by Greg Prato

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.