Sepultura
Chaos A.D.

THE REVIEW

In 1993, the already noisy world of heavy metal was stunned by additional decibels of unprecedented power. Sepultura, already existing for 10 years, made a global impact with "Chaos A.D." With that release, metal reached forms of maturity that it had only previously brushed against. Until that point, Sepultura, despite enjoying considerable notoriety even beyond their native Brazil, didn't seem destined for particularly brilliant prospects. They had moved within the thrash sphere (with death influences), with tracks that mirrored the style of Slayer. Who knows what spurred the Cavalera brothers, Max and Igor, to change so positively suddenly... with "Chaos A.D." Sepultura move away from the tired "satanic" themes of previous albums, focusing more on the album's sound.

Already the first track leaves no problems: Refuse/Resist showcases an urban guerrilla that feels so much like war, with imitations of police sirens and machine gun bursts. More or less, the following track Territory is the same thing. Slave New World discusses the subjugation of various tribes in the new world of the 1500s. Guys, the death influences are no longer felt, or rather; the resonances are still dark, even though the themes are very close to those of 80's hardcore/punk groups. The performance of Biotech Is Godzilla is truly original, making us understand which tradition Sepultura reconnects to. Another wonderful song is Kaiowas, dedicated to the Brazilian indigenous tribe of the same name that committed suicide. By now I have no doubt: the new sound of Sepultura also stems from Brazilian rhythms and traditions. Another song to mention is Manifest, which is a harsh protest against the Brazilian police responsible for the massacre committed in Carandiru prison.
It's a great pity that, as the years went by, what we all know happened... the quarrels between the Cavalera brothers, the period of confusion that the band would have... They still have the credit for having demonstrated, with "Chaos A.D.", how metal can be much more than a few repetitive chords and superficial poses oscillating between the epic and the satanic. It can be conscience, both moral and civil.