:: Nation

Sepultura

Vocalist Derrick Green has obviously settled in quite happily to his role fronting Brazil's favourite hard-core sons and “Nation” marks the first album where he was present at its inception. Interestingly, they returned to Brazil to record this album, something Sepultura hadn't done since their blistering debut “Beneath the Remains” was recorded over ten years ago. The theme that is ever present and informs most of the tracks on “Nation” is that of a global nation, a world without borders, a world of Sepultura fans one would assume. A world that can only exist in this new millennium. Producer Steve Evetts has done a terrific job. This has to be the first metal album whose message is not wasted - the vocals are actually clear enough to decipher without the aid of lyric sheets. Fear not though hardcore fanatics, the sound is still scalding and the aggression paramount: tracks like “Revolt” and “Sepulnation” have enough screaming guitars to make your ears bleed. Others like “The Ways of Faith”, “Water” and “Uma Cura” on the other hand are layered, interesting and downright spooky as well as brutal! “Saga” has the mandatory tribal drumming and “Politricks” features a fabulous guest vocal by the Dead Kennedy's Jello Biafra. Round the album off with some reggae courtesy of Dr. Israel and you've got yourself one hell of a varied and interesting metal album.