PAULO JR / Paulo Xisto Pinto Junior – Bass Guitarist

- The enduring force behind Sepultura’s low-end power and rhythmic evolution

Paulo Jr.: The Relentless Backbone of Sepultura

Early Life and Introduction to Music

Born as Paulo Xisto Pinto Junior on April 30, 1969, in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, Paulo Jr. grew up during a time when Brazil was experiencing intense political and social changes. Amid economic instability and an emerging youth counterculture, Paulo found solace in music — particularly heavy metal, which was gaining momentum globally and beginning to carve a niche in Brazil’s underground.

His passion for music led him to the bass guitar, an instrument he would come to master with understated precision. He joined local jam sessions and began to immerse himself in the works of bands like Motörhead, Black Sabbath, and Slayer — all of which influenced the burgeoning Brazilian metal scene.

Joining Sepultura

In 1984, Paulo Jr. joined the then-nascent band Sepultura, founded by brothers Max and Igor Cavalera. Although the band was still in its formative years, it was already gathering attention for its aggressive sound, which fused thrash, death, and black metal with South American grit. Paulo, just 15 years old at the time, became the band's bassist, solidifying a lineup that would soon take Brazilian metal to the international stage.

Despite not playing bass on their earliest releases like *Morbid Visions* (1986) — where guitarists reportedly handled the bass recordings — Paulo was essential in live settings and became an integral part of the band's evolution.

Rising to Prominence

With the release of albums such as *Schizophrenia* (1987), *Beneath the Remains* (1989), and *Arise* (1991), Sepultura quickly ascended the global metal hierarchy. These records marked a transition from raw underground extremity to tightly executed thrash metal with growing technical sophistication. Paulo’s basslines provided the rhythmic anchor, reinforcing Igor Cavalera’s drumming and allowing Max Cavalera and Andreas Kisser’s guitars to explore complex riff structures.

In these years, Paulo emerged as a solid and reliable presence — not just musically, but as a team player who helped maintain stability amid touring, label negotiations, and growing fame.

Chaos, Roots, and Reinvention

By the time Sepultura released the genre-bending albums *Chaos A.D.* (1993) and *Roots* (1996), the band was exploring Brazilian tribal percussion, groove metal, and nu-metal elements. Paulo’s role as bassist became more visible, as the groove-oriented compositions required tight, fat low-end foundations. These albums were not just commercial successes but also artistic milestones, helping define a new global identity for heavy metal that transcended Anglo-American traditions.

After Max Cavalera left in 1996, many speculated about Sepultura’s future. Yet Paulo Jr. remained, anchoring the band through a turbulent period that saw new vocalists, lineup adjustments, and experimental shifts in style.

The Constant in Chaos

Paulo Jr. is the only member to have appeared on **every single Sepultura tour since the band's founding**, even if his studio contributions were limited in the very early days. He weathered every lineup change — including the departures of founders Max and Igor Cavalera — and helped usher in new eras with albums like:

• Against (1998)
• Dante XXI (2006)
• A-Lex (2009)
• Kairos (2011)
• The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart (2013)
• Machine Messiah (2017)
• Quadra (2020)

In all these albums, Paulo's bass playing remained grounded, supporting the band’s evolution while maintaining a consistent rhythmic identity.

Style and Technique

Unlike many metal bassists who chase flash and speed, Paulo Jr.’s style is rooted in groove, tightness, and discipline. He favors the tone and attack of players like Steve Harris and Lemmy Kilmister, opting for a sound that blends with the drums and bolsters the guitar work rather than competing with it.

Paulo often plays with a pick, giving his bass tone a punchy, aggressive edge that cuts through dense arrangements. He’s also known for his stage presence — headbanging with relentless energy and commanding his part of the stage with quiet authority.

Legacy and Influence

Though not as publicly celebrated as some of his peers, Paulo Jr.’s **longevity and loyalty** to Sepultura have earned him deep respect within the global metal community. He represents the enduring spirit of a band that refused to die, even after the loss of key founders.

His contribution goes beyond playing bass: Paulo has been a bridge between eras, a symbol of continuity, and a cultural ambassador for Brazilian heavy metal. Under his watch, Sepultura became not just a band, but a legacy that influenced countless acts across South America, Europe, and beyond.

Beyond Sepultura

Outside of Sepultura, Paulo has been involved in charitable causes and spoken about the social conditions in Brazil. He remains active in supporting young musicians and is often seen at local shows and community music events. Although he’s deeply associated with metal, Paulo is known to appreciate other genres, including Brazilian folk and classical music.