When SOULFLY began life, some twenty-five years ago in 1997, I felt they were a poor alternative to SEPULTURA's "Roots" album. Max Cavalera surrounded himself with like-minded musicians and started to make very rhythmic Metal/Rock/ Salsa music. Not exactly y cup of tea (or anything stronger). Thankfully, over the yeas he decided to let the thrash influences back into his writing, resulting in a number of very impressive album, that sounded like "Roots" on steroids. The one quirk he would have id that the album would end with a very emotional, or should I say atmospheric, song.

Apart from a compilation album, a live one and a boxes set, this is actually the twelfth full length studio album that SOULFLY has released. And to put your mind at ease; it is quite a good one. During the years that the band has been about, the line-up has changed just a s many times as Max has changed underpants. The current people in the band are his son Zyon on drums, and bassist Mike Leon. And the three of them are quite good at making the proper kind of racket on "Totem".

If you have experienced SEPULTURA with Max as the band leader, you will know that during that time there were a lot of similarities between his band and SLAYER. I'm very grateful to say that you will again be reminded of the Kings of Thrash Metal on a regular basis. Some of the rhythms, riffs and atmospheres have the same kind of vibe as old SEPULTURA and SLAYER. And with the former having morphed into its current state and the latter having hung their boots, it's good to hear that kind of Thrash Metal again.

After listening to "Totem" I can only conclude that whatever you may think of Max Cavalera and his antics, he is still capable of writing bloody good music. All parts fit together and have a decent intro, explosive body and proper ending. Just what you would want. Yes, of course it's the voice that gives away who this is, so if that is the obstacle you have about liking this, so be it. I really like his vocal rants when he sounds like this, and I for one am glad the "Totem" is as good as it is. Let's hope Max has a lot more like this for us in the future.  Plus, there's no weird emo ending to this SOULFLY album. Another Yay!