Soulfly chieftain Max Cavalera has been promising a return to “the big-groove tribal sound” of the band’s classic early era, and now fans get to decide whether the Brazilian metal legend has indeed delivered or not. Soulfly — who formed in 1997 in the wake of Cavalera’s split with Sepultura — have announced their upcoming 13th album, Chama, and unleashed its lead single, the raging “Storm the Gates.” To Revolver’s ears, the song has all the nu-groove bounce and world-music instrumentation that made Soulfly’s classic first two albums, 1998’s self-titled effort and 2000’s guest-packed Primitive, so beloved and influential.
A battle cry against control and greed, “Storm the Gates” arrived today (August 29th) accompanied by an animated lyric video created by Costin Chioreanu. Watch and listen above.
“‘Chama’ is the Brazilian word for flame. It also means a ‘calling,'” Cavalera commented. “Respect to Alex Pereira for using [Sepultura’s] ‘Itsári’ on his UFC walkouts. Chama is inspired by the energy of this moment. This record is the sound of Soulfly’s fire! I cannot wait to play these songs live for the Tribe! Chama!”
In addition to Cavalera, the current lineup of Soulfly includes two of his sons — Igor Amadeus on bass and Zyon on drums — as well as guitarist Mike De Leon, formerly of Philip Anselmo’s solo band the Illegals.
Chama is due October 24th via Nuclear Blast Records and available for pre-order in an array of collectible formats. These include a Revolver-exclusive “red and black marbled” vinyl variant limited to 300. Order yours now!
Chama tracklisting:
Indigenous Inquisition
Storm the Gates
Nihilist
No Pain = No Power
Ghenna
Black Hole Scum
Favela / Dystopia
Always Was, Always Will Be…
Soulfly XIII
Chama