REVIEWS:
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(reviewed by Pat D.)
There are days where I actually like this album more than Arise. It' s certainly more consistent, albeit a bit tougher to get into, for Max and Co. perform a ferocious speed attack not all dissimilar to Slayer's Reign In Blood. Why more consistent? Well, of all the songs on this album, there really isn't one that is bad or skip-worthy. Beneath is one of those albums that plays well all the way through. On the other hand, there really isn't a standout track anywhere, but I do love the groovy "Inner Self", the title track and "Sarcastic Existence". Oh yeah, and "Mass Hypnosis" and "Stronger Than Hate" are pretty rocking tracks too.
The other tracks are fairly decent, and most of them have lots of cool riffs or time changes that keep them from being dull, like the two weak tracks off of Arise. The lyrics are rather simplistic, however. At times it seems a fourth grader wrote 'em, but thats OK, for I can rarely understand what Max is spitting out. It sure sounds cool, though. And remember, these guys did not speak a word of English until they made their first album. Overall, I'd get Arise first - it's far more accessible than this record, and "Desperate Cry" kicks all ass. If you're one of those trendy Roots Sepultura fans, do not expect to like this album. Its pure speed metal. But for you thrash freaks, you might like this one even more than Arise. It sure is intense, I'll give it that.
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(reviewed by Pat D.)
Ahhh, Sepultura. The cure for the ills of modern music. All your Korn lovers out there who think that Munky and Head would shred any other band to pieces should buy this album. And anybody who has even the slightest interest in TRUE thrash. BUY IT BUY IT NOW! OK, Arise is not really 'the greatest album of all time' like this paragraph makes it out to be. Reason? Well, side one is absolutely phenomenal. Every damn song on that side makes you want to go out and hurt something. Or just really mess someone up. Then the tape ends and you suddenly remember that you are a skinny metalhead who would have trouble taking your sister in a brawl. So, you flip over to side two, looking for that same adrenaline rush, and well, except for one track, "Altered State", you are left feeling a little bit disappointed. "Meaningless Movements" and "Under Siege" are mind-numbingly dull sludge. And "Infected Voice" is a good, but not great, thrasher.
But side one, ahhhhh..... Starts out with the brilliant high-speed attack title track, moves into the riff heavy "Dead Embryonic Cells". But the best song on this tape, and one of the finest thrash tracks by any band, is "Desperate Cry". Most of the song is midtempo thrash (except for the super-highspeed bridge), but there are so many damn riff changes in it that the track never becomes boring. I would personally buy this tape again even if every other song sucked (which they certainly don't), that is how good "Desperate Cry" is. "Murder" and "Subtraction" may take a while to enjoy, for they come after the excellence that is "Desperate Cry", but I assure ya, they are great songs.
Who should buy this? Well, if you only like Black Album Metallica, and new Megadeth, stay away. This is really heavy shit, and not really accessible to the average listener. The vocals in particular (courtesy of Mr. Max Cavalera) are shouted, Death Metal type. But make no mistake, this is thrash, not death. And Igor Cavalera is THE heaviest drummer you will EVER have the pleasure of hearing. If you are looking to expand your thrash catalog, this is a must buy.
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(reviewed by Pat D.)
On most review sites I've seen, this one is rated #1 out of all the Sep releases. I don't get it. Side One is pretty cool, and the Sep boys haven't lost any of their high-energy guitar attack. But there just seems to be something missing that made the earlier albums so great. For the most part, the band has slowed things down, in an apparent attempt to grind. A few tracks succeed mightily in this new approach, most notably "Refuse/Resist", the great "Territory", "Slave New World" and "The Hunt".
For those of you who do not know, Sepultura are from Brazil. Up until now, the only evidence of this has been the cool tribalesque rhythmic drumming of the kickass Igor Cavalera. However, for all of you that care, Chaos has a track called "Kaiowas" which is (I guess) Brazilian in nature. Supposedly its based on a song by some persecuted tribe somewhere. Sorry I cannot give a more detailed description, but I really couldn't care less. Its an interesting song, though.
Side two is not that great. "Biotech" has a dumb chorus over some cool riffs, and that's about it. Keep in mind, though that a lot of people LOVE this album and consider it their best. I just don't really care for it. In addition, this album has some of the best drum tracking you are likely to hear. Crisp and fucking HEAVY. Igor just RULES.
UPDATE: I'd just like to update this review. Igor Cavalera has simply the best drum tone on the planet. Not even the legendary Neil Peart can get this sound----clear, precise, and heavy all at the same time. At one time I thought this was impossible, but thankfully the Cavalera boys proved me wrong. If you buy this for no other reason, buy it to listen to Igor. Then tell me the guy from Korn or Limp Bizkit has 'bitchin drum tracks yo'. By the way, "Clenched Fist" is a LOT better than I gave it credit for, so bump this rating up to a 7.
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