Soulfly - Omen

Omen is Soulfly’s seventh full length album. Let’s reiterate that - this is Soulfly’s seventh album. Just think about that for a minute. Yes, that’s right! The mighty Max Cavalera has recorded more albums with Soulfly then Sepultura with whom his name remains most synonymous – six for those who are counting. So surely that monkey on the shoulder, Soulfly being Max’s ‘other band’, should be beaten off violently while a group of animal rights protesters watch on in dismay? You’d think it should be but in many ways the ghost of bands past will haunt Cavalera for years to come, at least it looks that way from this vantage point.

But stop that talk now! Soulfly are a modern metal institution not solely because of their frontman’s thrilling metal past but mostly due to some jam packed, brutal metal records. Sure there’s been trouble in paradise now and then, with a few moments we’d rather not discuss. But you’ll be glad to know that Omen is not one such moment.

The affectionately titled 'Bloodbath & Beyond' comes thundering out of the gates with a vicious immediacy and runs into 'Rise Of The Fallen', the lead single. Its riffs were custom built for the pit and by also featuring Dillinger Escape Plan’s Greg Puciato adds some rasp with his knife gargling vocals. 'Lethal Injection' features another guest spot in the shape of Tommy Victor of Prong, a track which is also heaving with dancing guitar work.

Conversely, 'Kingdom' cruises in with unruly pace and gathers tempo from there. It must be noted that Marc Rizzo’s riffs violently remain an ever impressive highlight in the Soulfly arsenal. His abilities so wrongly inhabit the shadows of Max’s, granted – warranted, towering presence. But Rizzo can shred, as edified by Soulfly’s live show and his series of solo albums.

However despite each member’s more than high levels of efficiency, bombastic musical prowess isn’t a Soulfly mainstay – bringing the hook filled brutality is. 'Jeffrey Dahmer'’s title is more than enough to tell you what the track’s style is. The seeing red yet intrepid riffs and ferocity of Omen then continues fluidly through the thud of 'Off With Their Heads' as well as 'Mega-Doom' and 'Counter Sabotage' – the strength of the record is maintained.

7/10