Sepultura are a thrash band from Belo Horizonte, Brazil who redefined their own sound several times becoming more complex with each new album. Sepultura went on to become the most successful Brazilian band in heavy metal, if not rock history all together. In 1998 (or was it 97?) vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Max Cavalera left the band and formed Soulfly.

Sepultura - Morbid Visions/Bestial Devastation (Roadrunner) 1986/1985

1. "Morbid Visions" (3:23)
2. "Mayhem" (3:15)
3. "Troops of Doom" (3:21)
4. "War" (5:32)
5. "Crucifixion" (5:02)
6. "Show Me the Wrath" (3:52)
7. "Funeral Rites" (4:23)
8. "Empire of the Damned" (4:24)
9. "The Curse" (0:39)
10. "Bestial Devastation" (3:06)
11. "Antichrist" (3:46)
12. "Necromancer" (3:52)
13. "Warriors of Death" (4:07)

Humble beginnings for a band that was a precursor to death metal and a leader in the thrash genre. "Morbid Visions" was their debut album, "Bestial Devastation" was their debut EP that was released as a split album with Overdose. Musically the band sounded like a mixed up, noisy version of Kreator, Possessed or early Death. The music just wasn't there yet, although the aggression certainly was. The lyrical direction was ridiculous as well, following in the footsteps of Venom, Possessed and Bathory. Considered a classic to many death metal fans. As for me, I'll take "Beneath the Remains" or "Chaos AD" both for musical maturity and avoiding the metal cliche's of these early releases.

Sepultura - Schizophrenia (Roadrunner) 1987

1. "Intro" (0:31)
2. "From the Past Comes the Storms" (4:55)
3. "To the Wall" (5:36)
4. "Escape to the Void" (4:38)
5. "Inquisition Symphony" [instrumental] (7:13)
6. "Screams Behind the Shadows" (4:48)
7. "Septic Schizo" (4:31)
8. "The Abyss" (1:01)
9. "R.I.P. (Rest in Pain)" (4:36)
10. "Troops of Doom" [remix] (3:17)

Imagine early death metal meets Metallica's "Ride the Lightning." That's what you get with this Sepultura release. Compared to what was to come, this album sounds a bit generic, but it sure sounded great in 1987. "Troops of Doom" is a remix of a song that originally appeared on "Morbid Visions." Bought this one new or $3.99!

Sepultura - Beneath the Remains (Roadrunner) 1989

1. "Beneath the Remains" (5:11)
2. "Inner Self" (5:07)
3. "Stronger than Hate" (5:50)
4. "Mass Hypnosis" (4:22)
5. "Sarcastic Existence" (4:43)
6. "Slaves of Pain" (4:00)
7. "Lobotomy" (4:55)
8. "Hungry" (4:28)
9. "Primitive Future" (3:08)
BONUS TRACKS
10. "A Hora E A Vez Do Cabelo Nascer" (2:23)
11. "Inner Self" -[drum tracks] (5:12)
12. "Mass Hypnosis" [drum tracks] (4:23)

"Beneath the Remains" is fantastic thash album! "Beneath the Remains" is technical, fast and tight! I recall the band being labeled as 'death metal' back in the early 90's. While the music is death-tinged and technical heavy metal, it falls closer to the thrash metal side of things than death metal. The album is produced by Scott Burns, known for his work with Obituary, among others. Burns helped the band to achieve a sound that is tight, ultra-heavy and never sloppy. As well, the band's songwriting really evolved since "Schizophrenia", which really saw the band wearing some of their influences on their sleeves. It is my opinion that "Beneath the Remains" is the Sepultura record that broke the band away from the hordes of thrash metal clones.

The re-issue of "Beneth the Remains" has three bonus tracks and a far superior cover to the original. "A Hora E A Vez Do Cabelo Nascer" is a cover of a Brazilain band called Mutantes. This cover sounds very Metallica-like.

I would have loved to see these guys do a show with label mates Believer back in the early 90's.

