Sepultura | ||
| Allmusic Biography : From their humble beginnings in Belo Horizonte, Brazil, Sepultura became the most successful Brazilian heavy metal band in history. Over a ten-year period, the band grew from strength to strength, transforming itself from a primitive death metal ensemble into one of the leading creative trendsetters of the international aggressive music scene. Unfortunately, a bitter internal crisis almost destroyed the band, and Sepultura struggled to recover their previous momentum. Hailing from Brazils third largest city, Belo Horizonte, Sepultura (which means "grave" in Portuguese) were formed in the mid-80s -- a time when that country was beginning to emerge from a 20-year military dictatorship. Max Cavalera (vocals/guitar), Igor Cavalera (drums), Paulo Jr. (bass), and Jairo T. (lead guitar) had a hard time even finding rock & roll albums, and especially "socially unacceptable" genres such as heavy metal and punk. Their early influences were Iron Maiden, Metallica, and Slayer (literally the first three records purchased by Max on a visit to the "big city," São Paulo), but the band soon progressed toward a death metal sound, inspired by emerging bands such as Possessed and Death. Their drive and determination (they sang in English from day one) more than made up for their geographic isolation and inexperience, and though they were only in their teens and still learning how to play their instruments, the band quickly evolved into an underground contender. After landing a deal with independent Cogumelo Records, Sepultura recorded four songs for a split LP with fellow Brazilians Overdose. Reissued on CD and named for its first track, 1985s Bestial Devastation was self-produced and recorded in just two days -- and it shows. Recorded with minimal time and money in August 1986, their first full-length album, Morbid Visions, showed little improvement, but contained their first hit, "Troops of Doom," which attracted some media attention and convinced the band to relocate to São Paulo (Brazils largest city and financial capital) in order to further their career. They also replaced guitarist Jairo T. with São Paulo native Andreas Kisser, whose greater musical ability would help take the entire band to the next level. In 1987, Sepulturas technical proficiency finally caught up with their creative vision, and their second full-length album for Cogumelo, Schizophrenia, displayed an incredible evolution in terms of production and performance. It also became a minor critical sensation across Europe and America, drawing the attention of Roadrunner Records, which promptly released the album worldwide and signed the band to a long-term contract. No longer restrained within Brazilian borders, the band set about composing 1989s Beneath the Remains, the first of four albums which would solidify Sepulturas position as perhaps the most important heavy metal band of the 90s. Recorded in Rio de Janeiro under the guidance of leading death metal producer Scott Burns, Beneath the Remains was an immediate critical and commercial success, and the bands ferocious performances on the subsequent European tour (which saw them systematically blowing headlining German thrashers Sodom off-stage) further cemented Sepulturas reputation. The band also filmed its first video, for the single "Inner Self," and finished the years tour with a triumphant set of shows in its homeland. After obtaining new management and relocating to Phoenix, Arizona, Sepultura entered Tampas Morrisound Studios with producer Burns to record 1991s highly acclaimed Arise album. First single "Dead Embryonic Cells" proved to be another resounding hit, and the title track would gain even more attention when its video was banned by MTV America due to its apocalyptic religious imagery. The world tour that followed elevated the album to platinum sales worldwide (a figure rarely achieved by bands of such an extreme nature) and, in a strange twist, found singer Max Cavalera marrying band manager Gloria Bujnowski, who was almost twice his age. Such was the bands success that its label, Roadrunner, obtained a co-distribution deal with Epic Records for its next recording, 1993s Chaos A.D. By incorporating social issues (especially relating to Brazil) into their lyrics, as well as displaying some of their punk and hardcore influences for the first time, the album was another worldwide smash thanks to singles like "Territory" and "Refuse/Resist." After touring for over a year, the members of Sepultura took a well-deserved break before starting work on their most ambitious album yet, 1996s Roots. The introduction of native Brazilian percussion and musical styles into their trademark downtuned guitars and increasingly sociopolitical themes resulted in a highly unique record that could loosely be described as heavy metal/world music. Roots marked Sepulturas creative peak, and the bands continual rise to ever-greater fame seemed guaranteed until a family tragedy set off a series of events that would break up the band. Just hours before taking the stage at Englands Monsters of Rock festival, the band discovered that the teenage son of manager (and singer Maxs wife) Gloria had been killed in a car accident. A shocked Sepultura took the stage as a trio while Max and Gloria boarded the first plane back to America. Only a few months later, the band confronted Max about severing ties with Gloria and finding new management. Still recovering from the recent trauma of a death in his extended family, Max viewed this as a huge betrayal and left the band amid much bad blood and acrimony. As the bands creative leader, many expected his departure to spell the end of Sepultura, but the band announced that it would carry on and soon began looking for a replacement. After a long search, Sepultura recruited Cleveland native Derrick Green as their new singer and began laying down tracks for 1998s Against. Though it retained much of the intensity and diversity of its predecessor (including a collaboration with Japans Kodo percussion ensemble on the track "Kamaitachi"), the album lacked the unique spark that had characterized the bands prior work. It also sold only half as many copies as Cavaleras first album with his new band, Soulfly, clearly showing with whom fan loyalty remained. Undaunted, Sepultura returned in early 2001 with Nation. The album followed in the footsteps of its predecessor, despite better reviews and a more seasoned Green on vocals. In order to reach out to its slowly shrinking fan base, the group released one of its last live shows with Max, Under a Pale Grey Sky, in the fall of 2002. An EP of covers, Revolusongs, was released in 2003, followed by the full-length Roorback, 2005s Live in São Paulo, 2006s Dante XXI, and 2009s Clockwork Orange-inspired A-Lex. The following year, the band announced they had signed to Nuclear Blast, where they would go on to release 2011s Kairos, as well as their 13th studio album, The Mediator Between the Head and Hands Must Be the Heart, in 2013. This latter effort, inspired by the sci-fi classic Metropolis, brought an injection of fresh blood with the introduction of new 20-year-old drummer Eloy Casagrande. It was produced by Ross Robinson, who had helmed their seminal album Roots. After a major tour, the re-energized band got back in the studio with Jens Bogren to record 2017s Machine Messiah. | ||
