10 Best Thrash Metal Albums Of The 21st Century

They often say that the best art comes from adversity. If that’s the case, then Dark Ages should be hailed as the greatest metal album of all time.

Dropping only eighteen months after Soulfly’s prior album, the nu metal-inspired Prophecy, Dark Ages ditched the groovy simplicity of its predecessor to deliver an all-out display of unadulterated and even complex aggression. This enormous shift was sparked by a number of tragedies in the life of band founder and frontman Max Cavalera, predominantly the deaths of his eight-month-old grandson, Moses, and his close friend Dimebag Darrell.

There’s a macabre aura to Dark Ages that, at times, gives it a truly unsettling edge, perpetuated not only by its context but also by tracks like the primal “Corrosion Creeps”, which is dedicated to fallen Death frontman Chuck Schuldiner. Because of the tragedy surrounding it, Dark Ages is a raw ride that does nothing but spit red hot, cathartic anger. Even “Staystrong”, a familial track with co-lead vocals from Max Cavalera’s stepson Richie, rings with sheer rage before giving way to a more reflective and emotional bridge, quickly making the track Dark Ages’ musical and emotional centrepiece.

Packing nothing but power, Dark Ages is easily Soulfly’s best album to date, its personal significance only making it all the more vital.