.D., is one of the band's best-known songs and remains a concert staple to this day. A music video was filmed for the single which features the band playing live at a festival...
" (live) - "Territory"Territory (song)"Territory" is Sepultura's sixth official single, and the last of three to be taken from the album Chaos A.D., released in 1993. Like most of the band's singles, the song is one of the band's best-known songs and remains a concert staple to this day....
(live)
Disc 2
- "Roots Bloody Roots"
- "Procreation (Of The Wicked)" (Celtic FrostCeltic FrostCeltic Frost was a metal band from Zürich, Switzerland. They are known for their heavy influence on the extreme metal genres. The group was first active from 1984 to 1993, and re-formed in 2001. Following Tom Gabriel Fischer's departure in 2008, Celtic Frost decided to break up again...
cover) - "Propaganda" (live)
- "Beneath the Remains/Escape to the Void" (live)
7” Red Vinyl
- "Roots Bloody Roots"
- "Symptom of the Universe" (Black SabbathBlack SabbathBlack Sabbath are an English heavy metal band, formed in Aston, Birmingham in 1969 by Ozzy Osbourne , Tony Iommi , Geezer Butler , and Bill Ward . The band has since experienced multiple line-up changes, with Tony Iommi the only constant presence in the band through the years. A total of 22...
cover. It also appears on Blood-Rooted and the limited edition of Roots)
- Refuse/Resist, Territory, Propaganda, Beneath the Remains/Escape to the Void were recorded live in Minneapolis, MN in March of 1994
Cover versions
- SoulflySoulflySoulfly is a heavy metal band formed in 1997 based in Phoenix, Arizona. The original lyrical content revolved around spirituality and religious themes, with later albums encompassing other themes including war, violence, aggression, hatred and anger. Soulfly is led by former Sepultura frontman Max...
covers the song live. A recording of this can be found on the DVDDVDA DVD is an optical disc storage media format, invented and developed by Philips, Sony, Toshiba, and Panasonic in 1995. DVDs offer higher storage capacity than Compact Discs while having the same dimensions....
The Song Remains InsaneThe Song Remains Insane (video)The Song Remains Insane is the first video by the Brazilian-American heavy metal band Soulfly. It was released through Roadrunner Records on 1 March 2005.- Track listing :All songs written and composed by Max Cavalera, except where noted.#"Prophecy"...
. - The Cavalera brothers often play the song to close a show as Cavalera ConspiracyCavalera ConspiracyCavalera Conspiracy is a Brazilian heavy metal band founded by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera , along with American guitarist and bassist Marc Rizzo and Johny Chow. The band originally formed in 2007 as Inflikted but changed its name for legal reasons...
. - DreadnautDreadnautDreadnaut is a Canadian heavy metal group.Dreadnaut was formed in 2003 in Thompson, Manitoba and soon moved to the nearest urban center of Winnipeg, Manitoba, where they made their live debut at the The Zoo Cabaret...
covers the song in their 2008 album A Taste Of What's To ComeA Taste of What's to ComeA Taste of What's to Come is the second LP by Canadian band Dreadnaut released in 2008.-Track listing:- Personnel :* Steven Crooks – vocals* Robin Kimball – guitar* Chris Miller – drums* Randy Goshey – bass guitar...
. - J.B.O.J.B.O.J.B.O. is a heavy metal band from Erlangen, Germany. J.B.O. was founded in 1989 by Vito C. and Hannes "G.Laber" Holzmann and is known for parodies of rock and pop songs...
covers the song (singing replaced by a tenor-like voice) in their 1997 album Laut (as Pavarotti & Friends). - A Punch's Pilot covered this song live featuring Waylon ReavisWaylon ReavisWaylon Reavis is the vocalist for American alternative metal and industrial metal band Mushroomhead as well as the Cleveland based band Tenafly Viper and former singer of 3 Quarters Dead.-Biography:...
from MushroomheadMushroomheadMushroomhead is an American industrial metal band from Cleveland, Ohio. Formed in 1993 in Cleveland Warehouse District, the band's music can be described as a synthesis of alternative music, heavy metal, and electro-industrial...
. - The song was also played by many musicians at once, at the show by Roadrunner RecordsRoadrunner RecordsRoadrunner Records is an American record label that concentrates primarily on heavy metal bands. It is currently a subsidiary of Warner Music Group.-History:...
