Longtime fans of
Sepultura who feared that ex-leader
Max Cavalera would conform to the tempting (and lucrative) alternative music scene upon his departure need not worry. Like his last release with
Sepultura, the superb
Roots, experimentation (Brazilian tribal drumming/rhythms, samples, unearthly sound effects, etc.) is a catalyst here on
Soulfly, but gut-wrenching heavy metal is the foundation for almost all of the tracks. The energy and intensity don't let up for a second throughout this debut, as heard on the grinding tracks "Eye for an Eye," "Bumbklaatt," and "The Song Remains Insane."
Max had stated in interviews his fondness for reggae legend
Bob Marley, and the title track proves to be his first foray into reggae/dub territory (and serves as a nice break from the rest of the album's over the top metal). The album also contains guest appearances by several leading hard rockers --
Chino Moreno from
the Deftones,
Fred Durst and
DJ Lethal from
Limp Bizkit,
Eric Bobo from
Cypress Hill, and
Burton C. Bell,
Dino Cazares, and
Christian Olde Wolbers from
Fear Factory.
Soulfly is the perfect vehicle for
Cavalera's unique heavy metal vision, and a great way to kick off the second part of his recording career. ~ Greg Prato