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Sarcófago

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Sarcófago
Company typeBand
IndustryMusic
Founded1985
FounderWagner Lamounier, Geraldo Minelli
Headquarters
Belo Horizonte
,
Brazil
ProductsExtreme metal music (albums: I.N.R.I., Rotting, The Laws of Scourge, Hate, The Worst)

Sarcófago was an extreme metal group originating from Brazil in 1985, fronted by Wagner Lamounier, the initial vocalist of Sepultura, alongside Geraldo Minelli.

Their first album, I.N.R.I., played a crucial role in shaping the visual aesthetics of black metal, particularly influencing the use of corpse paint, and is recognized as a foundational release within the "first wave" movement that defined the genre.

The band ceased activities in 2000 following the release of the Crust EP. In 2006, former members—excluding Wagner—performed across Brazil under the name Tributo ao Sarcófago. Although speculation about a reunion tour featuring the original lineup surfaced in 2009, these claims were refuted. Plans are underway to reissue their discography through Cogumelo Records in partnership with the American label Greyhaze.

Formation and Early Years (1985–1988)

Established in Belo Horizonte, Minas Gerais, Brazil, in 1985, Sarcófago (Portuguese for 'sarcophagus') drew inspiration from Finnish hardcore punk as well as pioneering extreme metal acts such as Bathory, Celtic Frost, and Slayer. Their goal was to produce music of unparalleled aggression. Wagner Lamounier joined after departing Sepultura in 1985; although he never recorded with Sepultura, he contributed lyrics to their Bestial Devastation EP. Sarcófago made their debut on Cogumelo Produções' split release Warfare Noise I (1986), providing three tracks that attracted attention for their provocative themes. The lineup at this stage featured "Butcher" on guitars, "Antichrist" (Lamounier) handling vocals, "Incubus" (Geraldo Minelli) on bass, and "Leprous" (Armando Sampaio) on drums.

With the addition of drummer "D.D. Crazy," recognized for his pioneering use of blast beats, Sarcófago released I.N.R.I. in July 1987. The album's artwork—showcasing corpsepaint, leather attire, and bullet belts—established a visual template for black metal, while its musical content became a landmark within the genre’s evolution. Despite its impact, Lamounier expressed dissatisfaction regarding the recording's sound quality and internal band tensions. Following I.N.R.I., Sarcófago briefly disbanded; Lamounier shifted focus to economics studies at the Federal University of Uberlândia, while Butcher and D.D. Crazy departed from the group. Notably, D.D. Crazy later contributed drums to Sextrash's debut album Sexual Carnage (1990).

Rotting Era (1989–1990)

The Rotting EP stirred controversy due to its cover art depicting a grim reaper figure licking what is widely interpreted as Jesus Christ’s face, inspired by a medieval artwork. The illustrator Kelson Frost declined to incorporate a crown of thorns that would have explicitly identified the figure as Christ.

Musically, Rotting represented a departure from the raw black metal style of I.N.R.I. with session drummer "Joker" bringing elements of crossover thrash into the sound. Wagner rapidly developed his guitar skills and contributed numerous riffs. The central duo adopted new stage names—"Wagner Antichrist" and "Gerald Incubus"—and abandoned elaborate stage spikes during live shows.

This release marked Sarcófago's first venture into international markets, with distribution managed by British label Music for Nations across Europe and Maze/Kraze handling North America. Maze Records issued a censored edition featuring a blacked-out cover and an unauthorized sticker labeling Wagner as the "Original Lead Singer of Sepultura," which led Sarcófago to initiate legal action against the label.

The Laws of Scourge (1991–1993)

Released in 1991, The Laws of Scourge marked a significant turning point in Sarcófago's career, showcasing enhanced technical skills, production quality, and songwriting that steered the band toward technical death metal. The addition of Fábio "Jhasko" on guitar and Lúcio Olliver on drums played a crucial role in this progression, drawing inspiration from acts such as Godflesh, Paradise Lost, Bolt Thrower, Deicide, and Morbid Angel.

