September 19, 1998
Against
The story so far: Brazilian pinko hypercore scruffs Sepultura arise from the swamp of metal wannabes....
7 / 10
The story so far: Brazilian pinko hypercore scruffs Sepultura arise from the swamp of metal wannabes. They make some monolithically mental albums and record the acclaimed 'Roots' LP with the help of a tribe of Amazonians before a major bust-up results in the loss of frontman Max Cavalera to Soulfly.
Armed with giant Afro-Clevelander Derrick Greene as his replacement, they return to the fore with a sprinkling of indignation and a lot to prove. Diehard grebos will be pleased to hear that the 'Ra (Surely 'The Sep'!? - Ed) haven't gone all wussy on our ass. Instead, they expand upon their duel passions for cranium-crumbling riffs and world music, inviting Japan's drummers KODO on board for the frenzied 'Kamaitachi'. But their main passion - pig-ugly metal noise - remains as brutal and seismic as ever.
Greene brings his own particular 'Roooaaarrgghhaa!' - and with Max out of the picture under such ill circumstances, the temptation to make 'Against' acrimonious must have been considerable. But the need for positivity rather than ill-feeling among the new, smart Seps (Thank you - Ed) seems paramount throughout. It's comforting to know that the world of metal still has its goodwill hunters.
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