Review: SEPULTURA – “A-Lex”

Sepultura – “A-Lex”
released January 20, 2009 by SPV/Steamhammer

The first word in Brazilian Metal returns with another opus based on a piece of literature, now focusing on a modern novel (Burgess’ A Clockwork Orange) rather than classic poetry (Dante’s Divine Comedy).  There is palpable energy throughout the album, the band’s eleventh (fifth with Derrick Green, now a distinguished voice in his own right), and the first without Igor Cavalera on drums (newcomer Jean Dolabella is a strong replacement).  They really touch all bases here:  breakneck thrash (2, 3), moody grooves (4, 9), instrumental “chapter starters” (1, 6, 12, 17), and even an adaptation of Beethoven’s 9th Symphony (16).  To say this is ambitious doesn’t nearly capture the confidence of this veteran band, whose impenetrable legacy now stretches back 25 years.

FCC: 5, 7, 12
Try  2, 3, 9, 11, 13, 18

01. A-Lex I
02. Moloko Mesto
03. Filthy Rot
04. We’ve Lost You
05. What I Do!
06. A-Lex II
07. The Treatment
08. Metamorphosis
09. Sadistic Values
10. Forceful Behavior
11. Conform
12. A-Lex III
13. The Experiment
14. Strike
15. Enough Said
16. Ludwig Van
17. A-Lex IV
18. Paradox

Rating:  

~Matt Longo