Originally published: June 10, 2025
For Incite, momentum has never come from shortcuts or inherited status. It’s been built on years of touring, hard lessons, lineup shifts, and a commitment to letting the music speak louder than expectations. With Savage New Times, the band delivers one of its most focused and emotionally direct records to date.
In this DeadNote Sessions conversation, frontman Richie Cavalera talks about carving out an identity, weathering burnout, finding balance offstage, and why this album feels like a defining moment rather than a destination.
DeadNoteMedia: Richie, growing up in a legendary metal family, how did you carve out your own identity without being overshadowed by the Cavalera legacy?
Richie Cavalera:
“I just dived in headfirst. I worked hard and gave it everything I had. The more I toured and got out there, the more people saw my intentions and accepted us for the band rather than who I am. We never let anything get in our way or stop us from being ourselves and working hard to earn the respect we felt the band deserved.”
DeadNoteMedia: What was an early moment that made you feel Incite was something real?
Richie Cavalera:
“It was during Up in Hell when Lennon and El joined the band. The way it all came together—hanging, playing, creating—made me feel like something big and long-lasting was possible.”
DeadNoteMedia: Incite’s music is raw and intense. Where does that come from emotionally?
Richie Cavalera:
“It comes from life experiences that Lennon, El, Layne, and I have all faced. Everyone processes things differently, and for us it’s always been through music. We build these emotions into songs, and that’s why people feel the intensity, energy, aggression, and meaning—everyone can connect to it in their own way.”
DeadNoteMedia: How has the band’s dynamic evolved over the years?
Richie Cavalera:
“Each member has expanded the band and taken it to a new level. Now with Layne, it feels complete. Everything that’s happened has been part of the process of becoming what Incite was meant to be.”
DeadNoteMedia: Was there ever a point where you considered walking away from music?
Richie Cavalera:
“During COVID, and for a bit after, yeah. Life got really intense and out of control. Music ended up being my release. I’m also very fortunate to have my fiancée—she’s incredibly positive and supportive and helped me see what we’re capable of.”
DeadNoteMedia: How do you manage relationships, mental health, and family while touring?
Richie Cavalera:
“It’s incredibly hard. Tour exposes who you really are. Being home is where you apply what you’ve learned. That balance—highs on tour and peace at home—is something you learn to handle better over time.”
DeadNoteMedia: Anything fans would be surprised to learn about the band offstage?
Richie Cavalera:
“Nothing too crazy. We’re pretty normal. El tattoos and hangs with his dogs. Lennon smokes weed and works on cars. Layne works out and hangs with his dogs. I chill with my fiancée and ride bikes on the beach.”
DeadNoteMedia: Do you feel pressure to top your last album when writing?
Richie Cavalera:
“No. We’ve never chased hits or huge records. We just make music from where we’re at emotionally. Everything is organic and free-flowing.”
DeadNoteMedia: Have you had a moment on stage that felt almost spiritual?
Richie Cavalera:
“Playing Bloodstock for the first time. First major festival, first band on the first day. Seeing that many people—it was surreal. A dream since I was a kid.”
DeadNoteMedia: Where do you feel Incite fits into modern metal?
Richie Cavalera:
“That’s for everyone else to decide. You’re being compared to 50 years of bands. We just want to have fun and give people a good time through our music and live shows.”
DeadNoteMedia: What’s the most brutally honest advice you’ve received?
Richie Cavalera:
“My first band told me they were quitting and wanted me to quit Incite and manage them. They said I was a horrible frontman. It fired me up. When someone tells you that you can’t do something, you usually respond to that.”
DeadNoteMedia: If one track defines you as a person, what is it?
Richie Cavalera:
“‘Wake Up Dead.’ It was a message to myself and everyone else—that you’re unstoppable if you believe it, while staying grounded.”
DeadNoteMedia: Do you listen back to early Incite records?
Richie Cavalera:
“Sometimes. Each record is a snapshot of that time in my life. I think they’re all great records, and it’s cool to hear the growth.”
DeadNoteMedia: What grounds you outside of music?
Richie Cavalera:
“Being home with my fiancée—riding bikes, playing Uno, watching movies, cooking. She’s my peace.”
DeadNoteMedia: Legacy-wise, what do you want Incite to be remembered for?
Richie Cavalera:
“I haven’t thought about it much. If we’ve helped people through hard days or inspired them to start a band, that’s what matters most.”
New Record: Savage New Times
DeadNoteMedia: Was there a moment that set the tone for the new album?
Richie Cavalera:
“The opening track ‘Lies.’ It was the first demo I heard and it blew my face off. I knew immediately—this is it.”
DeadNoteMedia: Was there a track that pushed you to your limits?
Richie Cavalera:
“‘Savage New Times.’ Steve Evetts pushed me hard, and I’m grateful for it. It showed me what I’m capable of.”
DeadNoteMedia: Did anything unexpected influence the album in the studio?
Richie Cavalera:
“No, and that was the great thing. It was one of the smoothest records I’ve made. Challenging, but smooth—everything lined up perfectly.”
DeadNoteMedia: How did this recording environment compare to past albums?
Richie Cavalera:
“This was the freest and most fun recording since our first album. Everything came together organically.”
DeadNoteMedia: Which song feels the most revealing to you?
Richie Cavalera:
“‘Used and Abused.’ It deals with things men are often afraid to talk about. It’s a message to anyone suffering from abuse—it’s very deep and personal for me.”
DeadNote Sessions
Written by Rob Joncas for DeadNoteMedia.
Artist information and interview responses provided by the band.
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