SOULFLY — Totem (review)

SOULFLY — Totem album cover Album · 2022 · Groove Metal Buy this album from MMA partners
4/5 ·
Kev Rowland
I clearly remember when Sepultura broke onto the international stage, and when Roadrunner sent me ‘Roots’ to review I was clear that it was one of the most important metal albums ever released, and no-one could have imagined at the time that this would be the last release to feature lead singer and frontman Max Cavalera. He has created bands such as Nailbomb, Cavalera Conspiracy, Go Ahead And Die, and Killer Be Killed but the one with which he will always be mostly closely associated is of course Soulfly.

He always intended it to have a revolving cast of players, but it is something of a surprise to see that guitarist Marc Rizzo has departed as he has been there for years, meaning that for this release we find Soulfly as a trio with some guests helping. It is the fourth album for Max’s son Zyon behind the drums and the second with bassist Mike Leon, but one would think this is a band who have been together forever as they are incredibly tight, and they are continuing the story of this band into its third decade. I felt 2018’s ‘Ritual’ to be their best album since 2000’s ‘Primitive’, and I am glad to hear that this is following in a very similar vein, and it is obvious that Zyon has been paying close attention to his uncle Igor as there are some patterns on the likes of the title cut which have many similarities. I was playing a whole load of music while doing something else, and as soon as opener “Superstition” started I was over to check out what was playing as there is an immense burst of energy and feeling of realism which takes the listener to new levels.

They may be performing a form of groove metal, but they keep moving it is different directions, polished yet with the bite and energy which we expect from these guys. They slow it down, speed it up, always with that passion and power which makes them such a special band. There were times in the past when I felt Max had lost his way with this band, and I did wonder after the stunning Cavalera Conspiracy album whether he would put this to bed, but I am extremely glad he persevered as here is another very fine album indeed.  
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