This album became Sarcófago’s top-selling work and facilitated their most ambitious tour schedule to date, including their debut international performances across South America (Peru, Chile) and Europe (Portugal, Spain). Notably, in Brazil, they opened for the influential Texas crossover thrash group the Dirty Rotten Imbeciles in São Paulo.

Hate (1994–1996)

The album Hate is distinguished by its minimalist style and incorporation of a drum machine, a decision that generated some debate. Lamounier defended this approach by pointing out that death metal drummers frequently utilize trigger pads during recording sessions, resulting in a similarly uniform sound.

In a statement against the prevalent masculine long hair trend popularized by early 1990s grunge bands, the band members cut their hair short as a form of protest, criticizing the conformity within metal culture. Wagner expressed his views on this stance:

Late in 1995, Sarcófago released the compilation Decade of Decay, which included demo tracks and rare behind-the-scenes photographs, described as a "gift" to their supporters.

The Worst (1996–2000)

Their fourth and final studio album, The Worst (1996), featured a reduction in tempo compared to the rapid pace of Hate, alongside more refined drum programming. Both Minelli and Lamounier regarded this release as a "summary" of their musical journey.

Around 2000, the Crust EP was issued as their last official output, intended to preview an upcoming album. However, the central duo parted ways before recording could begin.

Sarcófago Tribute Tour (2006–2009)

In honor of the 20th anniversary of the Warfare Noise split album, Cogumelo Records together with Gerald Incubus arranged a reunion concert in Belo Horizonte. This event featured Minelli alongside Fábio Jhasko on guitars, Manu Joker, and Juarez "Tibanha" handling vocals. The show was recorded with plans to release it on DVD.

Lamounier chose not to participate in this tribute ensemble due to a lack of professional interest, while Wagner continued performing with his crust punk project Commando Kaos.

In October 2007, Sarcófago appeared at Santiago’s Black Shadows Festival sharing the stage with death metal pioneers Possessed.

By March 2009, Wagner announced plans for a Sarcófago reunion tour including appearances at festivals such as Wacken Open Air and Hole in the Sky, along with concerts in London, New York, Los Angeles, and Tokyo. He asserted that this lineup would replicate the original I.N.R.I. formation without introducing new songs.

Shortly thereafter, Lamounier publicly dismissed these claims as unfounded.

Musical style and influences

Sarcófago operated within the extreme metal spectrum, encompassing genres now identified as thrash metal, death metal, and black metal. Drawing inspiration from bands like Venom and Hellhammer, their initial lyrical content was overtly Satanic, characterized by raw and blasphemous themes such as "Desecration of (the) Virgin." Their songwriting combined both Portuguese and English, producing memorable lines like "If you are a false don't entry," which became iconic within black metal circles.

By the time of their 1989 release Rotting, Sarcófago’s lyrical perspective evolved from Satanic themes to a more agnostic viewpoint. Founder Lamounier openly criticized the alienating effects of Catholicism on Brazilian society. This album also featured "Sex, Drinks and Metal," an anthem celebrating the indulgent lifestyle of metal enthusiasts. The subsequent album, The Laws of Scourge, continued this trend towards realistic subject matter, tackling issues such as suicide and homicide. The band encountered censorship in the United States, with certain songs and lyrics being removed from official releases.

Legacy and impact

Sarcófago is frequently recognized as a foundational influence on the rise of the black metal genre, particularly during its Scandinavian "second wave." The publication Terrorizer highlighted the crucial importance of their album I.N.R.I. Eduardo Rivadavia from AllMusic described Sarcófago as among Brazil’s earliest death metal innovators who were “the most extreme and inaccessible,” blending elements of punk rock that distinguished them within extreme metal.

