About.com Rating



No matter how many years pass, Max Cavalera will always be associated with Sepultura, and have to answer questions about a potential reunion. He's done a bunch of albums with Soulfly, and Blunt Force Trauma is the second release with Cavalera Conspiracy. In addition to his brother Igor (drums) and guitarist Marc Rizzo (Soulfly), touring bassist Johny Chow replaces Joe Duplantier, who was busy with Gojira.

Cavalera Conspiracy combines some of the classic Sepultura thrash with more modern Soulfly style elements and a groove of their own. “Warlord” is a potent opener, fast and intense through most of the song, but then slowing down at the end. “Torture” is even more intense, and clocks in at under 2 minutes. Hardcore legend Roger Miret from Agnostic Front lends his talents to “Lynch Mob,” a pinch-harmonics fueled beatdown.

Rizzo really shines on this album. Whether's it's death metal style riffs on “Thrasher,” breakneck thrash, groovy fills or searing solos, he's a skilled and versatile axeman. “I Speak Hate” is one of the more memorable songs on the album. It's catchy, and has some tempo changes that add diversity. Cavalera Conspiracy aren't complex or subtle, they are straightforward and in-your-face, which should be pretty clear by the CD title alone.

The songs on Blunt Force Trauma are mostly short and focused, getting to the point quickly and ending before they wear out their welcome. “Genghis Khan” is the longest song on the regular edition of the CD, and it's barely over 4 minutes long.

In addition to Max's patented growls, it also has some spoken-word vocals.

The special edition of the album has three bonus tracks, including a cover of Black Sabbath's “Electric Funeral.” It's tough to cover such a classic band, but Cavalera Conspiracy's sound is so different from Sabbath's that they are able to put their own spin on it. The special edition also includes a live DVD of a full show recorded at a festival in France. It's worth the couple additional bucks to spring for the extra material.

Blunt Force Trauma delivers exactly what you'd expect, and delivers it well. Fans of Soulfly, Cavalera-era Sepultura and the first Cavalera Conspiracy should all be satisfied with this CD.

(released March 29, 2011 on Roadrunner Records)



Disclosure: A review copy was provided by the publisher. For more information, please see our Ethics Policy.