Sepultura The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be The HeartLabel: Nuclear Blast With an entry due in the Guinness Book of Records, perhaps, for the longest album name in history Sepultura's 13th studio effort has introduced yet another line-up change into their ranks. Drummer Eloy Casagrande makes his debut on an album which sees the Brazilian quartet reunited with Ross Robinson, who previously produced 'Roots', their last release with former singer and founder Max Cavalera. The results of this partnership are immediately evident in the fresh sound of this craft, with tracks like "Grief" and "Impending Doom" sounding as crushing as anything from 'Chaos A.D.' Of course, if a band is only as good as their last album, then this will certainly boost their appeal what's best is that the album feels like a Sepultura release, retaining the principles and energy of classic Thrash, while also gaining the modern inspiration from classic literary works.
Veteran fans of the band won't be surprised to know this album is inspired by the classic 1927 film Metropolis, with guitarist Andreas Kisser having already dived into films and texts for other albums released this Millennium. But is this an album to be praised or simply an album that reminds us Sepultura are still around and doing the same thing. Robinson himself would be the first to admit that an album like 'Roots' was innovative and special because it broke new ground and explored new territories. 'The Mediator...' isn't doing either, but it is pushing the craft of its members, getting the best material from them at this stage in a distinguished career. And you can't ask for more than that. Sepultura have been in the unenviable position of having to justify their every move since the departure of Max and the release of 'Against' in 1998 so does this record offer any redemption? Yes, it does, but you shouldn't buy it for that reason it's an accolade of its own merit and standing.