SOULFLY
"Totem"
(Nuclear Blast America; 2018)
Reviewed by Snidermann
There are a few bands I like to listen to when I need my ears to bleed and Soulfly is surely one of them. I always keep an eye out on my streaming service for new material to come out and I have been looking forward to "Totem" for quite some time.
In today's music scene, the record companies tend to release one or two cuts before the full album release. Myself, I like to wait for the entire thing and I am glad I did.
The new release is called "Totem" and it is a hailstorm of thundering metal. The last time I listened to Max Cavalera's old band, Sepultura, I was less than impressed. Soulfly's "Totem," however, is at the forefront of the current metal scene with catchy metal guitar riffs, outstanding vocals and excellent production values. This release simply kicks ass.
For more information, check out http://www.soulfly.com.
"Ritual"
(Nuclear Blast America; 2018)
Reviewed by Snidermann
Simply put, Max Cavalera is one killer musician and his musical portfolio says just that with bands such as Sepultura, Nailbomb, Cavalera Conspiracy and, of course, my current review Soulfly with their current album "Ritual."
"Ritual" is loud and in-your-face, with no apologies, just killer metal music that lets you catch nary a breath from start to finish. Max Cavalera was put on this Earth to perform his type of music and that type is ... his way.
"Ritual" is ten songs and 43 minutes long and will leave you breathless when it's over. There are some surprising, intense slow parts on some tracks that only intensify the experience.
What a great fucking album!
For more information, check out http://www.soulfly.com.
"Dark
Ages"
(Roadrunner; 2005)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Max Cavalera returns with another endeavor from his decade-old project Soulfly. "Dark Ages" is a full-circle return to heaviness of sorts for the Brazilian-born metal master.
With help from guitar whiz Mark Rizzo, this fifteen track CD opens the floodgates with less world beat instrumentations and motifs and considerably more blast beats, as songs like the blistering opening tracks “Babylon” and “I And I” exhibit a renewal to angst-ridden aggression.
And, while Soulfly keeps the pedal to the metal, those atmospheric tribal jams significant of Cavalera’s proud South American tradition are still embedded in the overall sound of the band, as tracks like “Riotstarter,” “Soulfly V” and the Sabbath-meets-Tito Puente vibe of “Innerspirit” aim to keep the band’s unique sound balanced. Still, it’s songs like the brutal to beautiful transition of “Frontlines” that are most effective here, tracing over Sepultura’s undeniable heaviness while drawing from Cavalera’s vast musical pool, that makes this disc the heaviest thing Max has done since he struck out on his own.
For more information, check out http://www.soulfly.com.
"Prophecy"
(Roadrunner; 2004)
Reviewed by Mike SOS
Talk about a rebirth. The latest installment from Max Cavalera and crew, collectively known as Soulfly, is a scorching return to the band's multi-flavored roots.
Wheeling out his best work since Max left Sepultura, "Prophecy's" first five tracks are instantaneous headbanging classics. The bass-grooving title track, the adrenaline rush called "Living Sacrifice," the Nailbomb-esque "Execution Style," the pit stomp of "Defeat U" and the frenetic "Mars" stand alongside the most aggressive tunes Cavalera has ever recorded, complete with seething lyrics, chugging riffs, and rapid fire drumming.
But, it's not all heavy here, folks; the middle part of "Mars" breaks into a flamenco style guitar solo, showcasing a stark contrast to the outfit's slash and burn style while accentuating the band's overall growth. From there, everything from the jazzy salsa interlude that starts the death punk anthem "Porrada" to a surprising cover of Helmet's "In the Meantime" can be found on this 12-track release, which makes it quite evident that Soulfly is back with a vengeance.
If you like tribal metal (the genre which Max is a forefather of), then "Prophecy" is the new template by which other bands will be measured.
For more information, check out http://www.soulfly.com.
"3"
(Roadrunner; 2002)
Reviewed by Rose Grech
Soulfly's third album, simply entitled "3," experiments with new melodies and acoustics, while remaining faithful to the band's roots of high energy and rage. It is also the first time Max Cavalera, frontman, tribal guitarist, and lyricist, plays the role as producer.
