Sepultura - Arise (1991)

My favourite Sepultura record, although the follow-up ‘Chaos A.D.’ and mighty ‘Roots’ run it pretty close, but ‘Arise’ is pure death metal the Brazilian way, fast, furious, tribal and angry, but done with the pile-driving melody and heavyweight arrogance which ‘Beneath The Remains’ sadly lacked. Igor is full throttle on the drums, proving to be the ultimate contender for Dave Lombardo’s lofty throne in Slayer, but on ‘Arise’ his thuddings take on a new dimension, giving the record a gloomy backbeat as the riffs pile into the ears like corpses spilling from mass graves.
Title cut ‘Arise’ matches Slayer in its building aggression and sinister atmospheres, whilst ‘Dead Embryonic Cells’ and ‘Altered State’ reduce buildings to ash and instantly become death metal classics.
Sepultura certainly have their own sound, Cavalera’s hoarse vocals not merely just some insane ranting, but instead harsh demonstrations and violent cries.
For many, ‘Arise’ was the band’s very own ‘Reign In Blood’, and although I wouldn’t compare the two records at all, ‘Arise’ is certainly worthy of living in the shadow of Slayer’s masterpiece.
8.5/10