 | Album: 1 of 25 Title: Século X.X. / Bestial Devastation Released: 1985-12 Tracks: 8 Duration: 36:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Anjos do Apocalipse (10:02) 2 Filho do mundo (06:04) 3 Século XX (05:03) 4 The Curse (00:39) 5 Bestial Devastation (03:07) 6 Antichrist (03:47) 7 Necromancer (03:52) 8 Warriors of Death (04:08) |
 | Album: 2 of 25 Title: Morbid Visions Released: 1986-11-10 Tracks: 8 Duration: 34:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Intro / Morbid Visions (04:39) 2 Mayhem (03:17) 3 Troops of Doom (03:23) 4 War (05:34) 5 Crucifixion (05:03) 6 Show Me the Wrath (03:54) 7 Funeral Rites (04:24) 8 Empire of the Damned (04:26) |
 | Album: 3 of 25 Title: Schizophrenia Released: 1987-10-30 Tracks: 8 Duration: 38:08 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Intro / From the Past Comes the Storms (05:28) 2 To the Wall (05:38) 3 Escape to the Void (04:41) 4 Inquisition Symphony (07:15) 5 Screams Behind the Shadows (04:50) 6 Septic Schizo (04:33) 7 The Abyss (01:02) 8 R.I.P. (Rest in Pain) (04:38) |
| Schizophrenia : Allmusic album Review : Brazilian death metal upstarts Sepultura took an incredible creative leap forward with their second full-length album, 1987s Schizophrenia. Although it was recorded not too long after their primitive, black metal-dominated debut efforts -- 1985s Bestial Devastation EP and 1986s Morbid Visions LP -- Schizophrenia introduced an entirely new sound fusing thrash and death metal, and all of it supported by much improved songwriting, musicianship, and the first truly professional-sounding production job of the bands short career. Constant touring, rehearsal, and the addition of lead guitarist Andreas Kisser (his classical guitar training and memorable solos made an immediate impact) were all key to this stunning transformation, but the heightened level of proficiency at hand is such that it almost seems miraculous at times. With their precise, lightning-quick staccato riffing and multiple, distinct, but interlocking sections, the albums opening triplet of "From the Past Comes the Storm" (preceded by a Psycho-inspired intro theme), "To the Wall," and "Escape from the Void" proved simply devastating to the ears. And yet the seven-minute instrumental "Inquisition Symphony" (later covered by Finnish cello virtuosos Apocalyptica) was arguably even more breathtaking in its diversity, brilliantly showcasing the bands incredible, new-found combination of melody and aggression while adding some tasteful synth touches, to boot. Additional head-banging standouts like "Screams Behind the Shadows" and a re-recorded version of early fan favorite "Troops of Doom" bookend a few less distinctive offerings on side two -- those being token thrashers "Septic Schizo" and "R.I.P. (Rest in Pain)," plus the acoustic interlude "The Abyss," but only a trifling of momentum is lost, nevertheless. All of which helped make Schizophrenia the first Sepultura release to make serious waves with international critics and fans, while setting the stage for the groups imminent breakthrough release, Beneath the Remains. | ||
 | Album: 4 of 25 Title: Beneath the Remains Released: 1989 Tracks: 12 Duration: 54:02 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Beneath the Remains (05:13) 2 Inner Self (05:09) 3 Stronger Than Hate (05:51) 4 Mass Hypnosis (04:25) 5 Sarcastic Existence (04:45) 6 Slaves of Pain (04:03) 7 Lobotomy (04:58) 8 Hungry (04:29) 9 Primitive Future (03:09) 10 A hora e a vez do cabelo nascer (02:22) 11 Inner Self (drum tracks) (05:10) 12 Mass Hypnosis (drum tracks) (04:22) |
| Beneath the Remains : Allmusic album Review : Sepulturas 1989 release, Beneath the Remains, marked the bands transition from third-world obscurity to major contenders in the international extreme metal arena. As soon as the deceptively gentle acoustic intro gives way to the title tracks thrashing brutality, the listener is propelled at maximum speed and intensity through to the very last crunch of "Primitive Future." In between, Sepultura offer their first bona fide hits with "Inner Self" and the inspired "Stronger Than Hate," featuring lyrics written by Atheists Kelly Shaefer. Its not over there as they charge ahead with the triple threat of "Mass Hypnosis," "Sarcastic Existence," and "Slaves of Pain," all of which feature mind-blowing solos from guitarist Andreas Kisser, thunderous double-bass work from drummer Igor Cavalera, and the furious howling of singer Max Cavalera. The complete absence of filler here makes this one of the most essential death/thrash metal albums of all time. | ||
 | Album: 5 of 25 Title: Morbid Visions / Cease To Exist Released: 1989 Tracks: 17 Duration: 55:22 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro / Morbid Visions (04:39) 2 Mayhem (03:17) 3 Troops of Doom (03:23) 4 War (05:34) 5 Crucifixion (05:03) 6 Show Me the Wrath (03:54) 7 Funeral Rites (04:24) 8 Empire of the Damned (04:26) 9 Waiting for Death (02:00) 10 Chester (02:25) 11 Welcome to My Hell (02:01) 12 Redneck (00:44) 13 Victims of the Axe (02:20) 14 Cease to Exist (03:40) 15 Run for Your Life (02:39) 16 Death Do Us Part (02:14) 17 Buttfuck (02:32) |
 | Album: 6 of 25 Title: Arise Released: 1991-03-25 Tracks: 37 Duration: 2:36:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Arise (Remastered) (03:17) 2 Dead Embryonic Cells (Remastered) (04:51) 3 Desperate Cry (Remastered) (06:39) 4 Murder (Remastered) (03:25) 5 Subtraction (Remastered) (04:47) 6 Altered State (Remastered) (06:33) 7 Under Siege (Regnum Irae) [Remastered] (04:53) 8 Meaningless Movements (Remastered) (04:39) 9 Infected Voice (Remastered) (03:17) 10 Orgasmatron (Studio Version) [Remastered] (04:14) 11 Intro (Instrumental) [Remastered] (01:33) 12 C.I.U. (Criminals in Uniform) [Remastered] (04:16) 13 Desperate Cry (Scott Burns Mix) [Remastered] (06:43) 14 Drug Me (Remastered) (01:53) 15 Dead Embryonic Cells (Rough Mix) (04:41) 16 Dead Embryonic Cells (Industrial Remix) (04:29) 17 For Our Own Good (C.U.I) [Arise Writing Sessions, August 1989] (04:10) 18 Murder (Arise Writing Sessions, August 1989) (02:33) 19 Altered State (Arise Writing Sessions, August 1989) (02:31) 1 Under Siege (Regnum Irae) [Arise Writing Sessions, March 1990] (02:27) 2 Meaningless Movements (Arise Writing Sessions, March 1990) (04:45) 3 Infected Voice (Arise Writing Sessions, March 1990) (02:32) 4 Altered State (Basic Track) (05:35) 5 Dead Embryonic Cells (Basic Track) (04:42) 6 Desperate Cry (Basic Track) (06:18) 7 Infected Voice (Basic Track) (03:26) 8 Meaningless Movements (Basic Track) (04:52) 9 Murder (Basic Track) (03:39) 10 Under Siege (from Regnum Irae) [Basic Track] (04:51) 11 Arise (Live In Barcelona 1991) (02:54) 12 Desperate Cry (Live in Barcelona 1991) (05:54) 13 Dead Embryonic Cells (Live in Barcelona 1991) (04:17) 14 Mass Hypnosis (Live in Barcelona 1991) (04:21) 15 Inner Self (Live in Barcelona 1991) (04:38) 16 Troops Of Doom (Live in Barcelona 1991) (02:52) 17 Beneath The Remains (Live in Barcelona 1991) (04:52) 18 Orgasmatron (Live in Barcelona 1991) (04:14) |
