Ok I admit it. I miss Max. I have always been into the vocals in music more than anything else. The words speak to me. I have failed on the bass and guitar, and let's just say I am a tad intimidated by the drum kit in the basement. But it's safe to say Derrick Green has grown on me with this CD. He has finally found his way in the land of Sepultura. Igor Cavalera on drums, Andreas Kisser on guitars and Paulo Xisto on bass round out the original trio of the group.
This CD has something that I love about the older Slayer CDs as well. It plays almost like one straight song. A long, hardcore, heavy song. And also perfectly seamless. A song to get the aggressions of the day out with. A song that makes me want to throw down and hit the pit. Yes, some girls really did like to hit the pit and work out those pent up angers. But I digress.
This CD is such a throw back to the Old Skool metal that I love so dearly. Hard, heavy with ripping guitars and heart stopping double bass. Strength and force come through each song. This is the best album the band has released since
Roots back in '96 or even perhaps
Chaos AD in '93. The others were merely a growing period for the band. They have found the missing pieces of the puzzle and are verging on being a force to be reckoned with again in the thrash world.
Favorite songs:
"Convicted In Life" (this will be the first video off the album)
"Ostia"
"Still Flame"
A release like this album early in the year has me eagerly anticipating the rest of the year. One very nice touch was the tribute to the late great Darrel "Dimebag" Abbot. Two years is too long already for us to be without this god of a man, but it is a nice touch to remember him. It also reminds me that metal is not just music, it's a family and a way of life.