The year was 1998 when Max, after leaving SEPULTURA, released his first self-titled album with his new band SOULFLY. Back than, many metalheads turned their heads away due to the different musical direction that he followed. Years went by, SOULFLY were getting bigger, they even reached the point to play "Nu-Metal" (I hate this term!) but from the album "Dark Ages" and forth ,they have made a turn to Max's old times sound. The new project that he made with his brother Igor in 2007 clearly stated that the "Nu-Metal" era was over. And now, here we are, two years after "Conquer", with SOULFLY back with their new album called "Omen".

An album that grabs you by the neck form the first second! Just listen to the opening track "Bloodbath & Beyond", after you'll press "play" an aggressive riff surges from the speakers and you starting running seaking a place to hide. Seriously now, this is one of the most in-your-face opening tracks I've ever listened to. I can't wait to be in the mosh pit while SOULFLY is playing this song live. "Rise Of The Fallen", featuring Greg Puciato of THE DILLINGER ESCAPE PLAN, has a bit of Nu-Metal elements with some sounds/samples in the beginning of the track,but after that the song ( fortunately as far as I am concerned) follows the sound of the first number. Another guest appearance that is good to mention is the one of Tomy Vixtor (PRONG) in "Lethal Injection". I can go on for ages writing about each song separately, but there is no reason. Every track is above average and, in my opinion, there are no fillers here.

The production from Max and Logan Mader is the one that this album needs. Clear enough to listen everything in the album, but not polished. The riffing and the solos from Rizzo give the album an extra boost and it is inevitable trying to resist banging your head, since you are going to do it from the first time. The only minor injection is that at some moments the sound from the guitars is leaning towards the Nu-Metal sound. I could prefer a more Metal/Thrash oriented one. The choruses of each tune are the typical ones that Max has used us to: few words, many repeats. The perfect thing for headbanging and sing at the same time, especially during a concert.

Even though many fans will start comparing SOULFLY to SEPULTURA, I think it's a big mistake. Right now there are two different bands, making their own way in the music industry. And "Omen" is an album that will make fans of the "Chaos A.D." era start becoming big fans of SOULFLY (if they are not yet). Oh, and the instrumental "Soulfly VII" is a beautiful jam, I may say, with a flamingo rhythm and as a composition is bringing in mind bands like POLICE, With an atmosphere that brings in mind summer beach parties. A great instrumental composition to end an album.

P.S. #1: In the deluxe edition, there are three more songs : a B-side cover of SEPULTURA's "Refuse-Resist" with Max's first son Zyon Cavalera on drums, a cover of EXCEL's "Your Life, My Life" with Igor behind the drum kit and a cover of "Four Sticks" by LED ZEPPELIN.

P.S. #2: The main riff from "Kingdom" is still playing inside my head.