| Arise : Allmusic album Review : Sepultura had shocked the death metal world in 1989 with the release of their third album, Beneath the Remains, whose seamless combination of songwriting chops and utter brutality quickly transformed the Brazilians from scene outsiders to one of its brightest hopes. The band toured nonstop in support of the album for most of the following two years, and was therefore pressured by both time constraints and enormous expectations when the bandmembers finally entered Tampas Morrisound Studios with producer Scott Burns to record 1991s Arise. And though it ultimately lacked the consistency of its predecessor and added little innovation to the bands sound, Arise has aged surprisingly well, proving itself a worthy progression and surprisingly well-rounded in its own right. First single "Dead Embryonic Cells" was unquestionably the strongest of the bands death metal era, and its accompanying video broke new ground thanks to ample MTV rotation. Ironically, the subsequent banning of the vicious title tracks video (filled with apocalyptic religious imagery) by the cable network would generate even more publicity than Sepultura could have hoped for had it actually been aired. Other album highlights included such complex, multifaceted pieces as "Desperate Cry" (an all-around tour de force for lead guitarist Andreas Kisser) and "Altered State" (which combines a Tarzan-style intro with a grinding detuned main riff and even acoustic guitars), as well as more straightforward thrashers like "Infected Voice" and mid-paced chuggers like "Under Siege (Regnum Irae)." Simply devoid of filler material, this album remains a classic of the death metal genre. | ||
 | Album: 7 of 25 Title: Morbid Visions / Bestial Devastation Released: 1991-11-21 Tracks: 13 Duration: 49:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Morbid Visions (03:25) 2 Mayhem (03:17) 3 Troops of Doom (03:23) 4 War (05:34) 5 Crucifixion (05:03) 6 Show Me the Wrath (03:54) 7 Funeral Rites (04:24) 8 Empire of the Damned (04:26) 9 The Curse (00:39) 10 Bestial Devastation (03:07) 11 Antichrist (03:47) 12 Necromancer (03:52) 13 Warriors of Death (04:08) |
| Morbid Visions / Bestial Devastation : Allmusic album Review : Although its tempting to succumb to retroactive reevaluation, most critics agree that Sepulturas earliest efforts consisted of rather undercooked, unspectacular black metal, hardly foreshadowing their world-conquering output in the death metal field, just a few years ahead. Both 1985s Bestial Devastation EP and the bands first LP, 1986s Morbid Visions, were recorded with minimal time or money, and revealed a band of teenagers more preoccupied with shocking their parents than creating great music, and clearly still learning their craft. In fact, original lead guitarist Jairo T. was the only semi-decent musician of the bunch, but vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera, drummer Igor Cavalera, and bassist Paulo Jr. nevertheless contributed a mighty spirited racket on blackened thrashers like "Antichrist" and "Warriors of Death." Venom would have been proud. And yet Sepultura still showed early flashes of death metal inspiration on "Crucifixion" and "Show Me the Wrath," even though "Troops of Doom" (later re-recorded) is the only obvious standout on hand. Thankfully, Roadrunner has conveniently reissued Morbid Visions and Bestial Devastation on one CD, lowering the price of admission for uncertain metalheads wishing to hear what all the fuss was about. | ||
 | Album: 8 of 25 Title: Chaos A.D. Released: 1993-09-01 Tracks: 13 Duration: 51:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify TrackSamples Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Refuse/Resist (03:19) 2 Territory (04:47) 3 Slave New World (02:55) 4 Amen (04:27) 5 Kaiowas (03:43) 6 Propaganda (03:33) 7 Biotech Is Godzilla (01:52) 8 Nomad (04:59) 9 We Who Are Not as Others (03:42) 10 Manifest (04:49) 11 The Hunt (03:59) 12 Clenched Fist (04:57) 13 Policia / [demonic laughing] (04:46) |
| Chaos A.D. : Allmusic album Review : Chaos A.D. was the record where everything came together for Sepultura, when they graduated from being an excellent, if derivative, band into one of metals most unique voices. Their strident political dissidence is more focused than ever, referring explicitly to injustices in their native Brazil. The bands thick, chunky guitars, busy percussion, and hoarsely shouted vocals may be rooted in death metal, but it was often hard to call Sepultura a true death metal band, even if they flirted heavily with the style by way of Slayer; Chaos A.D. is rooted just as much in hardcore punk in its lean, stripped-down assault, featuring a cover of New Model Armys "The Hunt" and a collaboration with Jello Biafra on "Biotech Is Godzilla." At a time when 80s thrash giants like Metallica and Megadeth were streamlining their music for greater accessibility, Sepulturas aggression actually increased along with their tightened focus, borrowing from hardcore arguably more effectively than any other true metal band. Additionally, Sepultura began to draw upon the influences of their native Brazil, audible in the acoustic instrumental "Kaiowas" and in the way the bands complex rhythms move and breathe, to offer a much wider range than any of their contemporaries seemed willing to pursue. The bands songwriting became almost airtight, giving up the breakneck speed and long progressive passages borrowed from mid-80s Metallica, and concentrating instead on creating texture and dissonance. But really, its the unbelievably powerful rhythmic base provided by Igor Cavalera that gives Chaos A.D. its knockout punch. Endlessly playable (there isnt a wasted or unnecessary note on the album), passionately performed, and a sign that a new metal underground was finally bearing artistic fruit, Chaos A.D. ranks as one of the greatest heavy metal albums of all time. Its a remarkable achievement not only in its concentrated power and originality, but also in the degree to which Sepultura eclipsed their idols in offering a vision of heavy metals future -- a vision that would only grow more compelling with their next release. | ||
