Totem

アルバム·レビュー

Though this band takes many shapes, it is always centred around one man—the incredible Max Cavalera. Like many other bands, Soulfly has had to deal with a global pandemic that has called the group’s dynamic into question. Though the former Sepultura frontman seems to be blossoming alongside his son and drummer, Zyon (who’s been part of the band for almost 10 years now), the departure of loyal guitarist Marc Rizzo after 18 years of faithful service undeniably disrupted the band for a time. However, Soulfly is now back in top form with a brand new album.

This album was made in a much more relaxed way than its predecessors, taking shape across the father and son’s numerous guitar-drum jams during the lockdown. Totem is a classic Soulfly album with a few surprises in store, injecting their music with a hit of fresh sound. Nonetheless, these tracks are still undeniably snarly and firmly anchored in thrash and death metal.

The first surprise comes in the form of a throwback to the old-fashioned solo. If you love the swirling guitar solos of the late 80s, you’re in for a treat. The album’s producer, Arthur Rizk, gave his all both in front of and behind the studio desk. Many tracks are defined by their biting sound (for example, the intros of 'Filth Upon Filth' and 'Scouring The Vile', where you’ll find John Tardyn, Obituary’s chief screamer) and are as furious as they are fast. Another striking element is their return to a catchy rhythm that borders on neo-metal ('The Damage Done'), something which defined the band’s first albums as well as Sepultura’s famous album Roots, the last record which featured Max Cavalera before his departure. This little step back in time is not unwelcome, if nothing else it gives listeners time to come up for air between the intense waves of thrash and black metal ('Rot In Pain').

This album features a jumble of ideas which could easily have made this release feel disjointed and poorly conceived. However, it’s successfully helped Soulfly break away from the rather rigid feel of their previous records. A proper family affair, with excellent production work and tracks filled with passion and unrelenting aggression - you’d be forgiven for thinking this was their ‘Best of’ album. Long live the Cavalera dynasty. © Chief Brody/Qobuz