Sepultura - Arise (Attic Records) 1991

1. "Arise" (3:19)
2. "Dead Embryonic Cells" (4:51)
3. "Desperate Cry" (6:40)
4. "Murder" (3:26)
5. "Subtraction" (4:48)
6. "Altered State" (6:33)
7. "Under Siege (Regnum Irae)" (4:53)
8. "Meaningless Moments" (4:40)
9. "Infected Voice" (3:19)
10. "Orgasmatron" (4:14)
11. "Intro" -instrumental (1:33)
12. "C.J.U." (Criminals in Uniform)" (4:17)
13. "Desperate Cry (Scott Burn Mix)" (6:44)

I have never considered Sepultura to be a death metal band, although that is the label they wear. I see both 'Beneath the Remains' and 'Arise' as just fine examples of technical thrash metal. "Arise" was recorded at the infamous metal factory Morrisound Studios. The disc gave the band their first big breakthrough with the MTV Headbanger's Ball hit "Dead Embryonic Cells." I also remember there being a big controversy over MTV banning the video of the title track for reasons I cannot remember. I do remember it got the band some free press and probably helped gain the band some popularity. Anyhow, lots of straight forward thrashers on this one and a few fast, blast beat songs. There are also the more complex stuff that Sepultura did so well. "Altered State" combines a Brazillian intro with a killer, grinding riff and even some acoustic guitar parts. My particular copy is a Canadian import, is pressed on a gold disc and contains three bonus tracks, the coolest of which is, of course, the Motorhead cover "Orgasmatron." The booklet also contains all the lyrics as well as tons of photos and a short bio. Nice package.

Sepultura - Dead Embryonic Cells (Roadrunner) 1991

1. "Dead Embroyonic Cells" (4:31)
2. "Orgasmatron" (4:13)
3. "Troops of Doom" [remix] (3:21)

"Orgasmatron" is a cover of the Motorhead song, and simply the only reason to own this little EP. "Roots of Sepultura" also contains this cover but since I don't have it, I'll hold onto this EP. Not rare yet, but give it a few years.

Sepultura - Chaos A.D. (Roadrunner) 1993

1. "Refuse/Resist" (3:19)
2. "Territory" (4:45)
3. "Slave New World" (2:54)
4. "Amen" (4:24)
5. "Kaiowas" [instrumental] (3:32)
6. "Propaganda" (3:31)
7. "Biotech is Godzilla" (1:52)
8. "Nomad" (4:58)
9. "We Who Are Not as Others" (3:43)
10. "Manifest" (4:55)
11. "The Hunt" (3:58)
12. "Clenched Fist" (4:57)

This CD is nothing short of fantastic! "Chaos AD" put Sepultura in a class all of their own, heads and tail above other thrash and death metal bands. HEAVY as heavy can get, more progressive than any of their earlier discs, and darn infectious to boot. A classic album in every sense of the word! Put this disc into your CD player and see if it doesn't send you into spontaneous fits of moshing!

Sepultura - Roots (Roadrunner) 1996

1. "Roots Bloody Roots" (3:32)
2. "Attitude" (4:15)
3. "Cut Throat" (2:44)
4. "Ratamahatta" (4:30)
5. "Breed Apart" (4:01)
6. "Straighthate" (5:21)
7. "Spit" (2:45)
8. "Lookaway" (5:25)
9. "Dusted" (4:03)
10. "Born Stubborn" (4:07)
11. "Jasco" [instrumental] (1:57)
12. "Itsari" [instrumental] (4:48)
13. "Ambush" (4:39)
14. "Endangered Species" (5:19)
15. "Dictatorshit" (1:26)

In an effort to follow up their best release to date "Chaos AD," Sepultura redifined themselves again, adding lots of tribal rhythms and even some acoustic instrumental work. The opening track is one of the most pummeling heavy songs ever written. As a matter of fact as I was writing this I had the song playing and I had to stop typing to engage in some spontaneous head banging! "Ratamahatta" is one of those songs that forces you to move in spastic motions. AWESOME!!!! Damn it's hard to type while this disc is one...ah forget it. Think I'm gonna thrash for a while!

Sepultura - Natural Born Blasters (FM Records/Roadrunner) 1996

1. "Territory" [live] (4:46)
2. "Inhuman Nature" (3:11)
3. "Procreation (Of the Wicked)" (3:39)
4. "Policia" (1:47)
5. "Under Siefe" (Regnum Irae) (4:53)

This is a promotional EP from Greece. Don't know much about it other than that it has some stellar material on it. "Territory" live manages to be even heavier than the studio version. "Inhuman Nature" I assume is a cover song but of who I do not know. "Procreation" is a slow, heavy Celtic Frost cover. "Policia" is a song originally by the Brazilian band TITÂS (Titans) and is about police violence. Apparently this song was a big hit in Brazil in the late 80s. Sepultura's cover of "Policia" originally appeared on their "Territory" single. "Under Seige" is off their "Arise" disc. Unfortunately all the liner notes are in Greek, so I can't even read a word of it. Got this disc in a trade for an old tape I never listened to.