 | Album: 9 of 25 Title: Roots Released: 1996-02-21 Tracks: 17 Duration: 1:06:55 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Roots Bloody Roots (03:32) 2 Attitude (04:15) 3 Cut‐Throat (02:44) 4 Ratamahatta (04:30) 5 Breed Apart (04:01) 6 Straighthate (05:21) 7 Spit (02:45) 8 Lookaway (05:25) 9 Dusted (04:03) 10 Born Stubborn (04:07) 11 Jasco (01:57) 12 Itsári (04:48) 13 Ambush (04:39) 14 Endangered Species (05:19) 15 Dictatorshit (01:26) 16 Procreation (of the Wicked) (03:39) 17 Symptom of the Universe (04:15) |
| Roots : Allmusic album Review : Listeners intrigued by the rhythmic innovations and Brazilian influences of Chaos A.D. will be quite pleased by Sepulturas sprawling, frequently brilliant follow-up. True to its title, Roots wholeheartedly embraces Sepulturas native Brazilian rhythms, augmenting their music with field recordings of the Xavantes Indians, vocalist/percussionist Carlinhos Brown, and expanded percussion sections. The guitarists create an array of noisy, textural effects, so their technique and riff writing are not as impressive for fans of old-school thrash, but thats more due to the growing influence of alternative metal on the band, with Korn being a particular touchstone (vocalist Jonathan Davis even guests on one track). The songs sacrifice the tight structure of Chaos A.D. for extended percussion jams, plus some acoustic instrumental work. At 72 minutes, Roots inevitably loses focus in spots, but when the music connects (and it does so often), it carries tremendous visceral impact. Roots consolidates Sepulturas position as perhaps the most distinctive, original heavy metal band of the 1990s. | ||
 | Album: 10 of 25 Title: B-Sides Released: 1997 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:14:38 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Ratamahatta (edit) (03:14) 2 War (06:40) 3 Chaos B.C. (05:12) 4 Mine (06:24) 5 Lookaway (Master Vibe mix) (05:36) 6 Dusted (demo version) (04:26) 7 Roots Bloody Roots (demo version) (03:32) 8 Kaiowas (Tribal Jam) (03:46) 9 Refuse/Resist (live) (03:49) 10 Territory (live) (04:42) 11 Slave New World (live) (03:06) 12 Propaganda (live) (03:25) 13 Beneath the Remains / Escape to the Void (live) (03:42) 14 Amen (live) (04:03) 15 Inner Self (live) (04:45) 16 Kaiowas (live) (02:18) 17 Clenched Fist (live) (03:38) 18 Biotech Is Godzilla (live) (02:09) |
 | Album: 11 of 25 Title: Blood-Rooted Released: 1997-12-16 Tracks: 18 Duration: 1:04:50 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Procreation (of the Wicked) (03:39) 2 Inhuman Nature (03:12) 3 Polícia (01:47) 4 War (06:40) 5 Crucificados pelo sistema (01:04) 6 Symptom of the Universe (04:15) 7 Mine (06:24) 8 Lookaway (Master Vibe mix) (05:36) 9 Dusted (demo version) (04:26) 10 Roots Bloody Roots (demo version) (03:32) 11 Drug Me (01:53) 12 Refuse/Resist (live) (03:49) 13 Slave New World (live) (03:06) 14 Propaganda (live) (03:25) 15 Beneath the Remains / Escape to the Void (live) (03:48) 16 Kaiowas (live) (02:18) 17 Clenched Fist (live) (03:38) 18 Biotech Is Godzilla (live) (02:09) |
| Blood-Rooted : Allmusic album Review : Blood Rooted is an album designed for Sepultura fanatics -- a full disc of rarities and unreleased music, featuring live tracks, covers, and demos. There are several throwaways here, but whats surprising is how many of these songs are worthwhile, particularly a cover of Celtic Frosts "Procreation of the Wicked" and the Mike Patton duet "Mine." Only dedicated fans need pick up Blood Rooted, but theyll find many treasures here. | ||
 | Album: 12 of 25 Title: Against Released: 1998-10-05 Tracks: 16 Duration: 56:49 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Wikipedia Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Against (01:54) 2 Choke (03:36) 3 Rumors (03:04) 4 Old Earth (04:28) 5 Floaters in Mud (04:58) 6 Boycott (03:11) 7 Tribus (01:38) 8 Common Bonds (02:58) 9 F.O.E. (02:08) 10 Reza (02:16) 11 Unconscious (03:37) 12 Kamaitachi (03:03) 13 Drowned Out (01:28) 14 Hatred Aside (05:13) 15 T3rcermillennium (03:55) 16 Against (4 Track Pre-Listening) (09:15) |
| Against : Allmusic album Review : It was generally assumed among most that without guitarist/vocalist Max Cavalera, Sepultura would choose not to carry on, but the remaining members added vocalist Derrick Green (who often sounds much like Cavalera) and recorded Against. The results are much better than one might expect from a band thats lost its leader, as Andreas Kisser, Paulo Jr., and Igor Cavalera prove theyre no slouches themselves. But the problem with Against is that it seems to lack a clear vision or direction; the band seems unsure of whether to return to the controlled, hard-hitting brevity of Chaos A.D. or the epic, experimental sprawl of Roots. And while the groups trademark ethnic fusions are present -- most notably the Japanese-flavored instrumental "Kamaitachi" (featuring the percussion troupe Kodo and some lovely flute) and the violin-centered "T3rcermillennium," two of the albums most intriguing tracks -- some of the songs dont really experiment much at all. As a result, the fusions sometimes sound forced, and some songs are too standard a brand of hardcore-tinged thrashnbash to match the highest points of the Sepultura catalog, even with Jason Newsted co-writing and playing on the track "Hatred Aside." So all in all, Against finds the band regrouping and struggling to recalibrate itself, which is to be expected given the circumstances; even if its somewhat disappointing compared to the groups best work, its much better than one might hope, and there are enough flashes of the old Sepultura brilliance to suggest that great things are still to come. | ||
 | Album: 13 of 25 Title: Nation Released: 2001-03-02 Tracks: 20 Duration: 1:07:33 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Sepulnation (04:20) 2 Revolt (00:56) 3 Border Wars (05:10) 4 One Man Army (05:27) 5 Vox Populi (03:41) 6 The Ways of Faith (04:53) 7 Uma Cura (03:14) 8 Who Must Die? (02:58) 9 Saga (04:37) 10 Tribe to a Nation (02:48) 11 Politricks (04:14) 12 Human Cause (00:57) 13 Reject (02:59) 14 Water (02:44) 15 Valtio (03:20) 16 Bela Lugosis Dead (04:08) 17 Annihilation (01:31) 18 Rise Above (02:00) 19 Revolt (demo) (03:48) 20 Roots Bloody Roots (live) (03:42) |
