Sepultura

The latest in a long line of solid, dependable Sepultura releases, Kairos is the band's second album with no Cavaleras in the group, and it proves that the core duo of guitarist Andreas Kisser and bassist Paulo Jr. is capable of keeping Sepultura alive. Derrick Green still does a great job behind the mic, screaming, barking and keeping things rolling along, while the drumming of Jean Dolabella is punctuated nicely by the punchy production, demonstrating that the man is a powerhouse behind the kit. Songs like the excellent, groove-laden opener, "Spectrum," the melodic and memorable "Dialog," album highlight "Embrace the Storm" and the half-time stomper title track show that this band operate within a realm they created (and, really, only they inhabit), one that's hardcore, thrash and groove (but never nu ― that's important). And, yes, it's accentuated with elements of traditional Brazilian percussion, but they're not pounded over the listener's head like in less tactful times. Hell, even the band's cover of Ministry's "Just One Fix," boldly placed as track five, works excellently on this surprisingly vital album, one that just gets better with repeat listens.