SEPULTURA — Machine Messiah (review)

Album · 2017 · Groove Metal

4.5/5 · 2017-04-10
UMUR

"Machine Messiah" is the 14th full-length studio album by Brazilian metal act Sepultura. The album was released through Nuclear Blast Records in January 2017. It´s the successor to "The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart" from 2013, and features the exact same lineup who recorded the predecessor.

Stylistically the material on "Machine Messiah" is a combination of thrash and groove metal, and there are even a couple of progressive metal traits to be found, which isn´t a completely new thing in Sepultura´s universe, but it´s less understated here than on previous efforts into progressive territories. The latter is only an influence though and is mostly heard on the instrumental "Iceberg Dances" and the following "Sworn Oath". "Machine Messiah" is overall a rather adventurous release, and in addition to the two tracks mentioned above, there are fast aggressive thrashers like "I Am the Enemy" and "Silent Violence", and heavy epic tracks like "Cyber God" and the title track (which features some really strong clean vocals by Derrick Green), featured on the album. Tracks like "Phantom Self" and "Resistent Parasites" both feature a lot of heavy grooves, but that´s an element, which is dominant throughout the album. So all in all "Machine Messiah" is a relatively varied album.

It´s also a very well written album, and each track stand out and leaves a lasting impression. "Machine Messiah" is a concept album influenced by "the robotization of our society" (the band´s own words). There´s a dark and angry atmosphere surrounding the release, which suits Sepultura well. The musicianship is as always on a high level and a great asset to the album. Green has a strong voice and a commanding and versatile delivery, Andreas Kisser plays one inventive guitar riff and solo after another, Paulo Jr. delivers the heavy bass grooves, and Eloy Casagrande is one hell of a powerhouse drummer. Actually I can´t stop praising Casagrande for what he has done for Sepultura´s sound since he entered the lineup on 2011. His playing is fusion influenced, but he is also true to the band´s thrash/groove metal roots, and the occassional tribal style drumming part. He delivers any kind of rhythm with seamless ease and great conviction. He is a major asset to the band´s sound and the rest of the band should go to great lengths to keep him in the band.

"Machine Messiah" features a powerful and detailed sound production which helps bring the best out in the material, so it´s a high quality release on all parameters. A great sounding production, a well playing band, and very well written material...you can´t really ask for more. In terms of "Machine Messiah´s" place in Sepultura´s by now huge discography, I´d dare say it´s one of their better releases and probably their best post-Max Cavalera album yet. While a lot of water has run under the bridge since the glory days of the early- to mid 90s, and Sepultura have picked up quite a few new influences since then, this may be an album which can bring some of the old fans back into the fold. If not for the Sepultura name, then for the sheer quality of the music. A 4.5 star (90%) rating is deserved.

more than 2 years ago
Permalink
Report #341538

Share this review

Review Comments

Post a public comment below | Send private message to the reviewer

Please login to post a shout

UMUR wrote:

more than 2 years ago

I haven´t really been very interested in Sepultura since Max left, but "The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart (2013)" sparked my interest Again. This one tops it though and I personally find it highly recommendable.