The thunderous drums, the pulse pounding rhythm, strong native chants, it sounds like new soulfly! That’s right kiddies Max Cavalera is back with a third album from Soulfly, the best tribal metal band out there! after a split with Sepultura in the mid-late 90’s Cavalera has collaborated with several other metal artists to create a tribal music gathering none other than . . . Soulfly.

when i picked up the new soulfly album christened “3” i was very anxious. their second album labeled “primitive” was a bit of a downfall in my eyes. it lacked the energy that attracted me to soulfly. although it was loaded with guests it didn’t have the edge that the first self titled cd had. 3 is quite the opposite, it has the rough wild edge of old soulfly yet with a new fresh sound. heavy percussion, foreign instruments, abrasive guitar riffs, and growling vocals give this band the tribal edge that many have come to love.

after leaving sepultura, max cavalera created soulfly in honor of his murdered stepson dana wells. this tragic event polishes soulfly with a lyrical intensity unlike any other band. ever since 1998 when their first cd came out, the band lineup has yet to stay the same. however “3” has the best arrangement so far. max cavalera (vocals & rhythm guitar) marcello dias (bassist) mike doling (guitar) roy mayorga (drums), and everyone plays percussion. from djambes, to congas and sitars to berimbaus, they play it all.

the first cd came out when max was fresh out of sepultura and shortly after dana died, obviously full of a wide array of emotions. “primitive” was slightly more established, but headed in the wrong direction. “3” is galvanized with a right amount of force, sound and speed. most definitely “3” is on track for prominent tribal success. take a look at the lyrics for 2 new songs:

downstroy:
fighting for your soul, embrace one feeling left inside,
defending what is yours, the more we breathe,
arm in arms, i and i and all. the more it takes my breath away.

one:
fire is within, everything you do,
bleed for your belief, everything in you,
come on a bleed with me everything you do an say,
doesn’t wash it all away!

these lyrics if you are a true blue soulfly fan mean something. their tribal attitudes (what’s best for the whole group) and castigation of conformity is blatantly evident. their other two cd’s have the same message with the same tribal perspective and are worth picking up if you like “3.” i give this cd 4 planets for its old school soulfly feel, great musical collaboration, and ass kicking tribal feel. a word to the wise, if you have read any of my previous music reviews i warn that if you are weary of metal steer clear, soulfly is not for milquetoast wimps. get out and buy “3” you will thank me for it. however if you want to test the waters, head over to www.roadrunnerrecords.com and listen to two singles from the cd. peace my tribe; over and out.
 

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