I’ve had a terrific time thus far reconnecting with my prior world in horror and music journalism, first with a rad assignment from Rue Morgue magazine, then hired to write a musician press release this past week, which was a new domain for me, even with all the work I did in the industry. Very rewarding in both cases and I’m happy the clients glowed over my work.

All of which led me to this photo with Gloria Cavalera, wife of Sepultura/Soulfly/Nailbomb/Cavalera Conspiracy/Go Ahead and Die icon, Max Cavalera. I interviewed Max three times in my music journalism career and will never forget the first time Gloria met me beforehand and introduced me to the man himself in the back of the tour bus.

I was as impressed with her on the spot as I was in awe of Max, just the humblest dude for all he’s achieved and been through. Later in life, Gloria had me come down for Max and Iggor Cavalera’s gig in 2017 playing Sepultura’s game-changing Roots album in its entirety. Better than that amazing show was the time Gloria granted me, an hour-and-a-half on the bus of convo. Just us, with a quick hello from Max as we chatted.

Let me tell you, this is one of THE finest interviews-turned-hangouts I had with anyone. Gloria’s knowledge of the music industry, her overall business knowledge and as matriarch to família incrível Cavalera forever changed my outlook on things at a time I was losing heart as a music journalist.

The Cavalera tribe knows trials and tribulations better than most, and even though I parted ways with Blabbermouth shortly thereafter so I could take care of my family at the time (and also due to an overall pervading sense of lackluster in my work then), I thought of Gloria’s advice as an unknowing mentor this week. Gloria and Max are the quintessential couple, a true partnership destined by the gods.

I wanted that for myself at the time and later, I was able to get it for myself. I wrote my assignments the past couple weeks with the same passion I started with so many years ago. Gloria, you and Max celebrated your anniversary not too long ago, but in the metal industry, I can think of no one else who inspires me greater with your shared love and your will to beat all odds. Saudação!

–Ray Van Horn, Jr.