Sepultura
Kairos

As I begin to write, there's a question that keeps crossing my mind: "but is it really wise to delve into reviewing a Sepultura album, this time it might be better to avoid..."

Indeed, because the case in question is certainly the most striking example of how a band can touch the sky with a finger, only to fall into the depths and stir in the hearts of fans much bitterness and disappointment.

I'm naturally speaking about the post-Max Cavalera period, when the artistic productions of the Brazilian band often appeared anonymous and far removed from everything that had previously made them famous.

Just imagine how high the skepticism must be that accompanies the release of their new album.

With the departure of the iconic voice, followed a few years later by the drummer brother Igor, naturally, something changed radically in the band's structure, and it was hard to expect something better.

Two weeks ago, "Kairos", the twelfth studio work, and sixth with Derrik Green on vocals, was released.

Even from a quick first listen, I realized that this time something has changed.

From the riffs introducing the first two tracks, "Spectrum" and "Kairos", which gives the album its title, it quickly becomes apparent that Andreas Kisser is attempting to return to being the one from "Chaos A.D." and "Roots".

This style of playing, which I define as "minimal trash metal", is extremely functional, representing the key to understanding the whole album. 

Guitar and drums blend and intertwine in continuous tempo changes, and even the voice of the aforementioned Derrik Green, whom I personally don't like much, seems to fit well in this work.

The album develops in this direction throughout its duration, from the fast-paced "Relentless", to "Mask" and "Seethe".

Special mention goes to "Just One Fix" cover by Ministry, and "Firestarter" cover by the Prodigy (only in the deluxe version).

According to many, and myself included, the best features in this work.

Moral: this album seems to present a slight sign of recovery, but naturally we are far from what Sepultura made us listen to in the past.

The replacement of two fundamental members like the Cavalera brothers has doomed Sepultura to no longer be Sepultura.

But, never say never…