SEPULTURA

A-Lex

SPV Records/ CD 2009

Let's be honest. After Max's departure I've completely lost my faith in that Brazilian crew. I'd even say more: "Roots" was already a hard test for my patience and loyalty. But after some time - and many listening sessions - I've accepted that tribal and in the way primal band’s effort. But after that I didn't want to listen to any of post-Cavalera era releases. I've missed the spirit of "Arise" and "Beneath The Remains" which I still consider as great and one of the most important classic thrash metal albums ever.

SOULFLY wasn't my piece of cake, too. But it has changed when they've released "Dark Ages". Songs like "Arise Again" has shown that we may expect some nice surprises in the future. And then came the real blast. Frankly speaking CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's debut was like awakening the dead. This is the album that should be released under SEPULTURA banner. Revoking the spirit of the past and full of power. Last SOULFLY work confirmed that Max is in the best condition since early 90s. So it was rather hard to expect that "A-Lex" - based upon a concept of Anthony Burgess' "Clockwork Orange" - may change my opinion about "Inflikted"'s supremacy. Anyway this time I decided to give the ol' friends' a chance. Maybe I did it because band's live show at METALMANIA 2007 - where they've already played without Igor - was so energetic. Maybe I was encouraged by album's cover which looks a little like an industrialized version of the picture known from "Arise". Maybe it was a simple curiosity. It really doesn't matter now. The most important thing is that I may declare that "A-Lex" is not as good as last Cavaleras' work and not as bas as some may think when they'd see that this is first SEPULTURA album without Igor, too.

"A-Lex" is quite huge piece of music. We have 18 tracks here, but four of them ("A-Lex" I - IV) are instrumental interludes between story's chapters. In my opinion the album could've been shorter. 'Cause we have both: interesting and pretty average moments here. For example I think that there would be no big loss if "Ludwig Van" could be thrown out of the setlist. Mixing metal with classic may bring much more exciting results. But I think that the monumental concept forced band to provide such a colossal dose of heavy music. The master of ceremony is Andreas Kisser. We have a lot of interesting riffs, solos (“Strike”) real guitar wall and powerful breakdowns. Unfortunately they're intertwined by those of less quality. Fortunately the lows do not appear too often and do not force to push the "eject" button. First regular track "Moloko Mesto" is the best example that those guys know how to unleash the fury. (the same with "The Treatment"). But soon after that "Filthy Rot" follows with it's tribal choirs and things get less interesting at once. "We've Lost You" sound a little like an outtake from "Roots" session. "What I Do!" reminds a little "Chaos A.D." era and is much better than it's precedessor. So we've got a little quality amplitude here. Derrick Green is on of the most criticized vocalists on the metal scene. But in my opinion he does his job quite good. I do have some doubts if he must sing with a clear voice like in "Sadisctic Values", but generally that guy is OK. New drummer Jean Dolabella shows his skills, too. I don't think that he's better then Igor. But there's nothing to complain about this replacement.

Sound also meets quality standards of modern metal scene. So after all we have a pretty solid release here. So I'm sure next time I'll check new SEPULTURA stuff. Even if the glorious days are far and gone. And I still remember that "Inflikted" rules. Howgh.

8/12