After 2008’s “Conquer” when Max Cavalera said that the next Soulfly album is going to feature shorter, more aggressive, stripped down tracks, I was skeptical that he would be able to top that albums heaviness. Well it is 2 years later and there is no doubt in my mind that “Omen”, Soulfly’s 7th studio album, and 4th featuring the lineup of Max, guitarist Marc Rizzo, bassist Bobby Burns and drummer Joe Nunez is everything Max claimed it would be. The tracks are short and concise with almost no representation of “world music” that has been a cornerstone of every Soulfly album. This is quite possibly the next turning point in Soulfly’s career or a radical departure from form that will subside on the next album.
Track after track builds on the heaviness of each the previous ones and continues to stay fresh through all 10 songs (not counting Soulfly VII the 11th track and obligatory instrumental track as featured on each album). In addition, for the 2nd Soulfly album in a row, there is no guest appearance by Max’s stepson Richie. The featured guest appearances are from Greg Puciato of Dillinger Escape Plan on “Rise of the Fallen” and Tommy Victor of Prong on “Lethal Injection.” Both tracks are very much in tune with each guest’s style, with Greg’s shrieking vocals in “Rise of the Fallen” counteracting Max’s growls and Tommy’s groove style working well with Max’s ability to cater to any style of metal and don’t get me wrong, I love how Max works with each of his guests to make the song fit their ability without compromising its integrity.
Additional highlights from “Omen” include the opener “Bloodbath & Beyond” which is one of the most hardcore punk infused songs to grace Soulfly’s discography to date, “Jeffrey Dahmer” which is another first for Soulfly in that it is a subject matter song on the infamous killer, “Vulture Culture” which is rather reminiscent of “The Song Remains Insane” from Soulfly’s debut album and features a brief flamenco outro, and finally “Counter Sabotage” which mixes great mid-tempo pit-stomping moments with all out neck breaking intensity. If you’re wondering about Marc’s soloing on the album, he has truly grown through each Soulfly album he’s played on and his skill is prominent on “Omen.”
To be blunt, this is not Soulfly’s best album. That honor will forever stand with “Dark Ages.” However, this is yet another kick-ass and take names offering from Max and his compatriots that punishes from start to finish and displays the talents of the band and their leader. I’m absolutely looking forward to catching the new material on Soulfly’s next tour and already awaiting their next offering.