Speaking of covers, Sepultura do a wicked cover of "Symptom of the Universe" on the Black Sabbath tribute "Nativity in Black."

Sepultura - Blood Rooted (Roadrunner) 1997

1. "Procreation (of the Wicked)" (3:39)
2. "Inhuman Nature" (3:11)
3. "Policia" (1:47)
4. "War" (6:39)
5. "Crucificados Pelo Sistema" (1:04)
6. "Symptom of the Universe" (4:15)
7. "Mine" (6:25)
8. "Lookaway" [Master Vibe Mix] (5:35)
9. "Dusted [demo version] (4:27)
10. "Roots Bloody Roots" [demo version] (3:32)
11. "Drug Me" (1:54)
12. "Refuse/Resist" [live] (3:50)
13. "Slave New World" [live] (3:06)
14. "Propoganda" [live] (3:25)
15. "Beneath the Remains/Escape to the Void" [live] (3:48)
16. "Kaiowas" [live] (2:18)
17. "Clenched Fist" [live] (3:38)
18. "Biotech is Godzilla" [live] (2:09)

Gotta love b-side collections. Sepultura's "Blood Rooted" is a killer b-side collection featuring tons of rare & unreleased songs. Their cover of Celtic Frost's "Procreation of the Wicked", which also shows up on the Natural Born Blasters EP, is absolutely pummeling. It's slow and doomy, but heavy as a ten ton truck. Must admit however, that I still like the Frost version better. Their cover of Black Sabbath's "Symptom of the Universe", which first appeared on the Nativity in Black: A Tribute to Black Sabbath, absolutely rules! This is one of the best covers Sepultura has ever done. There are a few covers on here like "War" and "Policia" that I don't recognize. The demo tracks are unnecessary but the live tracks are absolutely essential. As heavy as Sepultura are, their live sound is even heavier and comes across great on these tracks. I also like the fact that they put all the live tracks together at the end of the cd, rather than mixing them in with the studio tracks like other b-side releases. It makes for a much better listen. It's to bad Max makes himself sound like a bloomin' idiot in between songs though. He can't even say one sentence without using the same expletive ten times over. "...everybody's f***in enjoying the show and s**t. Sepultura's f***in glad to see all you motherf***ers in the house...this next song goes out to some f***in, some stupid a**holes.." Then we wonder why people think metalheads are idiots. Otherwise, "Bloody Rooted" is an excellent disc that closes out one chapter of this band's career.

Sepultura - Against (Roadrunner) 1998

1.  "Against" (1:54)
2.  "Choke" (3:37)
3.  "Rumors" (3:04)
4.  "Old Earth" (4:29)
5.  "Floaters In Mud" (4:58)
6.  "Boycott" (3:11)
7.  "Tribus" [instrumental] (1:38)
8.  "Common Bonds" (2:59)
9.   "F.O.E." [instrumental] (2:08)
10. "Reza" (2:17)
11. "Unconsious" (3:37)
12. "Kamaitachi" [instrumental] (3:03)
13. "Drowned Out" (1:29)
14. "Hatred Aside" (5:14)
15. "T3rcermillennium" [instrumental] (3:55)

Most people assumed that without guitarist/vocalist/band leader Max Cavalera, Sepultura would have given up. However the remaining members added vocalist Derrick Green (who sounds alot like Cavalera) and recorded "Against." The results are actually much better than one might expect, even better, in my opinion, than Max's new band Soulfly. Jason Newsted co-wrote and played on the track "Hatred Aside." Perhaps "Against" has a healthy mix of both "Roots" and "Chaos AD" and is one brutal metal CD.

Sepultura – Nation (Roadrunner Records) 2001

1.    "Sepulnation" (4:20)
2.   " Revolt" (:56 )
3.    "Border Wars" (5:10)
4.    "One Man Army" (5:27)
5.    "Vox Populi" (3:41)
6.    "The Ways of Faith" (4:53)
7.    "Uma Cura" (3:14)
8.    "Who Must Die?" (2:58)
9.    "Saga" (4:37)
10.    "Tribe to a Nation" (2:48)
11.    "Politricks" (4:14)
12.    "Human Cause" (:57)
13.    "Reject" (2:59)
14.    "Water" (2:44)
15.    "Valtio" (3:20)