| Nation : Allmusic album Review : A quote from the Dalia Lama, "Peace on earth depends on the peace in the peoples hearts," and wise words from Mother Teresa, Ghandi, and Albert Einstein grace the album booklet of Sepulturas 2001 release, Nation. When Sepulturas vocalist Derrick Green screams long and hard enough, you bet your sweet, tender eardrums that hes got something important to say. On its 2001 release, Nation, the Brazilian quartet is infuriated -- and with good reason. As Green scrapes the lining of his vocal chords through the brash, impassioned tracks, hes singing about more than just "one nation, Sepulnation"; hes suggesting something bigger, something worth shouting about and fighting for. Nation was created to epitomize Sepulturas concept of creating a new nation built upon the foundations of unity and a utopian society that thrives without violence or guns. In interviews, Green has said, "Every song will be related to the idea of building this nation. We will have our own flags, our own anthem." Leave it to Sepultura to break down the walls and build something beautiful out of the rubble. Indeed, each song meets these expectations in a series of hard-rockin, tight tunes. Drummer Igor Cavaleras timing and tempo couldnt be more perfect as the adrenaline heightens until the albums intensity burns right through the speakers. Die-hard Sepultura fans will likely salivate over skull-crushing tracks like "Who Must Die?," and when Green sings "you are our livestock/we make you love it" on the creepy anticorruption song "Politricks," Sepultura virgins will be speechless. The album explodes with the final track, "Valtio," an instrumental piece (complete with violins) that sounds more like the score to a war movie, with the innocent lying in waste in the dust. Trust that Nation is far more real and way scarier than when your mean older brother used to lock you in the closet and play Prokofievs "Peter and the Wolf," but its well worth the ride. | ||
 | Album: 14 of 25 Title: Under a Pale Grey Sky Released: 2002-09-28 Tracks: 28 Duration: 1:48:18 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Itsári (Intro) (01:27) 2 Roots Bloody Roots (03:37) 3 Spit (02:27) 4 Territory (04:59) 5 Monologo ao Pé do Ouvido (01:21) 6 Breed Apart (04:01) 7 Attitude (05:54) 8 Cut-Throat (02:53) 9 Troops of Doom (02:46) 10 Beneath the Remains / Mass Hypnosis (04:00) 11 Born Stubborn (04:15) 12 Desperate Cry (02:21) 13 Necromancer (03:15) 14 Dusted (03:59) 15 Endangered Species (08:27) 1 We Who Are Not as Others (03:57) 2 Straighthate (05:10) 3 Dictatorshit (01:35) 4 Refuse/Resist (03:52) 5 Arise / Dead Embryonic Cells (03:09) 6 Slave New World (02:42) 7 Biotech Is Godzilla (02:43) 8 Inner Self (04:36) 9 Polícia (02:35) 10 We Gotta Know (03:52) 11 Kaiowas (06:12) 12 Ratamahatta (05:24) 13 Orgasmatron (06:36) |
| Under a Pale Grey Sky : Allmusic album Review : To combat the sales backlash that began when Derrick Green took singer/guitarist Max Cavaleras spot in the group, Roadrunner Records released the live document Under a Pale Grey Sky. Recorded in the very short period between the death of his stepson and his exit from the group, Cavaleras performance is nothing short of breathtaking. His venomous roar has rarely sounded this raw and heartfelt, he screams with a fury that comes deep from within, and he delivers a performance that pulls the listener uncomfortably close. Guitarist Andreas Kisser is also in fine form, offering an eerie, melodic counterpoint to Cavaleras pounding riffs. One only needs to look to "Endangered Species" to see why the two guitarists were a masterful pairing, with Kisser pasting blistering and shrill leads over Cavaleras abrasive chug in a tense battle of aggression. The track selection may leave a little to be desired; while they take most of the songs from Chaos A.D. and Roots, they barely cover their catalog before that point. What is here is awesome, but it would have been nice to hear "Inquisition Symphony" or "Under Seige" as performed by the group (arguably) at its peak. Toward the end of the performance, the band is strikingly lucid, launching into its two most distinct and awe-inspiring tracks with the last of its energies. First, the acoustic jam "Kaiowas" is a brilliant display of technical skill that showcases the beauty and joy the band finds in its native Brazilian music. Then comes the true monster, "Ratamahatta," a percussion-based masterpiece that plows over the audience with its tribal throb and cathartic build. A massive cover of Motörheads "Orgasmatron" puts an end to the proceedings and satisfies the encore desires of the audience, but it is a brief coda to an otherwise brutal show. The band was on top of its game professionally and deeply wounded emotionally, making its music as sharp and poignant as it has ever been. Where most live metal albums tend to come off thin and sloppy, Under a Pale Grey Sky does the opposite. Through crystal-clear production, an airtight performance, and a top-notch selection of songs, the album paints a picture of a larger-than-life band throwing its massive bulk around for two hours of sheer hatred. And really, what else would any self-respecting metal fan want out of a live album? | ||
 | Album: 15 of 25 Title: Roorback Released: 2003-05-27 Tracks: 13 Duration: 51:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Come Back Alive (03:06) 2 Godless (04:21) 3 Apes of God (03:36) 4 More of the Same (03:58) 5 Urge (03:16) 6 Corrupted (02:32) 7 As It Is (04:26) 8 Mind War (02:59) 9 Leech (02:24) 10 The Rift (02:56) 11 Bottomed Out (04:35) 12 Activist (01:53) 13 Outro (11:37) |
| Roorback : Allmusic album Review : Losing a lead singer can be incredibly disruptive for a band. Some bands will bounce back -- AC/DC, for example, sounded better than ever when they hired Brian Johnson after Bon Scotts untimely death -- while others will suffer a creative decline. Sepultura experienced a major loss when former lead singer Max Cavalera left to form Soulfly in 1996, but thankfully, Derrick Green proved to be a highly capable replacement. If 1998s mildly uneven Against -- Sepulturas first album with Green -- found the band struggling with the transition, Green was filling Cavaleras shoes much more confidently on 2001s Nation. And if there are still any lingering doubts about the Green/Sepultura match, 2003s excellent Roorback should put them to rest for good. Green is passionate and focused throughout the album -- he has no problem going that extra mile -- and the writing is consistently strong. Unrest and political corruption are recurring themes on Roorback; American singer Green and his Brazilian colleagues spare no anger on incendiary tracks like "Mind War," "Apes of God," and the crushing opener, "Come Back Alive" (which is about surviving the horrors of wartime combat). The songs that Sepultura wrote for Roorback paint a consistently bleak and troubling picture of the world -- one that is only reinforced by an unlikely remake of U2s "Bullet the Blue Sky" appended to the album. Sepultura successfully give U2s gem a ferocious alternative metal makeover, and Bonos dark lyrics are right at home on this politically charged CD. When Roorback came out during the summer of 2003, Sepultura had been together for 19 years -- and this compelling disc finds them very much on top of their game after almost two decades in the metal field. [Upon its initial release, Roorback included the Revolusongs EP, which included several covers, among them U2s "Bullet the Blue Sky," Janes Addictions "Mountain Song," and Massive Attacks "Angel."] | ||
