Chama
Origins and Legacy of the Band
Since Soulfly was formed by Max Cavalera in 1997, after his departure from the legendary Sepultura, it was clear that the heavy metal here would not be just noise, there would be ritual, tribe, and a soundscape that blended aggression with ancestry. Over the decades, the band has moved through tribal grooves, death metal, thrash, and various experiments, always carrying the spirit of rebellion and unity within its veins. Now, with their thirteenth album, Chama, it feels like the band’s inner fire has reignited.
First Impressions When Listening to the Album
When I let the first sparks of Chama take over my ears, I felt as if I were stepping into a blazing arena, not just because of the cutting guitars, but because of a sense of urgency, a tribal scream elevated to its highest power. The opening track, with its scathing riffs and apocalyptic atmosphere, made me think: Okay, they didn’t return to the beginning out of nostalgia, but to reinterpret what they built. The title, Chama, already announces this combustion, this call to battle and ritual.
Sound and Structure of the Album
In Chama, what I found was a muscular body and a “tribalized” soul (yes, I’m inventing the term): the grooves that marked Soulfly’s early days return, but this time delivered with more ferocity, with a rawer, almost industrial finish in certain moments. I felt that the band revives the spirit of its early records, not to copy them, but to reinterpret them with the maturity of musicians who know exactly where they stand.
The guitars have a tone that feels capable of scraping the skin, delivering a more abrasive sonic texture than in previous works. The drums and production, led by Max’s son, Zyon Cavalera, add clarity and weight, making the recording sound modern without losing its ancestral edge. And the song structures follow the same philosophy: short, direct, and explosive, without unnecessary embellishment, prioritizing sheer impact.
In terms of variation, the album moves from tribal groove to grind/hardcore fury, passing through almost industrial moments.
Themes and Atmosphere
The title Chama carries a double edge: in Portuguese, it means both “flame” and “call,” blending the ideas of combustion and spiritual summons. The band seems to position this album as a reassertion, not only for longtime fans, but for themselves. It’s as if they were saying: we still have something to say, and we’re going to say it with fury.
This notion is reflected in the punk-like attitude at its core and in the sincerity of Max Cavalera’s vocal roar. The atmosphere is dense: at times, it feels as though the band is digging beneath the soil of its origins and emerging with something even rawer. Instead of looking at the past with nostalgic affection, there’s a feeling of defiance, of wanting more. You can feel it in tracks like 'Ghenna' or 'Black Hole Scum', where the guitars crush and the dynamics are relentless.
My Opinion and Conclusion
As someone who’s lived in the world of metal for years, I can say that Chama is not just another Soulfly album, it’s a reaffirmation. It doesn’t abandon what the band has done best, but takes that legacy and ignites it into a stronger spark. If you expected a fully faithful revival of their early sound, you might be disappointed, but if you enjoy the idea of a veteran band reinvigorating its music with fury and clarity, you’ll find something powerful here.
There’s cohesion, the record doesn’t lose itself in aimless experiments and that pleased me. The songs align, groove and thrash intertwine and the “tribal” metal appears as a well-integrated ghost, not just an exotic ornament.
To me, Chama represents one of Soulfly’s best recent releases, an album with presence, ambition, and soul, one that made me hit play again as soon as it ended. I recommend it to anyone who wants to feel the band’s core power, fueled by the vigor of musicians who refuse to stand still.
If you’re ready for this tribal-metal explosion, turn up the volume, let the roar echo, and step into the circle of fire.