, Roadrunner UnitedRoadrunner UnitedRoadrunner United was a project organized by the heavy metal record label Roadrunner Records to celebrate its 25th anniversary. It culminated in an album released worldwide on October 11, 2005, entitled The All-Star Sessions...
, The Concert, with the following team-up:
-
- Sepultura'sSepulturaSepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
"Roots Bloody RootsRoots Bloody Roots"Roots Bloody Roots" is a song by Sepultura, the song is released as the first single from their sixth album Roots, released in 1996. The song is the band's best known and remains a concert staple to this day. A music video was filmed for the single which features the band performing in an...
" - Robert FlynnRobert FlynnRobb Flynn is best known as the lead vocalist and guitarist for the heavy metal band Machine Head...
(Machine HeadMachine Head (band)Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
) - Vocals - Corey TaylorCorey TaylorCorey Todd Taylor sometimes known by the number 8, is an American musician best known as the lead vocalist and lyricist of Slipknot and Stone Sour. Taylor was raised by his single mother. He developed a fond feeling toward classic rock after his grandmother introduced him to it...
(SlipknotSlipknot (band)Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
, Stone SourStone SourStone Sour is an American rock band from Des Moines, Iowa. Since 2006, the group has been composed of Corey Taylor , Jim Root , Josh Rand, , Shawn Economaki and Roy Mayorga . Original drummer Joel Ekman left the group in 2006...
) - Additional Vocals - Howard JonesHoward Jones (heavy metal musician)Howard Jones is an American lead singer for the band Killswitch Engage. He was also the lead singer of Blood Has Been Shed before moving onto Killswitch Engage.-Blood Has Been Shed:*I Dwell on Thoughts of You...
(Killswitch EngageKillswitch EngageKillswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
) - Additional Vocals - Jesse David Leach (ex-Killswitch EngageKillswitch EngageKillswitch Engage is an American metalcore band from Westfield, Massachusetts, formed in 1999 after the disbandment of Overcast and Aftershock. Killswitch Engage's current lineup consists of vocalist Howard Jones, bassist Mike D'Antonio, guitarists Joel Stroetzel and Adam Dutkiewicz, and drummer...
, SeemlessSeemlessSeemless was an American rock supergroup formed by ex-Shadows Fall drummer Derek Kerswill, ex-Killswitch Engage vocalist Jesse Leach, and ex-Overcast and ex -Killswitch Engage guitarist Pete Cortese....
, The Empire Shall Fall) - Vocals - Tommy Vext (ex-Divine HeresyDivine HeresyDivine Heresy is an American metal band formed by founder of Fear Factory, guitarist Dino Cazares and Devolved, drummer John Sankey. Although the band's origins trace back to 2002, Divine Heresy was officially formed in 2006...
) - Additional Vocals - Andreas KisserAndreas KisserAndreas Rudolf Kisser is the lead guitarist for the metal band Sepultura as well as the rock supergroup HAIL!-Biography:...
(SepulturaSepulturaSepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura...
) - Lead Guitar - Scott IanScott IanScott Ian Rosenfeld , better known by the stage name Scott Ian, is an American musician, best known as the rhythm & lead guitarist for the heavy metal band Anthrax. Ian is also the guitarist and a founding member of the crossover thrash band Stormtroopers of Death...
(AnthraxAnthrax (band)Anthrax is an American heavy metal band from New York City, formed in 1981. Founded by guitarists Scott Ian and Danny Lilker, the band has since released ten studio albums and 20 singles, and an EP featuring Public Enemy. The band was one of the most popular of the 1980s thrash metal scene...
) - Rhythm Guitar - Dino CazaresDino CazaresDino Cazares, born in El Centro, California, is a Mexican-American musician and the guitarist for Los Angeles-based industrial metal group Fear Factory. He also plays in the metal bands Divine Heresy and Asesino.-Biography:...
(Fear FactoryFear FactoryFear Factory is an American industrial metal band. Formed in 1989, they have released seven full-length albums and a number of singles and remixes. Over the course of their career they have evolved from a succession of styles, as well as steadily pioneered a combination of the styles death metal,...
, Divine HeresyDivine HeresyDivine Heresy is an American metal band formed by founder of Fear Factory, guitarist Dino Cazares and Devolved, drummer John Sankey. Although the band's origins trace back to 2002, Divine Heresy was officially formed in 2006...
