After a solid 10-year run, Soulfly have officially parted ways with their bassist Mike Leon. The split was announced via statements from both the band and Leon, and by all accounts, it seems like an amicable one.
“After many strong years together, Soulfly is parting ways with bassist Mike Leon,” the band shared. “We’re going in different directions now and we thank Mike for all the time spent with us rocking hard on stage.”
Leon also weighed in, calling time on what he described as an “incredible 10-year journey.” In his statement, he also thanked the band, the fans, and the wider community. “It’s been an honour to grow alongside such dedicated fans” he wrote. “I’m deeply grateful for the experiences, the music, and the relationships built along the way.”
Leon’s departure isn’t going to leave Soulfly in the lurch, though. For their upcoming appearance at Mexico City’s Nu Metal Revolution on May 3, the band will bring in Max Cavalera’s son, Igor Amadeus. He is no stranger to the family business either. Igor currently plays in Go Ahead And Die and Healing Magic, and has previously worked with Cavalera on various projects previously. Whether he becomes a full-time member of Soulfly though, remains to be seen.
Leon, meanwhile, is shifting focus. Alongside playing music, he’s been working behind the scenes as Director of Artist Relations for ENKI Cases, a company known for its high-end gear protection. He’s planning to stay active in the industry, just on a different path.
This marks another chapter change for Soulfly, who’ve cycled through several lineups over the years while keeping Max Cavalera at the core. With a back catalogue that spans everything from groove metal to tribal-infused thrash, the band has never stayed in one place for long—and this move feels like more evolution than fallout.
For fans, it’s not a dramatic break—it’s a handshake at the crossroads. And for a band like Soulfly, that’s probably the most fitting way to do it.
