Here we have the third re-recording of Sepultura music by Max and Igor Cavalera, this time revisiting the second full-length album, originally released in 1987. Again we have improved artwork alongside the newly recorded tracks which follows the same sequence as the original plus at the end there is a “new” song in “Nightmares of Delirium.” Max’s song Igor Amadeus Cavalera returns on bass while they brought in Travis Stone (Pig Destroyer) on lead guitars to demonstrate the aggression and punk element of their thrash.

As I have said before, there are many reasons why a band want to re-record old material, either to gain control (think Taylor Swift), or to correct a wrong in terms either of performance or production. I have no idea why Max and Igor decided to go on this journey, and I am sure I am not the only one who is wondering how they will approach the seminal ‘Roots’ if they keep going in the same vein, but the recording and production of the early albums certainly left something to be desired. Back then they were signed to the Brazilian independent label Cogumelo Records (still around after 40 years) and there was not much money, studio time or experience, but it is all so very different these days with the Cavalera well-known in the metal scene, loaded with decades of experience of playing all around the world, and signed to arguably the biggest and best metal label. The songs have been given a brand-new life, full of passion and power, but never losing any of the integrity with which they were first recorded, with Travis relishing in his role away from the grindcore beast which is Pig Destroyer.

Fans of the originals need not be concerned that anything terrible has happened to the songs, but rather they have been taken to the next level and it is like hearing them for the first time all over again. 1987 has been brought into 2024, and it sounds mighty fine.

Rating: 8/10

Links:
https://www.cavaleraconspiracy.net/
https://www.nuclearblast.com/