, AsesinoAsesinoAsesino is an American extreme metal band and the recurring project of ex-Brujeria guitarist Dino Cazares, which has featured members of Brujeria, Fear Factory, Sepultura, Sadistic Intent and Static-X....
, ex-BrujeriaBrujeria (band)Brujeria is an extreme metal band formed in Tijuana, Mexico in 1989. Their name comes from the Spanish word for "witchcraft". Their songs, which are sung in Spanish, are focused on Satanism, anti-Christianity, sex, immigration, narcotics smuggling, politics....
) - Rhythm Guitar - Paul GrayPaul Gray (Slipknot)Paul Dedrick Gray also known as The Pig or by his number #2 was an American musician, best known as the bassist, primary songwriter and one of the founding members of the Grammy Award-winning metal band Slipknot....
(SlipknotSlipknot (band)Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
) - Bass - Adam Duce (Machine HeadMachine Head (band)Machine Head is an American heavy metal band from Oakland, California. Formed on October 12, 1991, the group was founded by Robb Flynn and Adam Duce. There have been 4 member changes since their inception. The current lineup of the band comprises Flynn , Duce , ex-Vio-Lence guitarist Phil Demmel ,...
) - Bass - Joey JordisonJoey JordisonJoey Jordison , is an American musician, songwriter, and record producer, best known for his work as the drummer for the nu metal band Slipknot. He grew up in Waukee, Iowa with his parents and two sisters, and was given his first drum kit at the age of 8...
(SlipknotSlipknot (band)Slipknot is an American heavy metal band from Des Moines, Iowa. Formed in 1995, the group was founded by percussionist Shawn Crahan and bassist Paul Gray...
) - Drums - Roy MayorgaRoy MayorgaRoy Maurice Mayorga is the drummer for the hard rock band Stone Sour. He is of Ecuadorian and Cuban descent.-Musical history:...
(Stone SourStone SourStone Sour is an American rock band from Des Moines, Iowa. Since 2006, the group has been composed of Corey Taylor , Jim Root , Josh Rand, , Shawn Economaki and Roy Mayorga . Original drummer Joel Ekman left the group in 2006...
) - Percussion
- Sepultura's
Personnel
- Max CavaleraMax CavaleraMassimiliano Antonio "Max" Cavalera is a Brazilian singer, guitarist, and songwriter. He was the lead singer and rhythm guitarist for the heavy metal band Sepultura, before forming Soulfly in the late 1990s...
- vocals, guitar - Igor CavaleraIgor CavaleraIgor Graziano Cavalera is a Brazilian musician. He is best known as the former drummer for Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura.-Biography:...
- drums - Andreas KisserAndreas KisserAndreas Rudolf Kisser is the lead guitarist for the metal band Sepultura as well as the rock supergroup HAIL!-Biography:...
- guitar - Paulo Jr.Paulo Jr.Paulo Jr. is the bassist and the only remaining original member of the Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura.-Life and work:...
- bass - Produced by Ross RobinsonRoss RobinsonRoss Robinson, son of Byron Katie, is an American multi-platinum music producer, who has discovered successful acts such as Korn, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Repeater, Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. Robinson has also worked with Machine Head, Vanilla Ice, The Cure, Sepultura and many others...
and SepulturaSepulturaSepultura is a Brazilian heavy metal band from Belo Horizonte, formed in 1984. The band was a major force in the death metal, thrash metal and ultimately groove metal realms during the late 1980s and early 1990s, with their later experiments melding nu metal, hardcore punk and industrial.Sepultura... - Recorded and engineered by Ross RobinsonRoss RobinsonRoss Robinson, son of Byron Katie, is an American multi-platinum music producer, who has discovered successful acts such as Korn, At the Drive-In, Glassjaw, Repeater, Slipknot and Limp Bizkit. Robinson has also worked with Machine Head, Vanilla Ice, The Cure, Sepultura and many others...
- Mixed by Andy WallaceAndy Wallace (producer)Andy Wallace is a Grammy Award-winning music studio engineer with a long track record of successful productions, beginning with the 1986 production of the Run-DMC/Aerosmith collaboration on "Walk This Way" with Rick Rubin...
- Assistant Engineer: Richard KaplanRichard KaplanRichard Dennis Kaplan is a South African professional golfer who currently plays on the Sunshine Tour.Kaplan was born in Johannesburg and currently lives in Sandton, Johannesburg with his wife and two children...