Regarding the title of the album, Max mentions, "It's a number that has historically and traditionally been steeped in myth and divine spirituality. There's definitely something powerful about the number three. It's probably one of the reasons why I didn't even want a title for the album and decided to just call it 'Soulfly 3'. Plus I've always been a big fan of band's third records."
On the album Soulfly welcomes the return of their original drummer, Roy Mayorga; making Soulfly whole once again. There is a definite, noticeable change in the power of the drum beats.
One of the most unexpected and interesting aspects of "3," is a track entitled "9-11-2001 (one minute of silence)." Max felt that silence was the purest form to display his respect, as an artist, to the atrocity of 9/11.
The songs are diverse, intertwining their traditional beats from the very beginning of the album with a fresh blend of mellowness. "3" might not sound exactly like what fans were anticipating, but they will be pleasantly surprised at Soulfly's evolving and maturing sound.
And, of course, there is always a story behind every song. Max has a meaning in each that is truly symbolic and spiritual to himself, his band mates, friends and family. Check out their bio on their website http://www.soulfly.com or visit Roadrunner Records at (http://www.roadrunnerrecords.com) to learn more.
"Primitive"
(Roadrunner)
Reviewed by TBJ
With "Primitive," Soulfly’s sophomore effort, Max Cavalera and Tribe set to churn out the heaviest pieces of metal this side of Slipknot. Does it wok? Well, lets see.
"Primitive" marks a progression from the outfit’s self-titled
debut. The songs are more cohesive and there seems to be a less exaggerated tribal
aspect while the music provides a more dense and focused development in sound.
One thing I both like and dislike about Soulfly is the similarity in style to Max’s
former band and their overuse of guest musicians. Sure, you can’t have Soulfly without Sepultura before it, but Max could’ve altered his style
at least a bit to end all comparisons.
As mentioned before the use of guest musicians is both a blessing and a
curse. Max seems to be writing some melodic vocals here and there but won’t sing them
himself. Instead, he brings Chino from Deftones, Corey from Slipknot and a host of others to do the job. Although that in itself
makes sense, I just can’t see Soulfly reproducing these songs well live without these guys. On the other hand there’s a collaboration on this disc that I never thought would have happened, Max
and Slayer’s Tom Araya singing a song together!! "Terrorist" sees both singers trading spiteful vocals with a powerhouse of a song behind
them. "Terrorist" is probably the best song on the disc due to its flawless mix of Soulfly power and unmistakable Slayer speed!
As far as Soulfly is concerned I see them rising above and beyond the
"nu-metal" phenomenon and hopefully providing us with an even more focused offering in the
future.
Soulfly are: Max Cavalera - vocals, guitar; Mikey Doting - guitar; Marcelo D.
Rapp - bass; Joe Nunez - drums.
Check out the band at http://www.soulfly.com.
"Soulfly"
(Roadrunner)
Reviewed by Snidermann
What do you think of when you think of the word Soulfly? I think of peaceful meadows with people sitting around chanting. Well, that's what I used to think until I heard this debut CD from Soulfly. Formed by Max Cavalera, formerly of Sepultura, Soulfly is heavy metal music that hits like an elephant slam dancing. Soulfly’s debut release rages for over an hour with such fire and intensity that frankly I didn't really understand it, but I sure as hell did enjoy it!
Just when I thought I had Soulfly figured out musically, they change and go on to something altogether different. The range of musical expression this quartet goes from ear-thrashing kick ass metal, to some tribal chant in some unknown language. This is the 1998 debut release of the band and, if their later stuff continues to be as good as this recording, Soulfly will be a voice to be reckoned with in the metal future. An awesome heavy metal band.
SOULFLY is Max Cavalera - 4 strings, lyrical terrorist, soul; Jackon Bandeira - guitars; Marcell D. Rapp - bass and Roy "Rata" Mayorga drums.
Check out the band at http://www.soulfly.com.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2022 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights reserved.
