As a huge fan of Max Cavalera and of pretty much all of his work in SEPULTURA, SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, I hyped up the release of "Archangel" like a typical fanatic would. In this review I am going to talk about how "Archangel" really sounds like "Dark Ages" "Enslaved" and even CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's "Pandemonium" at times, and while keeping that Thrash tone and Groove, we fans know and love, if you are looking for "Soulfly" "Primitive" and "3" soundings, this might not be for you. I do very much believe that since "Prophecy" the band went back to their Thrash roots, implementing the Death and Groove genres into one and since then, the mighty SOULFLY have kept that tradition ever since, for me, it suits them better but I still thoroughly enjoy the classics "Eye For An Eye" "Back To The Primitive" "Pain" "Bring It" and "Seek And Strike" for example, some very fine songs played Live too.

SOULFLY continue to show that they mean business, as a long time fan, I trust in Max to bring out the most brutal, crushing, and powerful production with each release, be it CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, which with "Pandemonium" released - back to their BLOODY roots trademark material, and I feel the same with "Archangel" though both releases are not very long before the last albums, "Savages" released in 2013 (another masterpiece) and "Pandemonium" (another masterpiece) released in 2014, "Archangel" 2015. Though with each of these releases, they were all perfect brutes (in my opinion) despite the time frame of production, it shows that the mighty "Max Cavalera" is addicted and hungry for more Metal, and I agree, it should always be this way, rather than wait 5 or so years for a release like many bands do, if you are as talented as the crew in SOULFLY are, why not spunk out a release every couple of years? Don't waste time!

While on the subject of the legacy, as much as I love SEPULTURA, mostly old, why would we need a reunion when we have the equally talented SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY (which could almost be passed off as the new SEPULTURA) with the reunion of Igor Cavalera, both bands are just as good as the old SEPULTURA, and with recent articles and interviews I've seen, the band aren't willing to reunite, but I'm fine with that, as I'm very happy with the material produced with SOULFLY and CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, I feel spoilt!

On to "Archangel" starting off with the single "We Sold Our Souls To Metal" while it sounds simplistic, it's a ****ing cracker of a tune. It's as if the crew are combining back to their Thrash roots while implementing the Groove we know since "Dark Ages" which the band claim "Archangel" is what they're aiming to bring back and I feel after listening, there is that sense, though I feel at times it's more keeping the modern feel from "Savages" and "Pandemonium" which is pretty damn great for those who want old SOULFLY, even though from "Prophecy" onwards they sound modern but you get my drift.

Jamming the title track "Archangel" bring back the Groove from the awesome guitar work from the beastly Marc Rizzo who is one of my favorite people and musicians in the Metal realm. His riffs just explode with screaming rage every damn time, and has some of the most unique guitar talent I have witnessed, Live and in the Studio.

Keeping the brutal growls that is Max Cavalera's signature trademark, this title track is the start of the new album for me, having heard "We Sold Our Souls To Metal" (which reminds me a little of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY's "The Doom Of All Fires") countless times through hype and excitement from its single release, I was even more eager and excited to get started with the rest of the album. "Sodomites" continues the crushing grooves and rhythms that stem almost perfectly and this is how music should always be, powerful vocals and crushing drums from the awesome Zyon Cavalera who is Max Cavalera's son, for those who don't know, I find it fitting that they chose him as the SOULFLY drummer, it's great to see a Metal family focus come together. "Ishtar Rising" is where the album gets more interesting and continues the signature brutality of the vocals we know and love, showcasing the darker side of the album which shows off each member's talented prowess, from Tony Campos' brutal bass skills to Zyon Cavalera's talented and insane drumming sound. To this day, SOULFLY continue to bring out amazing new material and it looks like they aren't stopping here.
"Live Life Hard!" is an interesting one; we have guest vocals from Richie Cavalera, I assume (another member uniting as a Metal family) which showcases his high pitched growling screams and this fits the song well, it is one of the crazier songs for us hardcore maniacs. I especially love the lyrics "HEY, WHAT THE FUCK DID YOU SAY?!" Sometimes Max screams in the album so can easily be mistaken with Richie (being related) but Richie has sung for the song "Revengeance" on the "Enslaved" album before and recently Live at Hellfest 2014 (which I witnessed) but it's still kick arse nonetheless.

I might sound biased but anything involved with Max Cavalera instantly has my seal of approval, and so far, "Archangel" sounds quality so far, while I absolutely LOVE "Savages", "Savages" sounds way more brutal compared to "Archangel" but still "Archangel" IS brutal, just sounds like a MIX of brutality and Thrash returned roots combined in one which in the end, is something for every Metal fan looking for a new direction.

"Shamesh" also catches the darker and heavier (much heavier) side of the album too, this one really showcases the Groove elements and left me stamping around in a heavy but enjoyable stance, showing off that Thrash & Groove can be fused together nicely. "Shamesh" is one of my favorites. "Bethlehem's Blood" is a similar outcome, a very odd title for SOULFLY but it really does bring a new life to the word "Bethlehem" but it shows the band are very open minded when song writing.

I'm still blown away by Marc Rizzo and his amazing guitar work, he is a never ending Heavy Metal machine, and hope one day I can share a beer with him to congratulate his talent, as well as with the other guys! Max, Tony and Zyon, cheers!

Another favorite would be "Titans", presenting that Thrash and Groove still is one of the best mixes of genres ever, beginning with a pounding groove and 6-note riff. I knew it's going to get more intense, and it did! The Thrash and screams are just as strong in "Archangel" than ever before. Ending with a very dark sounding keyboard hum, glorious. "Deceiver" is also another favorite; this one truly demonstrates the stronger side of Thrash and the Groove fusion I talk about, leaving you rattling your head with pleasure. Ending with "Mother Of Dragons", "Archangel" ends leaving me brutalized and gob smacked at the sheer brutality of this classic, not long released after "Savages", it's safe to say that SOULFLY demonstrate that you can release an album whenever you want to, if you have the taste and pleasure to carry on that is.

"Archangel" is a fairly lengthy album, roughly around 40 minutes long.

Overall, all I can really say is, SOULFLY are back in business and always will be it seems, they aren't slowing down for anyone for their love of Metal hence them selling their souls to it! This is why I appreciate these guys so much and is my favorite Brazilian band easily. I was proud to review a SOULFLY album for the first time ever and it was so worth it. "Archangel" will come in a Special Edition Digipak including the Hellfest 2014 Live performance on DVD, which I was there to witness luckily, so I will also most definitely be throwing my money at once released.

If you are reading this review Max and the rest of the band, I would like to say THANK YOU for your contributions to Metal and creating a legacy that all Metal fans should most definitely have on their iPod or CD collections, you are beasts!
Now open the circle pit and re-listen to "Savages" before "Archangel" is in your hands!

MASTERPIECE.<