I’ll just be honest up front and say that after “Roots” I lost interest in Sepultura. The follow-up albums just didn’t seem to hold my interest. I hadn’t really given “Nation” a fair spin, so when the opportunity came to pick up this CD for a reasonable price, I snagged it in hopes that it would be better than I remembered it. Unfortunately Sepultura are no longer the powerful thrash/death metal pioneers they were on “Beneath the Remains” and “Arise”. Of course the same could be said for “Chaos AD” and “Roots”. These two headed in a different direction with tribal beats, samples and other oddities. However, those two albums had something that grabbed me by the jugular and didn’t let go. With “Nation” the band continues in a similar style to “Roots” but no where near as catchy and memorable. Part of the problem is the vocals are just there. Derrick Green’s vocals are screamed with little to not charisma. On “One Man Army” there is some clean singing that sort of has a Faith No More vibe to it.

The music does contain some of the band’s signature tribal sound, for the most part I found the songs to be monotonous without the excitement heard on those past great albums. The overall vibe here is pretty heavy, with a lot of punk and hardcore influence. Jamey Jasta from Hatebreed makes a guest appearance for thirty seconds on a one minute song called "Human Cause.” As well, there is some reggae singer doing vocals on "Tribe to a Nation" resulting in a rather weird mix of reggae and hardcore.  I don’t know, I just find myself disappointed as I cannot seem to separate this once great band from their past. While they were once groundbreaking, third world pioneers of thrash and death metal, they are now just another in a crowded pack of angry, screaming hardcore bands who are more at home in the mall-core crowds than with real metal fans.

Sepultura - Steamhammer Promo (SPV) 2006

1. Sepultura  - Convicted in Life (3:09)
2. Moonspell – Finisterra (4:09)
3. Beyond Fear - And...You Will Die (3:53)

Mini promotional CD from SPV that features three songs from their line-up. Sepultura is featured on the cover and are obviously the focus of the CD. Freatures a new song, which is actually pretty darned good. Makes me wonder if I might be missing something, not getting some of the newer Sepultura CDs.

Sepultura - Dante XXI (Steamhammer) 2006

1.   Lost [Intro] (:59)
2.   Dark Wood Of Error (2:19)
3.   Convicted In Life  (3:09)
4.   City Of Dis (3:27)
5.   False (3:34)
6.   Fighting On (4:29)
7.   Limbo [Intro] (:44)
8.   Ostia (3:07)
9.   Buried Words (2:35)
10. Nuclear Seven (3:44)
11. Repeating The Horror (3:12)
12. Euno... [Intro] (:13)
13. Crown And Miter (2:11)
14. Primium Mobile [Intro] (:30)
15. Still Flame (4:51)

Brazilian thrashers Sepultura are a band that has seen its share of scorn over the years. The band has always evolved and rarely ever stayed the same. When they were a straight forward death/thrash band people seemed to love them. When they added groove elements on "Chaos A.D." some fans claimed they 'sold out'. Far from the truth, their sound was evolving and "Chaos A.D." is a brilliant album; a classic! With "Roots" even and then the exit of frontman Max Cavalera the haters have just come out of the woodwork. As for me, I like Sepultura. I like ALL their albums with Max, including "Roots", with the title track being one of the most brutal songs ever written. I also happen to think that 'new' singer Derrick Green is a good fit for the band, though I admit I was disappointed that Max was gone. I also admit that I was initially disappointed with "Against" and "Nation". Though neither are bad, they just didn't hold my attention like classic albums such as "Chaos A.D." and "Beneath the Remains". Upon receiving a promo single of "Convicted for Life" I began to wonder if I was missing something because that song is simply pummeling! Upon scoring a copy of "Dante XXI" I can again say that Sepultura have released an album that holds my attention.

"Dante XXI" is a concept album based on a book that is over 800 years old, Dante's "The Divine Comedy." In the book Dante journeys through the kingdoms of the dead: hell, purgatory and paradise. Sepultura has taken that storyline and combined it with some of the more modern day events facing society. Musically, the band steers clear of hardcore or metalcore and returns to the intensity and even some of the speed of the past. As might be expected, there are some groove elements, some strings and other ambient sounds mixed throughout. "Still Flame" in particular is a song that I would describe as ethereal and ambient. However, for the most part, the actual songs are just heavy.  The different sections of the album are separated by instrumental intros that lead into the actual songs. The albums opens on the hugely catchy intro titled "Dark Wood Of Error" that leads to the aforementioned "Convicted In Life". Greene's voice is furious and aggressive.

"Dante XXI" may not be Sepultura's best album ever but it is, in my opinion, the best album they have released since "Roots".

Related collections:
Soulfly

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