GO AHEAD AND DIE — Go Ahead and Die (review)

GO AHEAD AND DIE — Go Ahead and Die album cover

Album · 2021 · Thrash Metal

4/5 · 2021-11-12
UMUR

"Go Ahead And Die" is the eponymously titled debut full-length studio album by US/Brazilian metal act Go Ahead And Die. The album was released through Nuclear Blast in June 2021. Go Ahead And Die was formed in 2020 by vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera, his son Igor Amadeus Cavalera (vocals, guitar, bass), and Zach Coleman (drums). While Cavalera junior has been active on the scene for some years with lesser known acts, it´s of course the presence of Cavalera senior which is the initial attraction for most listeners. His legendary status on the scene and involvement with artists like Sepultura, Nailbomb, Soulfly, The Cavalera Conspiracy...etc. can not be ignored in importance and impact on the world of heavy metal. Coleman is a seasoned musician too having played with (or are currently playing with) acts like Black Curse, Dominion, Khemmis, Dagon.

The style of the material featured on the 11 track, 43:47 minutes long album is a combination of thrash metal, crossover hardcore/thrash metal, and a few nods towards death metal/deathgrind. It´s pretty much raw to the bone aggression and furious organic playing all the way through the album. Raw aggressive riffs and energetic drumming, and the raw shouted vocals of father and son Cavalera (predominantly by the latter), that´s the sound of Go Ahead And Die. There´s no pretence here, and you´ll get what you hear and you´ll be leaving bludgeoned and bleeding. I´m sure the music on the album will translate well to a live environment as the recordings sound almost live at times. The sound production is suitably raw and distorted, which brings out the best in the material. If I have to compare the music to other contemporary artists it would be Power Trip and Enforced, who both also operate within a similar no bullshit crossover thrash/thrash metal territory.

The above description of the music may make it sound like "Go Ahead And Die" is a relatively one-dimensional affair, but that´s actually not the case. While it´s a relentlessly aggressive and raw sounding album, the band are clever enough to vary pace, riff style, and songwriting approach enough to ensure that the album never becomes a tedious listen. These guys have quite a few tricks up their sleeves. It´s all implemented in a tasteful way though, which means that authenticity and brutality is never lost.

Honestly I was slightly worried that "Go Ahead And Die" would be a standard quality product and that Max Cavalera would overshadow his son or that he may just be involved in the project to promote his son´s band, but both statements or fears if you will, turn out to be utter rubbish and completely unfounded, as Cavalera junior shines here and is obviously the driving force in the band, and the older Cavalera also contributes and pours from his wealth of experience. Coleman deserves a mention too for his powerful organic playing, which drives the music forward in an irresistable raw fashion. A 4 star (80%) rating is deserved.