Influential musicians such as Fenriz from Darkthrone included Sarcófago tracks in key compilations, regarding I.N.R.I. as essential listening. Euronymous of Mayhem maintained correspondence with Lamounier, expressing admiration for their aesthetic and impact. Bands like Satyricon, who covered "I.N.R.I.," along with prominent members of Gorgoroth, have acknowledged Sarcófago’s significant influence.

Finnish black metal acts including Beherit and Impaled Nazarene have also cited Sarcófago as a major inspiration, with Impaled Nazarene covering "The Black Vomit" on a tribute record.

Lamounier has expressed critical views toward some Norwegian black metal groups influenced by Sarcófago, questioning how such an affluent nation produced that scene. While he praised Immortal, he dismissed Euronymous as a “nutcase” and Burzum as “shit,” additionally criticizing the lo-fi production style prevalent in black metal.

In addition to these contributions, Sarcófago is credited with shaping the evolution of war metal.

Rivalry with Sepultura

An important chapter in Sarcófago’s history involves their enduring conflict with Sepultura. Although former Sepultura drummer Igor Cavalera minimized it as “child's play,” media coverage intensified the feud, enhancing Sarcófago’s image as the "black sheep" within Brazilian heavy metal.

The discord originated after Lamounier departed from Sepultura but escalated significantly two years later when D.D. Crazy struck Sepultura’s new lead guitarist Andreas Kisser—who was viewed as “too much of a douchebag”—with a broken bottle. Sílvio "Bibica" Gomes, Sepultura’s roadie and co-author of their biography, played a central role in instigating these hostilities.

During the era of The Worst, Lamounier commented on Sepultura’s 1997 dissolution, criticizing their familial dynamics and accusing them of betrayal motivated by financial gain. In retaliation, Max Cavalera responded with the track "Bumbklaatt" on the debut album of his band Soulfly.

The rivalry also extended to crossover thrash group Ratos de Porão following a 1987 concert in Belo Horizonte marked by audience hostility. Reports differ on whether Lamounier and Ratos de Porão vocalist João Gordo provoked each other or if Max Cavalera accused Sarcófago of disrespecting Ratos de Porão.

Five years later, tensions flared again when Sarcófago—rather than Ratos de Porão—was chosen to open for Dirty Rotten Imbeciles in Brazil. This led to an attack backstage by members of Ratos de Porão and São Paulo thrash band Korzus; Gordo delivered a sucker punch to an intoxicated Lamounier while others wielded motorcycle chains against the band members. The altercation resulted in a Dirty Rotten Imbeciles road crew member suffering a broken arm.

Members

Final known roster
  • Wagner "Antichrist" Lamounier – lead vocals, guitar (1985–2000)
  • Geraldo "Gerald Incubus" Minelli – bass guitar, backing vocals (1986–2000)
Session musicians
  • Manoel Henriques "Manu Joker" – drums, backing vocals (1989–1991)
  • Vanir Jr. – keyboards (1991–1993)
  • Eugênio "Dead Zone" – drum programming, keyboards (1994–2000)
Previous members
  • Armando "Leprous" Sampaio – drums (1985–1986)
  • Juninho "Pussy Fucker" – bass guitar (1985–1986)
  • Zéder "Butcher" Patrocinio – guitar (1985–1987)
  • Eduardo "D.D. Crazy" Patrocinio – drums (1986–1987)
  • Fábio Jhasko "Jhasko" – guitar (1991–1993)
  • Lucio Olliver – drums (1991–1993)

Timeline

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id:vocals  value:red         legend:Lead_vocals
id:bvocals value:pink        legend:Backing_vocals
id:lguitar value:teal        legend:Lead_guitar
id:rguitar value:brightgreen legend:Rhythm_guitar
id:bass    value:blue        legend:Bass
id:drums   value:orange      legend:Drums,_percussion
id:keys    value:purple      legend:Keyboards,_piano,_programming
id:studio  value:black       legend:Studio_releases
id:other   value:gray(0.6)   legend:Others_releases

