I got the chance for a phone conversation with the legend Max Cavalera about his music, tours, and metal music in general. Read the conversation below:

How are ya doing?

Doing good, how are you doing man?

Doing great! I'll start off by telling ya a late Happy Birthday. I know you turned the big 40 last month, what did you do to celebrate?

Thanks man. I just had a little party with the family and kids at my house, so
it was pretty mellow actually.

Awesome. Well also last month you played a few festival dates with Cavalera Conspiracy, when can we expect to hear some new material from you guys?

Yea we should have another new album, but not until later. I'm gonna work on the new Soulfly first, which should come out at the beginning of next year, then Cavalera Conspiracy after that. But we are definitely planning another new album.

So Soulfly will be heading back into the studio in November, what can we expect from the upcoming Soulfly album?

The first vibes of the first riffs I'm writing are looking to be shorter songs. I got about eight riffs right now that will become songs. They are shorter, more in your face, more aggressive, so it should be a more energetic record.

You've worked with Marc Rizzo on the last few Soulfly albums and the Cavalera Conspiracy album, what's the best part about working with him?

Marc is just a killer guitar player, he has a lot of cool ideas, and we get along really well on and off the stage. He was the missing link that I was looking for all these years in a guitar player and I finally found it him. So it's really great to have him on board with both projects. I mean he's just a great guitar player, and I feel really good making music with him.

Well you've definitely left your mark on the metal scene with all of your projects, what are your thoughts on the metal scene right now?

I think it's good ya know, it's definitely getting more popular. There is definitely more outlets with satellite radio and the internet sites, and I think it's good ya know. Metal gets more popular and then less popular, but it never dies. It survives all the trends, so I definitely think metal is here to stay.

Who are some of your favorite metal artists right now?

I like Cattle Decapitation a lot, I'm happy they are about to go on tour with us. I like Gojira, their latest album was killer. The new PRONG album is definitely good too, I know they aren't a new band, but they got a new album that is really cool. So that's a few bands I've been listening to lately.

Now your known as a huge metal head and a huge family guy. Last time you were in Atlanta, your stepson's band Incite opened up and played a killer set. I know their first album is coming out next month, how proud are you of Richie and all the stuff he has going for him?

Yea he worked really hard on this record and I'm really proud of him for that. I think it turned out really good as well. He's doing what he loves and I encourage him to the fullest and help him as much as I can. But I'm really proud of him and this record. He works his butt off live too, and he always gives a good performance, which I love.

I'm sure he has learned a lot from watching you live and all the advice you've given him. For any upcoming metal band right now, what would be your best advice for them?

Just treasure the garage moments because those are really cool ya know, those will shape your life forever. Some people forget to appreciate that, but it should be something huge for bands. I spend a lot of time in the garage myself and it's definitely something that helps in the future. But yea, just work hard and believe in yourself and things will turn out ok.

After all the years of playing heavy music, what keeps you going?

To me it is the passion of the music, the fans, and my own obsession with music. It's my love and all I know how to do ya know. I love to grab the guitar and play riffs. Every time I grab the guitar, riffs come out, and that becomes a song, and then I keep going. But definitely fans are very important to me as well. I wouldn't be here without them.

If you could have a dream concert with any five bands, past or present, who would they be?

That's a tough one man. I would like to see Queen back again, that would be cool. Also, Sex Pistols and maybe Led Zeppelin. I don't know man that's a really tough question.

For the last question, what would you consider your favorite place to play?

That's another tough one, but I really enjoy playing the U.S. a lot. This upcoming tour should be really cool. There are a ton of good bands and it will be a good night for metal period. So definitely get out there and come see us.

Any last words to the fans?

Thanks for the support. I truly appreciate you. Thanks for showing up and showing your colors at the shows. I would love to see everybody at the next tour dates. We will be playing an hour and a half and we will be playing everything you want to hear. All the Soulfly albums, including Conquer, so it should be a blast.

Well thanks so much for taking some time to speak with me today.

My pleasure man, take care of yourself.