By 1996, heavy metal had gone through many changes. The rise of nu metal was on the horizon. The genre had become considerably more aggressive and alternative since the previous decade. And the ‘teen pop’ craze, a result of the 1996 Telecommunications Act, was just about to take over. And in between all of those changes, Sepultura released their masterpiece. A gamut of slaughtering heavy metal. Combining the seven string heavyness of nu metal with their brand of groove death metal intensity.
To this day, ‘Roots’ remains the quintessential Sepultura album. Their combination of seven string brutality. Along with Max Cavelera’s death growl and Brazilian tribal percussion. Gave the album a unique angle in a market that’s not always the most open minded. But the album resonated with its quality and strength. And it became Sepultura’s highest selling album. And remains so to this day.
The title track sets the tone. A commanding, drop heavy groove track that lets the listener know what the album is all about. ‘Attitude’ follows in full stride. Providing one of the great heavy metal breakdowns ever. ‘Cut Throat’ brings in the nu metal vibes. But with an old school twist. While the single ‘Ratamahatta’ represents exactly what the band was trying to do at the time. A fun, funky metal track that features a heavy element of tribal Brazilian drums and percussion. ‘Lookaway’ features Korn’s Johnathan Davis. Which makes sense. Seeing as how Sepultura took a major chapter from the emerging Nu Metal scene with their newly found seven string guitar attack.
‘Breed Apart’ and ‘Straight Hate’ are quintessential 90’s metal tracks. ‘Spit’ brings in the thrash. But the centerpiece of the album is the slam down brutal ‘Dusted.’ An absolute mega heavy track that ranks among the most brutal ever. Another highlight on the back end of the album is ‘Endangered Species.’ Where Sepultura discover a little bit of their prog side. The low, doom groove of the chorus is absolutely Earth shaking. ‘Itsari’ is purely a traditional Brazilian tribal song. While ‘Ambush’ slays with its raw energy.
Upon its release, ‘Roots’ quickly became Sepultura’s most successful album. And the ensuing tour solidified them as one of the great heavy live acts of their era. Unfortunately, the honeymoon was cut short when frontman Max Cavalera’s son, Dana, passed away late 1996. The enigmatic presence needed time to grieve and heal. However, the band was willing to give him the time needed. And a break up followed. Which to this day has not been resolved. Cavalera and Sepultura went their separate ways. The wounds still haven’t been healed. But fans are still holding out hope for a reunion. Either way, ‘Roots’ remains a masterpiece of heavy metal and deserves a few head bangs come ’round this time of year. Crank it, love it, live it.
