In 1998, Max Cavalera faced a pivotal moment in his career and personal life. Following his departure from Sepultura and the tragic death of his stepson, Dana Wells, Cavalera channeled his pain and anger into a new musical project, Soulfly. This period of intense grief and professional transition led to the creation of the song "Bleed," which became a defining anthem of the nu metal era and a significant personal release for the artist.
Key Takeaways
- Max Cavalera formed Soulfly after leaving Sepultura and losing his stepson, Dana Wells.
- The song "Bleed" was written from a place of deep grief and anger following Dana's death.
- Collaborations with Fred Durst and DJ Lethal added a unique hip hop element to "Bleed."
- The creation of the first Soulfly album, including "Bleed," served as a therapeutic process for Cavalera.
- "Bleed" remains a powerful and important song for both Max Cavalera and his fans, symbolizing overcoming adversity.
The Genesis of Soulfly and "Bleed"
Max Cavalera described 1998 as a "really weird time" in his life. He was working on his first album since leaving his former band, Sepultura. This professional shift occurred two years after the death of his stepson, Dana Wells, who died in a car accident. The emotional impact of these events was profound.
Cavalera's initial step back into music involved a collaboration with the band Deftones. They were close friends of Dana and had attended his funeral. Chino Moreno, Deftones' frontman, was even a pallbearer. Deftones invited Cavalera to sing on their song "Headup" from the album Around The Fur. It was during this collaboration that the word "Soulfly" emerged, inspiring the name for his new band.
Key Fact
The name Soulfly originated from lyrics Max Cavalera wrote for the Deftones song "Headup": "Soulfly / Fly high / Soulfly / Fly free."
The first Soulfly album came together quickly. Cavalera already had demos for tracks like "Eye For An Eye" and "No Hope = No Fear." However, while in the studio, he felt a strong need to honor Dana more directly. This led to the concept for "Bleed."
Channeling Grief and Anger into Lyrics
The song "Bleed" was born from the raw emotions surrounding Dana's death. Cavalera explained that the title reflected the collective suffering his family experienced. "We were all still suffering, still bleeding, from his death," he stated.
He composed the song around a "really cool groove," but it was the lyrics that carried the most weight. The words directly mirrored the heartbreak he witnessed at home. Lines such as "See a mother cry, see a brother cry" depicted the reality of his wife, Gloria, and the children crying daily.
"It was built on this really cool groove, but it was the lyrics that made it really heavy. Lyrics like ‘See a mother cry, see a brother cry’… that’s the shit that went on in my house. I would walk around and see Gloria [Cavalera, Max’s wife] crying and I would see the kids crying. It was fucking a rough time, man. I had to put it into the song."
— Max Cavalera
The circumstances of Dana's passing also fueled Cavalera's anger. He incorporated this rage into the lyrics, writing lines like "What goes around comes around, you better realise, you kill life, you kill life, why, why." This direct expression of fury pushed "Bleed" into an emotionally urgent territory, which is often a source of great artistic creation.
The Unique Collaboration on "Bleed"
To add another layer to "Bleed," producer Ross Robinson suggested bringing in Fred Durst and DJ Lethal from Limp Bizkit. Robinson had recently worked with Limp Bizkit and believed they would be ideal for the song's breakdown section.
DJ Lethal contributed scratch sounds, enhancing the track's hip hop influence. Fred Durst's contribution was particularly impactful. He wrote his lyrics for the song on the spot, creating an "electric" atmosphere in the studio. Cavalera praised Durst's performance, calling it "one of the best things he’s ever done."
Nu Metal's Rise
The late 1990s saw the emergence of nu metal, a genre that blended heavy metal with elements of hip hop, funk, and grunge. Bands like Korn, Limp Bizkit, and Deftones were central to this movement, often featuring rap vocals, turntable scratching, and aggressive, syncopated riffs. Soulfly's debut album, with tracks like "Bleed," became a significant part of this evolving sound.
Durst's lyrics captured the song's angry message, even though he had not known Dana personally. This collaboration highlighted the raw, honest anger that Cavalera felt, making the song resonate deeply with listeners. It was a sad song to create, but the anger infused into it made the process exciting and ultimately successful. This honest expression of emotion was a key factor in its widespread appeal.
Music as Therapy and Redemption
The creation of "Bleed" and the first Soulfly album marked a significant turning point for Max Cavalera. Just six months prior, he had been consumed by anger over Dana's death and his departure from Sepultura. He described living in a "dark room," struggling with alcohol and drugs, and feeling completely disconnected from music.
His heart was broken, and he had told everyone to "fuck off," wanting only to get drunk. He credits the Deftones' invitation to collaborate as a crucial step in his recovery. The process of making the Soulfly album, though difficult, provided immense "catharsis" and "therapy" for him.
Impact of "Bleed"
More than 20 years after its release, "Bleed" continues to be a fan favorite and a staple in Soulfly's live performances, demonstrating its lasting emotional and musical impact.
Over the years, many musicians have performed the rap section of "Bleed" during live shows. These include Chino Moreno, members of Hed PE, Lynn Strait from Snot, Serj Tankian from System Of A Down, and the singer from Disturbed. However, Max Cavalera's favorite rendition was by his own son, Ritchie Cavalera, who is now the frontman for Incite. He recalled it sounding "real cool with a little kid voice spitting these angry lyrics."
A Lasting Legacy
Decades after its release, "Bleed" continues to hold a special place for Max Cavalera and Soulfly fans. Cavalera mentioned that after not playing it for some time, they brought it back on tour, and audiences reacted with immense enthusiasm. He still enjoys performing it, recognizing its unique significance.
"Bleed" is more than just a song; it represents Cavalera's ability to overcome immense personal and professional challenges. It proved to him, and to the world, that he could succeed on his own. He stated that if the first Soulfly album had failed, he might not be in music today. It was the crucial "first step on the journey" that led him to where he is now.
Max Cavalera's Career Timeline
- 1984-1996: Frontman for Brazilian thrash metal band Sepultura.
- 1996: Departure from Sepultura following personal tragedy and internal conflicts.
- 1997: Collaborates with Deftones, inspiring the name Soulfly.
- 1998: Releases debut Soulfly album, featuring the pivotal track "Bleed."
- 1998-Present: Continues to lead Soulfly, releasing multiple albums and touring globally, exploring diverse musical influences.
The song stands as a powerful testament to the human spirit's capacity to transform pain into art. It showcases how music can be a refuge and a source of strength, even in the darkest times. For Cavalera, "Bleed" was not just a song; it was a pathway to healing and a declaration of his enduring artistic vision.