Review by Rick Eaglestone for MPM
There’s a particular moment early in Max Cavalera’s career trajectory where everything crystallizes—where the raw fury and indigenous rhythmic sensibilities that have always lurked beneath the surface of his compositions suddenly burst through with undeniable purpose. Soulfly’s latest offering, “Chama,” represents precisely that kind of artistic crystallization, a record that doesn’t so much arrive as it erupts from the studio with a primal ferocity that makes you question whether the band has ever truly abandoned their most essential instincts.
From the opening moments, it is abundantly clear that Soulfly has crafted something that demands immediate attention. The production aesthetic here is distinctly different from some of their more recent efforts. Rather than opting for an overly polished approach, the band has embraced a sonic palette that feels simultaneously raw and refined—a delicate balance that few contemporary metal acts even attempt anymore. Every instrument occupies its own distinct space in the mix, yet there is a cohesive sensibility that suggests meticulous diligence during the recording process.
Cavalera’s approach to the vocal performance across “Chama” deserves particular mention. His delivery spans a remarkable range, from guttural utterances that sound like they are emerging from somewhere deep within the earth itself to cleaner, almost contemplative passages that emphasize melody without sacrificing intensity.
There is a confidence here that comes from decades of perfecting a craft, yet the artist never sounds complacent. Instead, he sounds genuinely invested in expressing something that feels urgent and immediate.
The guitar work throughout the album highlights a fascinating duality. On one hand, there are moments of absolutely devastating heavy riffing—thick, substantial tones that feel physically present and impossible to ignore. These sequences serve as anchor points, creating frameworks upon which the band can construct their more exploratory passages. Yet what makes “Chama” particularly engaging is the willingness to venture beyond simple heaviness into territories that require genuine compositional sophistication. Melodic elements weave through tracks in unexpected ways, creating hooks that lodge themselves in your consciousness long after the album has finished playing.
The rhythm section deserves commendation as well. Rather than defaulting to standard metal percussion patterns, the band embraces a dynamic approach that incorporates tribal and world music influences in ways that never feel gratuitous or superficial. There’s genuine musicianship at work here, an understanding that groove and heaviness are fundamentally different properties that can coexist beautifully when managed with appropriate care. The bass work underpins everything with a clarity that’s increasingly rare in modern metal production, ensuring that nothing gets lost in the mix despite the album’s densely layered arrangements.
What strikes most forcefully about “Chama” is its thematic coherence. This isn’t a collection of disparate songs gathered together; instead, it functions as a cohesive artistic statement with a clear philosophical through-line. The exploration of cultural identity, spiritual themes, and the intersection between Indigenous traditions and contemporary metal aesthetics feels organic rather than calculated. Cavalera and his collaborators are not simply appropriating cultural elements for shock value or aesthetic flavour—there is a depth of engagement that suggests genuine reverence for these influences.
For longtime Soulfly observers, “Chama” represents a particularly gratifying development. This is a band that has always possessed the capacity for artistic adventure, yet they have sometimes struggled to fully reconcile their various influences into coherent wholes. Here, those elements—metal brutality, rhythmic sophistication, spiritual exploration, and melodic sensibility—achieve something approaching perfect synthesis. The album suggests a band that has finally discovered the precise equilibrium between these competing impulses.
That said, this is not an album designed for universal palatability. Those approaching metal from a purely commercial perspective might find “Chama” occasionally challenging or indulgent. The tribal and world music elements, while brilliantly integrated, occupy sufficient space that some listeners accustomed to straightforward metal songwriting might require an adjustment period. Furthermore, Cavalera’s vocal approach, while compelling, remains decidedly non-traditional and could potentially alienate those seeking more conventionally “metal” vocal delivery. These are not weaknesses precisely—they’re more accurately described as artistic choices that naturally circumscribe the album’s potential audience.
Yet for listeners willing to invest the necessary attention, “Chama” offers profound rewards. This is an album that reveals new dimensions with repeated listening, where subtle instrumental details and lyrical nuances continue emerging even after multiple encounters. The compositional sophistication ensures that casual background listening yields only surface-level appreciation; this record demands active engagement and rewards that investment generously.
In conclusion, “Chama” represents Soulfly operating at or extremely near their highest level. This is a record that refuses categorization, which demands respect for its artistic ambition while maintaining the visceral power that defines the finest metal music. It’s simultaneously brutal and beautiful, complex yet viscerally engaging, culturally respectful yet utterly contemporary. For fans of challenging metal that aspires to genuine artistic expression, “Chama” stands as essential listening. For those curious about where heavy music ventures when artists refuse to acknowledge artificial limitations, this record provides a compelling roadmap.
Max himself stated, “I’m excited to present to longtime SOULFLY fans, a revival of our original sound. CHAMA is full of heavy tribal grooves and ripping fast riffs too. We’ve continued experimenting with different sounds while retaining the heart and soul that makes SOULFLY what it is. We hope this album brings veteran fans and new fans together to enjoy the new tracks. We hope to see you in the pit around the world.”
Chama Track Listing:
- Indigenous Inquisition
- Storm The Gates
- Nihilist
- No Pain = No Power
- Ghenna
- Black Hole Scum
- Favela – Dystopia
- Always Was, Always Will Be
- Xiii
- Chama
Line-up:
Max Cavalera – Vocals, Guitar
Zyon Cavalera – Drums
Igor Cavalera – Bass
Mike DeLeon – Guitar
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