Soulfly

Longtime fans of Sepultura who feared that ex-leader Max Cavalera would conform to today's tempting (and lucrative) alternative music scene need not worry any longer. Like his last release with Sepultura, the superb Roots, experimentation (Brazilian tribal drumming/rhythms, samples, unearthly sound effects, etc.) is a catalyst here, 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 the debut, as heard on the grinding tracks "Eye for an Eye," "Bumbklaatt," and "The Song Remains Insane." Max has 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 of today's 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 Max Cavalera's unique heavy metal vision, and a great way to kick off the second part of his recording career. [The German bonus CD edition adds a second disc of B-sides, including live versions of "Bleed" and "Bumba" and remixes of "Tribe" and "Soulfly."] ~ Greg Prato, All Music Guide