Soulfly

Since their inception almost 15 years ago, Soulfly have been a difficult band to pin down. Sure, their music is little more than the natural progression from mainstay Max Cavalera's post-Roots Sepultura, but that's not the confusing part. What's bothersome is how after an unsurprisingly strong first few albums, the band eventually succumbed to the predictability and lack of enthusiasm (or "evolution") Cavalera seemed so hell-bent on maintaining. However, after his reconciliation with brother/fellow former Sepultura-ian Igor Cavalera, it sounds as if Max has found his muse once again. In keeping with the staunch, aggressive combustibility that was 2008's Conquer, Soulfly have once again created a dynamic, gut-tearing batch of anthems on Omen. Furthermore, with some tracks exploring other rhythmic avenues and just generally being more energized overall, the album's 11 tunes range from confrontational opener "Bloodbath & Beyond" through to the vastness of "Rise Of The Fallen," with Dillinger Escape Plan's Greg Puciato, and epic closer "Soulfly VII." While not matching the band's youthful vigour of earlier efforts or the legendary status of their feeder band, with Omen, Soulfly assure there is still something of merit left in this Cavalera's personal conspiracy.