A great band always writes its best work in face of criticism, and Sepultura proves this with A-Lex.
I started listening to Sepultura in the Derrick Green era. So I can’t compare this to the previous work (Max-era), nor do I care for it. What I can say is that each album starting from Roorback has been a step up. Sadastic Values is, I believe, the best song on the album. Clocking in at almost 7 minutes, it is also the longest and consists of two sections. The first part is a brooding and atmospheric piece until Jean Dolabella’s drums kick in followed by Andreas’ haunting melody. The songs shifts gears at around 3:20 with the double bass and razor sharp riffs leading to the scalding second section of the song. Andreas is just on top of his game here, absolutely superb riffing – superfast with incredible precision. You have to listen to this song to appreciate it. Other stand-outs include “Filthy Rot”, “What I Do”, “Conform” and “Strike”; but really there isn’t a weak song here. This is a concept album and the songs really do justice to the flow of the story.
With regards to personnel, I will miss Iggor, but Jean is just a beast behind the skins. Derrick delivers venom in all his screaming but also hits his high notes perfectly; check out “Forceful Behavior”. Guitar work incredible as usual. Overall, well worth the 3 year wait. If you are into the Derrick Green-era Sepultura – you will love this…the best of the lot. Well worth the money.