Cavalera Conspiracy
Blunt Force Trauma

3.0
good

Review

by TheMorningstar USER (2 Reviews)
April 14th, 2011 | 31 replies

Release Date: 2011 | Tracklist

Review Summary: You've Heard This Before

Max and Igor have been churning out groove metal/thrash hybrids together since 1985. From Sepultra to Soulfly, to their duo venture that is the Cavalera Conspiracy, it is safe to say that the two are veterans on the metal scene and quite arguably legends of the genre. The structuring and chemistry they have developed is of the kind that can only be achieved through years of experience together. And the years they most definitely have.

If there is anything good to say about “Blunt Force Trauma”, it is just that - it’s structure. The mixing and overall sound is flawless, Igor’s drums blend in with Max’s brutal riffs in an elegant and mathematical precision, the latter’s screams and unrelenting, vein-popping vocals are the best that they have ever been. Max seemed to develop his style slightly in that his voice often follows the same pitches and tones of his riffs. However, by far the most-welcome development is Marc Rizzo's departure from his simplistic "riff" solos that really made "Inflikted" generic as well. This time around however, Rizzo adds shredding solos and the hammering mayhem that wasn’t present on the band’s freshman album; more at home with what the Cavalera brothers are accustomed to. This significant difference is immediately recognizable on the first (and my favorite) track, “Warlord”. Unfortunately, this is where the pleasantries stop…

The Cavalera's really don't present anything new here. Max’s lyrics are monotonous and over-played, all focusing ultimately on the subjects of violence and death. Even when sending this very archaic message, Max makes no attempt to do so in a clever or indirect fashion. He is "blunt" and very straightforward, which is not necessarily a bad thing, but definitely worthy of note. Igor does not showcase his true talents as a drummer, instead sticking to the double bass / single snare / 4th measure drum roll formula that he boringly pushed through on the “Inflikted” album. As with most metal bands, the bass guitar is virtually nonexistent, though it is always a minus if there is not at least one notable bass highlight.

The songs themselves are monotonous as well. Each seems to try and go for the same “anthem-type” sound, with Max howling the chorus and the rest of the band (or Max himself) over lapping the same words. Each is also pretty generic as far as content and lyrics, they could all easily be miscellaneous or bonus tracks on any of the 19+ albums the brothers have worked on. Although they do go into small detail of historical figures (“Rasputin” & “Genghis Khan”), the others’ subject matter are as simple as their titles. (“Warlord”, “I Speak Hate”, “Torture”, “Thrasher”, “Target”, etc.) One could also argue that this short (34:05) record is one extended song, broken into 11 pieces. But don’t get me wrong; “Blunt Force Trauma” is not bad, so much as it suffers from repetitiveness and repetition.

All in all, this is a good listen. Just don’t expect to clamor about it with your friends for more than a few days. You’ll mosh your face-off or leave someone, somewhere bleeding whilst listening to it, but your not going to do anything other than that. It serves its purpose, nothing more, nothing less…

Pros – Flawless sound/mixing and true thrash metal fun
Cons – Monotonous & nothing new
Favorite Tracks – “Warlord”, “Genghis Khan”, “I Speak Hate”

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