Album Review: Sepultura - 'The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart'

Sepultura have been making music for longer than some of its fans may have even been alive.

Produced by Ross Robinson, latest album 'The Mediator Between Head And Hands Must Be The Heart' (yes, a long title!) is one of Sepultura's finest. Where it ranks specifically is open to debate, but the overall sound is polished and consistent. For a band that has mixed groove and thrash over the journey, the style here is quite desirable. 

Starting with 'Trauma Of War', the expectations are set high initially. After a short introduction you are hit with some rapid heavy guitar work mixed with some equaly solid drumming. Then the vocals hit and you are bombarded with a wave of anger, the song is rather chaotic in the best way. First impressions certainly last.

'The Vatican' has a choral beginning before delving into another fast paced song, delivering some stand out riffs. Other noteworthy songs including 'Obsessed' incorporate some old thrash sounds listeners have been waiting for while mixing well with a hint of some background grooves.

However, closing track 'De Lamo Ao Caos' seems misplaced on the album. The song itself doesn't really fit with the feel of the rest of the full-length nor does it feel like it completes the album as the final song should. This is a bit of a let down after what preceded the rest of the album.

Sepultura have enough credits in the bank. The reputation will always ensure a listen, however, fortunately, the music attempts to assert itself instead of getting lost in complacency. A solid album this time around.

'The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart' is a stand out album from Sepultura. It has some low points but it infuses some groove and thrash techniques that work really well together and should make all fans satisfied Sepultura have done a good job with this one.

1. Trauma Of War
2. The Vatican
3. Impending Doom
4. Manipulation Of Tragedy
5. Tsunami
6. The Bliss of Ignorants
7. Grief
8. The Age Of The Atheist
9. Obsessed
10. Da Lama ao Caos