CAVALERA CONSPIRACY „Inflikted”

Music: Metal
Country: U.S.A./Brazil
Web site: cavaleraconspiracy.com
Cool Songs: Hex, Nevertrust, Hearts of Darkness

Things just haven’t been the same since Max Cavalera left the mighty SEPULTURA. Although Max brought his music to American audiences on a more consistent scale, SOULFLY did not have the same impact as SEPULTURA. His later band took the tribal themes to a higher level, but bouncy, down-tuned grooves paled in comparison to SEPULTURA’s thrashing speed. SEPULTURA furthered their career with newcomer Derrick Green behind the microphone. Green provides a descent replacement, but the group had lost the magic felt during Max’s tenure.

Both SOULFLY and SEPULTURA contain exceptional musicians, but the problem lay in the separation of Igor and Max Cavalera. There is certain chemistry between the two that can’t be duplicated with other band mates. Recently, Igor quit SEPULTURA and reconciled differences with Max. Shortly after, Max again felt compelled to create music with his brother and best friend. With an ironic twist, like the mythological bird for which Max’s hometown city takes its name (Phoenix), the two have arisen from the ashes in the form of CAVALERA CONSPIRACY.

SEPULTURA diehards need not feel disappointed in the two forming under a different moniker. The group’s debut album gathers bits and pieces of musical styles presented throughout both brothers’ career. Brief, electronic segments such as those found in the title track, “Hearts of Darkness” and “Must Kill” recall NAILBOMB, as do some of Igor’s FEAR FACTORY-type drum volleys. The NAILBOMB influence is slight, but a mixture of SOULFLY and SEPULTURA is more obvious.

Most of the album moves between SOULFLY’s down-tuned grooves and chugging SEPULTURA riffs. The tribal drumming first explored in “Arise,” and later a major facet of SEPULTURA’s style on “Chaos A.D.” and “Roots” is revisited on “Dark Art” and “Terrorize.” The deliberate tempo and bouncy rhythm of “Ultra-Violence” references SOULFLY’s crowd hopping energy. “Hex” and “Nevertrust” recall the crossover tendencies displayed on “Chaos A.D” and NAILBOMB.

Although a great deal of “Inflikted” resembles the Cavalera’s output from the last fifteen years, the other band members’ bring another dimension to the SOULFLY/SEPULTURA party. Max’s SOULFLY mate, Marc Rizzo brings familiarity and the ability to shred. With CAVALERA CONSPIRACY, he explores flowing, speed metal rhythms absent from SOULFLY. GOJIRA guitarist, Joe Duplantier handles bass duties, combining smooth bass lines with Igor’s slick drumming. Ritchie Cavalera, stepson of Max and INCITE member, provides backing vocals on “Black Art,” and Rex Brown (DOWN, ex-PANTERA) slaps a killer bass solo on “Ultra-Violent.”

Max and Igor’s reunion album is truly something special. The only event that would trump “Inflikted” is their return to SEPULTURA. The probability of a near-future reunion is low because of Igor's recent departure and Max's involvement with SOULFLY. However, Max and Igor show an excitement not found in quite some time. The other members of the band possess tremendous talent and obviously share Max’s musical vision. “Inflikted” is undoubtedly the best album made by a Cavalera in over a decade.

note: 8.5/10

Tracklist

1. Inflikted
2. Sanctuary
3. Terrorize
4. Black Ark
5. Ultra-Violent
6. Hex
7. The Doom of all Fires
8. Bloodbrawl
9. Nevertrust
10. Hearts of Darkness
11. Must Kill
Total Playing Time: 43:35

Line-up

Max Cavalera-Vocals, Rhythm Guitar
Igor Cavalera-Drums
Marc Rizzo-Lead Guitar
Joe Duplantier-Bass

Guest Musicians:
Rex Brown-Bass on “Ultra-Violence”
Ritchie Cavalera-Guest Vocals on “Black Ark”