I know what you’re thinking. Why is a prog site reviewing Sepultura? For one thing, I have always liked this band. For another, their new album “Machine Messiah” is actually QUITE progressive at times. It’s also a concept album but the kind that I like. A general concept and not a story line. It’s all about how machines have already taken us over.

The album starts off with the KILLER title track which is slow and doomy to start with a killer CLEAN vocal from Derek Green, who has a great voice in general. The track really kicks in after a while and yes it’s progressive. Other more prog tracks include the INCREDIBLE instrumental “Iceberg Dances” which will probably be on my year end best of list.

“Sworn Oath,” “Vandals Nest” and the closer “Cyber God” make for incredible listening. “Vandals Nest” is a favorite because it completely changes gears in the middle. I also love the chorus on “Phantom Self” which is now in my head as I am typing this. Plus the percussion and strings really give the track and others that Brazilian feel which is awesome. Downsides? I think “I am the Enemy” is a little basic and not as strong as the other tracks.

Jens Borgen did a great job producing Sepultura and seems to have pushed all the right buttons with them. Andreas Kisser is still one of the most underrated guitarists on the planet. “Machine Messiah” is a killer album with a lot of surprised. It’s truly an inspired effort by a band that far too many people seem to have forgotten about. Sepultura is back and has more tricks up their sleeves.

Rating: 9/10

Tracklist:
1. Machine Messiah
2. I Am The Enemy
3. Phantom Self
4. Alethea
5. Iceberg Dances
6. Sworn Oath
7. Resistant Parasites
8. Silent Violence
9. Vandals Nest
10. Cyber God

Label: Nuclear Blast
Website: www.sepultura.com.br