Sepultura

Chaos A.D.

Simply ESSENTIAL

Review Score:

(10/10)
This is by far the most convincing heavy metal album I have heard since ...well, Paranoid. Few albums have ever striked me with such intensity and power as this. Even though this album works perfectly as a whole, I'm going to alternate my reviewing methods and go for a song-by-song review. Here we go:

"Refuse/Resist" opens the album with what might be the best album opening I've heard; first we hear the heartbeats of yet-to-be-born (?) son of Max Cavalera. Then comes some ethnic-style percussion work with create a kind of tension that simply blows you away before the crushing guitars kick in. The song itself is as merciless as ever. Probably the best track of the album, and that sais a lot!

"Territory" is the "hit" song here, which is by not means a bad thing, after all, it is Sepultura we're talking about! The third verse echo-entrance vocals are later introduced on their great cover of Sabbath's "symptom of the universe".

"Slave new World" is another song reminding me about the Sabbath cover, only here it's the drums and guitar which create same kind of sound. Igor Cavalera is probably the most impressive member on this album, and Slave new World is another exemple why.

"Amen" ís angry, intelligent, merciless and yearning for justice. Just like the whole thing, basically.

"Kaiowas" is a relaxing acoustic part which fits perfectly in the combination. It is actually possible that without this kind of a calmer part the album could have been a lot less enjoyable. Even though the song itslef is calm and relaxing, the topic here ain't half an inch lighter. You don't make teen pop that is dedicated to a native tribe that committed a mass suicide to protest against the government's unjustified actions on their land.

"Propaganda"; the name sais it all. the song is probalby the fastest so far on this album, and kicks the rage back on.

"Biotech Is Godzilla". If "Propaganda" was a faster one, wait 'til you hear this one! This might appeal to many hardcore fans, which also can be explained with the fact that the legendary ex- Dead Kennedys frontman and freedom of speech fighter Jello biafra has done the lyrics. Seems like Jello has still got plenty to say to us!

"Nomad" is again one heck of a good song. One piece in the puzzle that makes this record so damn enjoyable.

"We Who Are Not As Others" is an effective and almost hypnotic repetition of the title. Could be seen as a sort of an anthemic tribute for those of us who aren't afraid to be different.

"Manifest" tells anothe sad tale about what can happen when the police forces are given way too much power. once again, sad but true.

"The Hunt" is a New Model Army cover which brings more melodic sense to the album, although the band makes sure it's instantly recognizable as a Sepultura track.

"Clenched Fist" conclude the album with enough aggression and rage to tear down anothe Berlin Wall.

All in all, this album is a must if your recorshelf needs a mindblowing hardcore/metal experience. Magnetosphere-highly recommended.

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