 | Album: 16 of 25 Title: Live in São Paulo Released: 2005-11-08 Tracks: 21 Duration: 1:18:31 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% AlbumCover | 1 Intro (04:51) 2 Apes of God (03:11) 3 Slave New World (02:37) 4 Propaganda (03:03) 5 Attitude (04:48) 6 Choke (03:27) 7 Inner Self / Beneath the Remains (04:55) 8 Escape to the Void (04:29) 9 Mind War (03:16) 10 Troops of Doom (feat. Jairo Guedz) (03:39) 11 Necromancer (03:29) 1 Sepulnation (03:53) 2 Refuse/Resist (03:07) 3 Territory (04:31) 4 Black Steel in the Hour of Chaos (feat. Zé Gonzáles, B- Negao) (03:50) 5 Bullet the Blue Sky (04:59) 6 Reza (feat. João Gordo) (02:08) 7 Biotech Is Godzila (feat. João Gordo) (02:41) 8 Arise / Dead Embrionic Cells (04:29) 9 Come Back Alive (02:19) 10 Roots Bloody Roots (04:42) |
 | Album: 17 of 25 Title: The Best of Sepultura Released: 2006 Tracks: 13 Duration: 53:47 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Troops of Doom (03:18) 2 Beneath the Remains (05:13) 3 Inner Self (05:09) 4 Arise (03:18) 5 Dead Embryonic Cells (04:52) 6 Desperate Cry (06:41) 7 Refuse/Resist (03:19) 8 Territory (04:47) 9 Slave New World (02:55) 10 Biotech Is Godzilla (01:52) 11 Roots Bloody Roots (03:32) 12 Attitude (04:15) 13 Ratamahatta (04:30) |
| The Best of Sepultura : Allmusic album Review : The first true greatest-hits album to cherry-pick highlights from the bands back catalog, The Best of Sepultura was compiled as well as it could have been as part of Roadrunner Records 2006 series of best-ofs (also including Fear Factory, Type O Negative, and others). The underlying issue is that Sepulturas four major albums -- Beneath the Remains (1989), Arise (1991), Chaos A.D. (1993), and Roots (1997) -- are so stellar, they deserve to be heard in full, not piecemeal like this. However, for those consumers not inclined to go out and buy four individual CDs (each of which does have its own unique characteristics, it should be noted), a single-disc sampler like The Best of Sepultura certainly fits the bill. It includes two songs from Beneath the Remains ("Beneath the Remains," "Inner Self"), three from Arise ("Arise," "Dead Embryonic Cells," "Desperate Cry"), four from Chaos A.D. ("Refuse/Resist," "Territory," "Slave New World," "Biotech Is Godzilla"), and three from Roots ("Roots Bloody Roots," "Attitude," "Ratamahatta") -- indeed, the highlights from each. Plus, theres one choice song from the early (and seldom-heard) album Schizophrenia (1987), "Troops of Doom," and thankfully, no songs whatsoever from the post-Max Cavalera lineup of the band. All the songs are sequenced chronologically, as they should be, and theres not a bum one to be heard throughout. If youre already a Sepultura fan, you likely wont have any need for The Best of Sepultura. Youll want (or already have) each of the four major albums in their entirety, or at least some of them. But if youre new to the band, or not sure if youre all that fond of these guys, The Best of Sepultura is a good place to begin exploring. Just dont be surprised if you end up buying each of the albums afterward, once you get a sample of them. In fact, theres a valid case to be made that you should just go out and buy Chaos A.D. instead of this compilation, since its the most representative, or maybe Arise, which was the mainstream breakthrough, or Beneath the Remains, which is a thrash classic and underground favorite, or perhaps even Roots, which is also excellent, if more experimental and Brazilian in nature. | ||
 | Album: 18 of 25 Title: Dante XXI Released: 2006-03-14 Tracks: 15 Duration: 39:03 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 Lost (intro) (00:59) 2 Dark Wood of Error (02:18) 3 Convicted in Life (03:09) 4 City of Dis (03:27) 5 False (03:34) 6 Fighting On (04:29) 7 Limbo (intro) (00:44) 8 Ostia (03:06) 9 Buried Words (02:34) 10 Nuclear Seven (03:44) 11 Repeating the Horror (03:11) 12 Eunoé (intro) (00:12) 13 Crown and Miter (02:11) 14 Primium Mobile (intro) (00:29) 15 Still Flame (04:50) |
| Dante XXI : Allmusic album Review : When Max Cavalera left Sepultura in 1997, fans figured that some of the groups metallic fury would be lost. But this certainly proved not to be the case, as the "Derrick Green version" of the group continued to churn out such angst-filled releases as Against, Nation, and Roorback. On their fourth studio set with Green, 2006s Dante XXI, the group continues to bring the rage. While its not the same groundbreaking work as their last few albums with Cavalera were -- Chaos A.D. and Roots -- much of the elements that made Sepultura stand out from the metal pack are still present. Andreas Kissers penchant for penning rubbery/elastic riffs is still a main focus for the group (why Kisser remains one of metals most overlooked guitarists remains a mystery), as evidenced by such tracks as "False" and "Buried Words," while Sepulturas desire to visit new musical avenues is evident by "Ostia," which introduces strings to the groups sound. And from a lyrical standpoint, Sepultura continues to be one of the more challenging metal bands on the scene, as Green has looked to The Divine Comedy by Italian poet/philosopher Dante Alighieri for inspiration. Overall, Dante XXI is easily one of Sepulturas strongest releases to feature Green on vocals. | ||
 | Album: 19 of 25 Title: Against / Nation Released: 2008-02-12 Tracks: 30 Duration: 1:39:56 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Against (01:54) 2 Choke (03:36) 3 Rumors (03:04) 4 Old Earth (04:28) 5 Floaters in Mud (04:58) 6 Boycott (03:11) 7 Tribus (01:38) 8 Common Bonds (02:58) 9 F.O.E. (02:08) 10 Reza (02:16) 11 Unconscious (03:37) 12 Kamaitachi (03:03) 13 Drowned Out (01:28) 14 Hatred Aside (05:13) 15 T3rcermillennium (03:55) 1 Sepulnation (04:20) 2 Revolt (00:56) 3 Border Wars (05:10) 4 One Man Army (05:27) 5 Vox Populi (03:41) 6 The Ways of Faith (04:53) 7 Uma Cura (03:14) 8 Who Must Die? (02:58) 9 Saga (04:37) 10 Tribe to a Nation (02:48) 11 Politricks (04:14) 12 Human Cause (00:57) 13 Reject (02:59) 14 Water (02:44) 15 Valtio (03:20) |
| Against / Nation : Allmusic album Review : Roadrunner Records repackages two well-known (and out of print any other way) titles in Sepulturas back catalog for reissue here. Against, released in 1998, contains 15 cuts with the amazing instrumentals "Kamaitachi" and "T3rcermillennium," and Nation, released in 2001, features "Valtio," "Vox Populi," and "One Man Army." Its all killer, no filler on these, even if the primal blast of the band has been built upon texturally and musically. | ||
