Review Summary: While there is nothing new by Soulfy’s standards, this is a more interesting and positive release made by the ‘nu-thrashers’.
Metal veteran Max Cavalera adds a few interesting surprises and shows that there is still something left in the tank. Omen is still Soulfly to the core, the chugged riff lines touched with the usual groove feel, Cavalera’s usual rough vocal linings (now a trademark to the records Max has helped produce in his career) gruff and yelled are in no way missing from this effort. When compared to the bands other works, Omen does show some levels of improvement. For what it is Soulfly’s seventh release is more diverse then the other efforts (as far as Soulfly goes) but still has all the elements of a typical Soulfly album, this time around however there is the positive inclusion of more noticeable lead guitar work layered throughout the album. This maintains a higher level of the listeners’ attention and makes it an easier listen. The troop of Soulfly has learnt it seems to mix different elements into an album rather than display non-stop chugging which may not be entirely a good thing.
Tracks on Omen exhibit the same rough formula but unlike other Soulfly albums these tracks display a higher level of writing style, musical ability and a better use of creative ideas in a more mature and cohesive manner. On a positive note is the inclusion of the instrumental track on each album, in true Soulfly fashion they don’t let the listener down, and reinforcing the listeners’ attention on a very tasteful instrumental track.
Also of note is the fact that Omen was released in a ‘Deluxe Edition’ with a bonus DVD and three extra tracks and while they do not have the same punch as the rest of the album they make for a steady listen. The first of the bonus tracks ‘Four Sticks’ is another instrumental including a layered lead guitar line over some typical, driving riff and rhythm work, in no way is it overly impressive but does display some strong ideas. Most metal enthusiasts would know the next bonus track being Sepultura’s ‘Refuse/Resist’ and while slightly modified and modernised to suit Soulfly’s slightly different playing style compared to that of Cavalera’s efforts with Sepultura. The modernised sound does not take too much away from the track and also reinforces the extra money one would spend to purchase the deluxe edition of the album. The album as a whole has a high replay ability level and maintains its value well. The DVD includes a live performance with various songs from Soulfly's career.
While not stepping out of them-selves Soulfly have released a high quality album but they have not blown the metal community away. There is still room for improvement but Soulfly shows that they are still able to release tasteful and quality music. Soulfly display a readiness to unleash music of a higher quality. The band also show they are not making records for the sake of making records, compared to other releases this is a positive step for the ‘nu-thrashers’.
