Much Metal. Much Fun.
Soulfly have been a staple in the Metal community for nearly two decades now with the project Max Cavalera and co. set up post Sepultura developing in to its own beast beyond perhaps he might have even expected. Popularity wise most Metal fans have a soft spot for Soulfly in their hearts, mainly due to Cavalera, but it was quite sad to see a band of such prowess fail to sell out a venue as small as Islington Academy. It was busy enough to not adversely affect the show, and the band’s talent and ability to just absolutely bring it live meant the atmosphere throughout was still absolutely buzzing, but the fact still remained.
Max Cavalera live can be something of a mixed bag these days, when he’s good it’s GREAT but when he’s bad it’s extremely poor. Reports from this tour indicated that Soulfly were smashing their way through a really consistent run of form, and as they launched themselves in to We Sold Our Souls To Metal it was clear that the London leg were going to relish in this as well. The reaction to the new tracks was particularly impressive, and something which the band themselves were clearly delighted by - but it was the classics which predictably triggered the scenes of absolute bedlam. Four tracks in and we were treated to Sepultura favourite Refuse/Resist and there was just no looking back. From then on every single track had the pit going and everyone from front to back absolutely losing their minds - the unrelenting level of groove blasting across the venue established a real party atmosphere.
The true highlight of the show though came during the encore. Whilst a regular feature of Soulfly shows now, it was still brilliant to see Igor Cavalera to join the band on stage for Roots Bloody Roots. Nothing against Zyon Cavalera, but as soon as Igor was behind the kit there was just an immediate increase in power and intensity. Before anyone was able to catch their breath Matthew Young from King Parrot also hit the stage and the band flew through an eclectic rendition of Ace Of Spades.
Overall then, tonight’s show at Islington Academy is actually one of the better times we’ve seen Soulfly. With their live shows, you know what you’re going to get - no nonsense, smash mouth, Groove Metal designed to make you lose your mind for an hour or so. Whilst consistency has been an issue for them in the past, the band seem truly invigorated on this album cycle and it’s really paid off on this tour.