 | Album: 20 of 25 Title: A-Lex Released: 2009-01-23 Tracks: 18 Duration: 54:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic Wikipedia AlbumCover | 1 A-Lex I (01:54) 2 Moloko Mesto (02:09) 3 Filthy Rot (02:46) 4 Weve Lost You! (04:13) 5 What I Do! (02:00) 6 A-Lex II (02:18) 7 The Treatment (03:23) 8 Metamorphosis (03:01) 9 Sadistic Values (06:50) 10 Forceful Behavior (02:27) 11 Conform (01:54) 12 A-Lex III (02:03) 13 The Experiment (03:28) 14 Strike (03:40) 15 Enough Said (01:36) 16 Ludwig Van (05:30) 17 A-Lex IV (02:46) 18 Paradox (02:15) |
| A-Lex : Allmusic album Review : Never let it be said that Sepultura are not ambitious. A-Lex is a concept album whose lyrics were inspired by Anthony Burgess book A Clockwork Orange, which was the basis for the Stanley Kubrick film. And the impressive thing is that Sepultura pull this off without sounding either geeky or pretentious. For all its intellect, this early-2009 release doesnt sacrifice anything when it comes to intensity; this is a vicious, loud sledgehammer of an album, and the kids in the mosh pit will have no problem connecting with alternative metal scorchers like "Filthy Rot," "The Treatment," "Paradox," and "Forceful Behavior" on a gut level. The Clockwork Orange angle is intriguing if one has either read Burgess book or seen Kubricks 1971 film, but for metalheads, the bottom line is that Sepultura have no problem bringing the noise -- and Derrick Greens angry lead vocals are an important part of A-Lexs intensity. There was a time when the idea of Sepultura recording without Max Cavalera (their former lead singer) seemed unthinkable; Cavalera played a vital role on pre-Green albums such as 1991s Arise and 1993s Chaos A.D. But the incendiary Green turned out to be a fine replacement after Cavalera left Sepultura to form Soulfly in 1996, and he certainly helps bassist Paulo Jr., guitarist Andreas Kisser, and drummer Jean Dolabella get the job done nicely on A-Lex. Paulo, it should be noted, is the only remaining member of Sepulturas original 1984 lineup. Personnel changes can have a very negative effect on a band, but Sepultura have maintained their vitality all these years -- and that vitality is alive and well on the superb A-Lex. | ||
 | Album: 21 of 25 Title: Kairos Released: 2011-06-24 Tracks: 17 Duration: 53:13 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Spectrum (04:00) 2 Kairos (03:34) 3 Relentless (03:34) 4 2011 (00:28) 5 Just One Fix (03:30) 6 Dialog (04:54) 7 Mask (04:29) 8 1433 (00:29) 9 Seethe (02:24) 10 Born Strong (04:37) 11 Embrace the Storm (03:30) 12 5772 (00:26) 13 No One Will Stand (03:15) 14 Structure Violence (Azzes) (05:37) 15 4648 (00:27) 16 Firestarter (04:29) 17 Point of No Return (03:24) |
| Kairos : Allmusic album Review : Its a good barometer of Sepulturas steadily muddled career prospects that the once hallowed Brazilian metal bands new albums are typically met with less curiosity and excitement than trepidation and outright dread, even by their most understanding and loyal fans. Already discredited by the loss of both Cavaleras (now reunited part-time in the Cavalera Conspiracy), whose family name, most observers would agree, still feels fundamentally inseparable from the Sepultura brand, the remaining lineup of their two replacements, vocalist Derrick Greene and drummer Jean Dolabella, plus founding bassist Paulo Jr. and longtime lead guitarist Andreas Kisser, has also been creatively wayward for several years now. None of which would have been a problem had 2006s Divine Comedy-inspired Dante XXI or 2009s A Clockwork Orange-based A-Lex backed up their highbrow literary aspirations with equally inventive music, but their general mediocrity only stoked the fires of fan discontent and these wont likely be extinguished by 2011s notably heavier Kairos. Never mind this albums own overly self-involved concept -- based on the ancient Greek term applied to crucial moments in time that affect unfolding events -- because what history, in all of its remorselessly selective judgment, will ultimately recall of Sepulturas twelfth studio album may be its game but mostly futile attempt at recovering the raw, thrash-based musical aggression of the bands middle years. Lets be clear now: technically speaking, this goal was achieved, but its basically a hollow victory since there are still no songs worth mentioning in the same breath as glories past here, unless one rates them based solely on the fact that many -- "Relentless", "Seethe," certainly "Born Strong" -- could very well pass for Roots outtakes. But, beyond that, Sepultura mostly musters a seemingly endless parade of average, deliberate groove vehicles ("Spectrum," "Mask," "Dialog," which sounds like a sleepy Prong), a forgettable thrashing outbreak in "No One Will Stand," and a faithful cover of Ministrys "Just One Fix." Another semi-industrial, partly tribal mash-up called "Structure Violence (Azzes)" crosses the line of Roots parody one too many times, and a closing reworking of the Prodigys "Firestarter," mysteriously renamed "4648," just adds to the confusion. Ironically, Kissers guitar solos might constitute the albums best, consistent highlights, but thats no way to carry the day, nor attempt to maintain a legacy as important as Sepulturas still is, in spite of the many controversies and gradual musical dilution that followed Max Cavaleras exit in 1997. Again, it hasnt been for lack of trying on the revised bands part, nor patience or goodwill on the part of their fans -- just a lack of great songs -- and this is why Kairos invariably disappoints, and why only one outcome can truly restore the bands reputation, whether the four stubborn individuals involved can yet admit to it. Until then, Sepultura albums are bound to feel like speed-bumps in the road to salvation. | ||
 | Album: 22 of 25 Title: The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart Released: 2013-10-25 Tracks: 10 Duration: 1:07:43 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Trauma of War (03:45) 2 The Vatican (06:33) 3 Impending Doom (04:15) 4 Manipulation of Tragedy (04:16) 5 Tsunami (05:10) 6 The Bliss of Ignorants (04:51) 7 Grief (05:34) 8 The Age of the Atheist (04:19) 9 Obsessed (03:53) 10 Da lama ao caos (25:02) |
