"The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart" is the thirteenth studio album by Brazilian heavy metal band Sepultura, released on October 25, 2013, in Europe and October 29 in the United States via Nuclear Blast. The album is inspired by the 1927 science fiction film Metropolis, and its title is a quote from the film. It marks the band's first album with drummer Eloy Casagrande and their first recorded in the United States since 1998's Against, produced by Ross Robinson, who previously worked on their 1996 album Roots.
The band began hinting at this album in May 2012, with guitarist Andreas Kisser discussing new music and ideas. Producer Ross Robinson confirmed his involvement in December 2012, and by April 2013, the band had developed 13 songs, with positive comments about the fresh sound brought by Casagrande. In June 2013, the recording progressed rapidly, and former Slayer drummer Dave Lombardo made a guest appearance, contributing to one of the tracks.
Musically, vocalist Derrick Green described the album as "sinister, dark, and metal as hell," while Kisser noted its brutality and directness. The input of Casagrande brought new energy to the writing process, reflecting changes in the band and the world.
Although the album draws inspiration from Metropolis, it is not a concept album. Kisser explained that the title's message emphasizes the importance of the heart in expressing humanity amid a mechanized world. He likened contemporary society to the themes of the film, pointing out the dangers of becoming robotic in a digital age. Living in São Paulo, he noted the chaos of urban life and how it influenced the album's themes.
