Going from singing in a small town in Brazil to becoming an international metal figurehead, Max Cavalera left a lasting impression on the hard rock community during his 15-year stint fronting Sepultura. Soulfly, his first solo effort since departing one of the leading bands in metal, reflects the experiences of those years. The album, written almost entirely by the dreadlocked frontman himself, boasts the dexterity of Sepultura's later work delivered with all the rawness of the band's early days. Bass lines bounce and guitars ravage, slamming away with more fierce vengeance than Sepultura's Roots, as Cavalera's vocals strain to recapture the raging fury of youth. The album doesn't have quite as much of a world music flavor as was rumored, but you can hear drums drifting off on tribal tangents, recalling the "native music" experimentation of Roots. After Cavalera's sudden announcement last year that he was leaving the band, he wasted little time recruiting an impressive line-up of musicians to flesh out his dream to make a record with passion and integrity." Lending a hand here are Roy Mayorga (Shelter, Thorn) on drums. Jackson Banderia (from Chico Science, Cavalera's fave Brazilian band) on guitar, Marcello Rapp (Sepultura roadie) and producer Ross Robinson (Korn). Try the single "Eye For An Eye." as well as "Bumbklatt" and "Fire," and be prepared to mosh.