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at:02/01/1986 color:other layer:back
at:06/01/1986 color:other layer:back
at:08/01/1986 color:other layer:back
at:07/01/1987 color:black layer:back
at:08/01/1987 color:other layer:back
at:07/02/1989 color:other layer:back
at:08/01/1989 color:other layer:back
at:01/01/1990 color:other layer:back
at:08/01/1991 color:black layer:back
at:03/16/1992 color:other layer:back
at:03/01/1994 color:black layer:back
at:11/01/1995 color:other layer:back
at:12/01/1996 color:black layer:back
at:12/01/2000 color:other layer:back

BarData= 

bar:wagner   text:"Wagner Lamounier"
bar:zeder    text:"Zéder"
bar:fábio    text:"Fábio Jhasko"
bar:g. minelli text:"Geraldo Minelli"
bar:eugenio  text:"Eugênio"
bar:v. jr    text:"Vanir Jr."
bar:m. henriques text:"Manoel Henriques"
bar:a. sampaio text:"Armando Sampaio"
bar:e. patrocinio text:"Eduardo Patrocinio"
bar:l. olliver text:"Lucio Olliver"

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bar:wagner   from:start till:end       color:vocals 
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bar:zeder    from:start till:end       color:bguitar 
bar:fábio    from:start till:end       color:bguitar 
bar:g. minelli from:start till:end     color:bass 
bar:eugenio  from:start till:end       color:keyboards 
bar:v. jr    from:start till:end       color:keyboards 
bar:m. henriques from:start till:end   color:drums 
bar:a. sampaio from:start till:end     color:drums 
bar:e. patrocinio from:start till:end  color:drums 
bar:l. olliver from:start till:end     color:drums

</timeline>

Discography

Studio albums
Compilation albums
  • Decade of Decay (1996)
Demos
  • Satanic Lust (1986)
  • The Black Vomit (1986)
  • Sepultado (1987)
  • Christ's Death (1987)
  • Die... Hard! (2015) (compilation)
EPs
Split albums
Compilation appearances


Bibliography

  • Barcinski, André; Gomes, Sílvio. Sepultura: Toda a História. Editora 34, 1999. São Paulo. ISBN 978-85-7326-156-1
  • "Black Metal Foundations Top 20: The First Wave", Terrorizer, vol. 128, 2005, pp. 42–43
  • Colmatti, Andréa. "Sepultura: Igor Cavalera", Modern Drummer Brasil, vol. 6, 1997, pp. 18–30
  • Filho, Fernando Souza. "Sarcófago: Cada Dia Mais Sujo e Agressivo", Rock Brigade, vol. 67, 1992, pp. 42–44
  • Franzin, Ricardo. "Sarcófago: A 'Pior' Banda do Mundo Fala Tudo", Rock Brigade, vol. 130, 1997, pp. 16–18
  • Gabriel, Ricardo. "Sarcófago: Tributo à Banda Mais Polêmica do Brasil", Roadie Crew, vol. 114, 2008, pp. 54–56
  • Gimenez, Karen. "Sarcófago: Quarteto que Virou Dupla", Rock Brigade, vol. 102, 1995, pp. 54–55
  • Moynihan, Michael; Søderlind, Didrik. Lords of Chaos: The Bloody Rise of the Satanic Metal Underground. Feral House, 2003. Los Angeles. ISBN 0-922915-94-6
  • Nemitz, Cézar. "Sarcófago: O Tormento Continua...", Dynamite, vol. 13, 1994, pp. 58–59
  • Schwarz, Paul; Strachan, Guy. "The Boys from the Black Stuff: A Brief History of Black Metal", Terrorizer, vol.128, 2005, pp.35–37
  • Synnott, Anthony. "Shame and Glory: A Sociology of Hair", British Journal of Sociology, vol.38(3), 1987, pp.381–413
  • Weinstein, Geena. Heavy Metal: The Music And Its Culture. Da Capo Press, 2000. Cambridge. ISBN 978-0-306-80970-5

External links

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