Guess it would’ve been too perfect for Sepultura to announce their drummer switch-a-roo on Spinal Tap day (11/11/11). This past weekend, the Brazilian metal group revealed that after five years and two studio albums, they were parting ways with drummer Jean Dolabella (who replaced founding member Igor Cavalera in 2006). Replacing Dolabella in Sepultura will be 20-year-old drum prodigy Eloy Casagrande.

Guitarist Andreas Kisser had the following to say about the new addition to Sepultura:

“I’m sure Eloy will do a great job with Sepultura. He’s already a musician who shows a lot of strength and technique, although he’s young. We did a rehearsal with him and it was fantastic; he played the old and new material as if he was in the band for a long time. Sepultura will show the world another Brazilian talent on the drums.

The period we spent with Jean in the band was very positive. We’ve recorded two great albums together and did a lot of concerts which will be in Sepultura’s history. We only have reasons to thank him for his contribution and energy all these years.”

Casagrande shared Kisser’s excitement, adding the following:

“When I got the invitation to join Sepultura, I was in shock. I’m a fan of the band for years; it’ll be an honor to play with them.”

Dolabella (who was forced to sit out during several of Sepultura’s recent European gigs due to arm muscle pains) released his own separate statement to thank his former band mates and reveal his upcoming plans, saying the following:

“First of all, I’d like to thank Sepultura — Andreas [Kisser], Derrick [Green] and Paulo [Xisto Pinto Jr.] — for everything and especially all the fans all around the world. Since the beginning I felt really welcome by all of you and I’d like to thank from the bottom of my heart all the fans and friends and everybody that have always supported me and my work as a musician. You are, and will always be, very special to me. We had great moments and I’m sure we’ve created very good stuff together, but it is time to part ways. Life comes in phases and I decided to start a new one. I wish all the best for SEPULTURA and I’m very happy and excited with my new path.

From now on I’ll focus on my work as a musician, producer and music teacher in São Paulo. I’ll keep working on my project with Indireto [the Brazilian experimental project featuring Dolabella and Scarcéus guitarist Augusto Nogueira] and others that are already coming along. And for those who asked, I affirm you that I’m in great shape, my arm is fine and I’ll keep on with my projects in and outside Brazil. Good news coming soon!”

Casagrande (who also hails from São Paulo, Brazil) is a well respected drummer in his own right, having won Modern Drummer’s “Undiscovered Drummer” contest as a teenager in 2006. However,  it’s slightly funny to think that Sepultura is being joined by a drummer who was born in the same year that the band’s Arise was released. You can check out a drum solo Casagrande performed during this past year’s Rock In Rio festival, as well as a clip of him performing Pantera’s “Domination” and “Walk” with his other band Glória during the same performance, after the jump.