| The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart : Allmusic album Review : After losing the talents of the Cavalera brothers, with Max leaving in 1996 and Igor following suit a decade later in 2006, Sepultura have felt like theyre just barely hanging on, chugging along without the brutal streak that powered their early work. As the band has continued to release albums, theres been the feeling of waiting for the sleeping giant to finally wake up and wreak havoc on the countryside, with that old spark always seeming like it was possible, but just a little bit out of reach. On their 13th album, The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart, it would seem the giants alarm clock has finally gone off, and hes not at all happy about oversleeping. While its not exactly the Sepultura of old, the band feels revitalized, shaking off the slower pacing of 2011s Kairos in favor of a faster, more savage tempo that allows the band to really recapture some of its former power. This especially comes through in the vocals of singer Derrick Green, whose distorted growls serve as a vehicle for some old-fashioned metal menace. And while Greens vocals might not have the bellowing authority of Max Cavaleras signature shout, they deliver the kind of raw, unbridled hostility that established Sepultura as a band that was not to be taken lightly in the 90s. Without the Cavaleras on board, its hard to call The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart a true return to form. That said, its a damn solid album from a band thats been having a hard time steadying the ship, and any fans who might have written Sepultura off should definitely consider giving this one a chance. | ||
 | Album: 23 of 25 Title: Metal Veins: Alive at Rock in Rio Released: 2014-09-16 Tracks: 13 Duration: 59:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Kaiowas (02:43) 2 Spectrum (04:07) 3 Refuse/Resist (04:01) 4 Sepulnation (04:38) 5 Delirium (03:17) 6 Fever (04:03) 7 Weve Lost You (04:21) 8 Firestarter (04:51) 9 Requiem (03:44) 10 Structure Violence (04:44) 11 Territory (05:25) 12 Big Hands (07:56) 13 Roots Bloody Roots (05:50) |
 | Album: 24 of 25 Title: Machine Messiah Released: 2017-01-13 Tracks: 12 Duration: 50:45 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Spotify Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Machine Messiah (05:55) 2 I Am the Enemy (02:28) 3 Phantom Self (05:30) 4 Alethea (04:32) 5 Iceberg Dances (04:42) 6 Sworn Oath (06:09) 7 Resistant Parasites (04:58) 8 Silent Violence (03:46) 9 Vandals Nest (02:48) 10 Cyber God (05:22) 11 Chosen Skin (03:17) 12 Ultraseven No Uta (01:18) |
| Machine Messiah : Allmusic album Review : Fourteen albums in, Sepultura have no ones expectations to live up to but their own. The Cavalera brothers are long gone and songwriter/guitarist Andreas Kisser has remade this band in his own musical image. Machine Messiah continues to build on the diverse proggish elements displayed on Dante XXI, A-lex, and Kairos, while re-engaging with the thrash and hardcore that made 2013s The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart so compelling. From painter Camille Dela Rosas amazing cover artwork on, this conceptual set is all of a piece. Kisser claims her painting inspired him to finish a story for the record hed been working on for years. It illustrates a holistic (and apocalyptic) vision consistent through its sonic architecture (with help from producer Jens Bogren), plotting, pace, songs, and dynamics. Kisser explores societys cult-like religious devotion to technological advancement with the idea of a savior God returning to greet humanity, but as a cyborg. This intense conceptual journey is illuminated musically through explorations of flamenco, Brazilian chorro, thrash, power metal, neo-psych, and edgy prog. Vocalist Derrick Greens balance of dirty and clean vocals allows him to inhabit narrative roles seamlessly to get the story across (and firmly put him beyond any comparison to Phil Anselmo once and for all). Check his brooding intro on the opening title track that evolves to anguished intensity halfway through. His rhythmic growl on "Phantom Self" underscores drummer Eloy Casagrandes slamming grooves. The latters playing forces all members to up their instrumental acumen. His fluidity is an ingenious combination of jazz syncopation, grooving breaks, blastbeats, Afro-Cuban tumbaos, exploding aggression, and improvisation. Bassist Paulo Jr. acts as his anchor, the centering place for the sets entire instrumental attack -- check the riff-driven "Alethtea" and the charging instrumental labyrinth "Iceberg Dances." "Sworn Oath," the sets longest track, is also one of its best, displaying the wide scope of Kissers writing (and inventive playing). Commencing with a dark, doomy overture, the guitarists meld of minor and major key chordal shards gives way to a slamming prog vamp, triple-timed by Casagrande. Inside of two minutes it shifts again to a death metal chug as Greens vocal is introduced. By its midpoint, a majestic crescendo -- complete with harmonic horn sounds and thematic variations -- winds through before the crunching riff returns and builds toward a thunderous climax. The knotty throb of "Silent Violence" is pure mayhem while "Cyber God" displays a slow tempo, dissonant tones, and clean vocals during the first half -- recalling the best moments of Dante XXI -- and is almost experimental before morphing into a squalling, filthy-throated groover complete with razor-wire riffing and a fuzzed-out wah-wah guitar solo to close. Machine Messiah is an ambitious, angry, hungry outing. Sepultura remain vital in their creativity; they expand their palette dramatically while fully integrating the sounds that brought them here. | ||
 | Album: 25 of 25 Title: The Roadrunner Albums: 1985-1996 Released: 2017-01-27 Tracks: 68 Duration: 4:41:21 Scroll: Up Down Top Bottom 25% 50% 75% Allmusic AlbumCover | 1 Morbid Visions (03:25) 2 Mayhem (03:17) 3 Troops of Doom (03:23) 4 War (05:34) 5 Crucifixion (05:03) 6 Show Me the Wrath (03:54) 7 Funeral Rites (04:24) 8 Empire of the Damned (04:26) 9 The Curse (00:39) 10 Bestial Devastation (03:07) 11 Antichrist (03:47) 12 Necromancer (03:52) 13 Warriors of Death (04:08) 1 Intro (00:32) 2 From the Past Comes the Storms (04:56) 3 To the Wall (05:38) 4 Escape to the Void (04:41) 5 Inquisition Symphony (07:15) 6 Screams Behind the Shadows (04:50) 7 Septic Schizo (04:33) 8 The Abyss (01:02) 9 R.I.P. (Rest in Pain) (04:38) 10 Troops of Doom (03:18) 1 Beneath the Remains (05:13) 2 Inner Self (05:09) 3 Stronger Than Hate (05:51) 4 Mass Hypnosis (04:25) 5 Sarcastic Existence (04:45) 6 Slaves of Pain (04:03) 7 Lobotomy (04:58) 8 Hungry (04:29) 9 Primitive Future (03:09) 1 Arise (03:18) 2 Dead Embryonic Cells (04:52) 3 Desperate Cry (06:41) 4 Murder (03:26) 5 Subtraction (04:48) 6 Altered State (06:33) 7 Under Siege (Regnum Irae) (04:53) 8 Meaningless Movements (04:40) 9 Infected Voice (03:19) 1 Refuse/Resist (03:19) 2 Territory (04:47) 3 Slave New World (02:55) 4 Amen (04:27) 5 Kaiowas (03:43) 6 Propaganda (03:33) 7 Biotech Is Godzilla (01:52) 8 Nomad (04:59) 9 We Who Are Not as Others (03:42) 10 Manifest (04:49) 11 The Hunt (03:59) 12 Clenched Fist (04:57) 1 Roots Bloody Roots (03:32) 2 Attitude (04:15) 3 Cut‐Throat (02:44) 4 Ratamahatta (04:30) 5 Breed Apart (04:01) 6 Straighthate (05:21) 7 Spit (02:45) 8 Lookaway (05:25) 9 Dusted (04:03) 10 Born Stubborn (04:07) 11 Jasco (01:57) 12 Itsári (04:48) 13 Ambush (04:39) 14 Endangered Species (05:19) 15 Dictatorshit (01:26) |