INTERVIEW
NAILBOMB: MAX CAVALERA ON BRINGING BACK A CULT CLASSIC FOR A WORLD IN COLLAPSE
Interviewer & photo above: David Weddle
In 1994, Nailbomb delivered Point Blank, a record that fused industrial noise, punk-metal rage, and raw political fury into something that felt like it could implode at any moment. Three decades later, that same fury feels not just relevant, but necessary. Max Cavalera is taking Nailbomb back on the road with a vengeance, joined by a lineup that draws from Soulfly, Pig Destroyer, and Repulsion, and the message is just as sharp as it was back then.
“Every musician who’s ever become a part of Nailbomb is very proud to be a part of this record,” says Max. “They take pride in playing the songs exactly as they were originally created.” Despite the mix of backgrounds, the band remains committed to preserving Nailbomb’s signature identity, a sound rooted in rage, urgency, and uncompromising directness.
Nailbomb wasn’t built for longevity. It started as a side project, but it quickly evolved into something far more confrontational. “This project started as something for fun, just to kill time,” Max explains. “It became more aggressive, and it became more political. I’d say the music shaped the political sense.”
Now, in 2025, that same music feels eerily prophetic. “Today’s world fits Point Blank more than ever. The record is more relevant now than when it was first released.” The themes, corruption, cruelty, unchecked power, have only grown more visible. “The arrogance and cruelty of politicians annoys everyone. I’m against the mistreatment of people. I am against greed.”
Onstage, Nailbomb remains a live experience built on intensity. “With this record, live shows are the exercise in aggression,” says Max. “Nailbomb has a cult-like vibe. It’s different from anything else that I do.” With a relentless touring schedule and a mix of legacy members and younger players, the band is finding its rhythm night after night. “The truth is we’ll get tighter as we play.”
While the focus for now is on the live shows, there’s no shortage of interest in what comes next. “We’re just focusing on the live shows right now. We’ve got quite a few offers coming up.”
Asked what he hopes fans take away from this new wave of Nailbomb, Max doesn’t hesitate. “Hopefully Nailbomb will bring people together. The world is much stronger when it’s united in its desire. It’s the true spirit of punk rock.”
“Every musician who’s ever become a part of Nailbomb is very proud to be a part of this record,” says Max. “They take pride in playing the songs exactly as they were originally created.” Despite the mix of backgrounds, the band remains committed to preserving Nailbomb’s signature identity, a sound rooted in rage, urgency, and uncompromising directness.
Nailbomb wasn’t built for longevity. It started as a side project, but it quickly evolved into something far more confrontational. “This project started as something for fun, just to kill time,” Max explains. “It became more aggressive, and it became more political. I’d say the music shaped the political sense.”
Now, in 2025, that same music feels eerily prophetic. “Today’s world fits Point Blank more than ever. The record is more relevant now than when it was first released.” The themes, corruption, cruelty, unchecked power, have only grown more visible. “The arrogance and cruelty of politicians annoys everyone. I’m against the mistreatment of people. I am against greed.”
Onstage, Nailbomb remains a live experience built on intensity. “With this record, live shows are the exercise in aggression,” says Max. “Nailbomb has a cult-like vibe. It’s different from anything else that I do.” With a relentless touring schedule and a mix of legacy members and younger players, the band is finding its rhythm night after night. “The truth is we’ll get tighter as we play.”
While the focus for now is on the live shows, there’s no shortage of interest in what comes next. “We’re just focusing on the live shows right now. We’ve got quite a few offers coming up.”
Asked what he hopes fans take away from this new wave of Nailbomb, Max doesn’t hesitate. “Hopefully Nailbomb will bring people together. The world is much stronger when it’s united in its desire. It’s the true spirit of punk rock.”
Photo Line up below (Clockwise): Max Cavalera, Igor Cavalera, Alex Cha, Jackie Cruz, Travis Stone, Adam Jarvis
In a career that spans Sepultura, Soulfly, Cavalera, and more, Nailbomb still holds a distinct place in Max’s journey. “It taught me how to make the rawest music possible. Honestly, it’s one of the funnest records I ever worked on. We didn’t give a fuck and we laughed at ourselves while we were making it.”
The decision to hit the road again was sparked by a renewed hunger. “The Max Cavalera Dynasty show reminded me of how everyone loved this music. It made me want to share it.”
The tour is hitting 13 countries in just over two weeks, and Max expects no less than chaos. “I think the entire tour is gonna be full-on carnage. The Nailbomb hostile live show will remind everybody what metal is all about.”
When asked what he can’t live without on tour, Max keeps it simple: “My guitar and my sense of humor.”
And for those just starting out in music, the advice is as honest as the sound: “Play what you like, how you like. Find a good team that works hard and believes in you.”
Nailbomb was never meant to be polished, palatable, or polite. In 2025, that’s exactly what makes it vital in today's world.
The decision to hit the road again was sparked by a renewed hunger. “The Max Cavalera Dynasty show reminded me of how everyone loved this music. It made me want to share it.”
The tour is hitting 13 countries in just over two weeks, and Max expects no less than chaos. “I think the entire tour is gonna be full-on carnage. The Nailbomb hostile live show will remind everybody what metal is all about.”
When asked what he can’t live without on tour, Max keeps it simple: “My guitar and my sense of humor.”
And for those just starting out in music, the advice is as honest as the sound: “Play what you like, how you like. Find a good team that works hard and believes in you.”
Nailbomb was never meant to be polished, palatable, or polite. In 2025, that’s exactly what makes it vital in today's world.
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