Soulfly's sophomore effort represents the growth and change that has blossomed in the offshoot from former Sepultura frontman Max Cavalera. This time around the album isn't as much directly focused on guest appearances overall and allows the band to explore dense ethnic atmospheres while sustaining a heady modern metal punch as the group violently smears the cultural borderlines.

Vocally the album features Max's trademarked barking vocals complete with a thick Brazilian accent and throat tearing screams. Guest appearances from Chino Moreno of the Deftones, Tom Araya of Slayer, Corey Taylor of Slipknot, Grady Avenell of Will Haven and even an unexpected appearance from Sean Lennon provide for some interesting moments along the way, although thankfully this time, their contributions are firmly meshed in with Max's aggravated growls to ensure a level playing field, giving each song a distinct Soulfly flavor. Guitars are gritty and downtuned with a skin scraping distortion that ignites the tracks with predatory riffs and vicious displays of sonic force. Some effects are utilized but more or less a uncharacteristically organic feel graces the guitars and they carve out unrelenting bottom heavy chunks of loose aggression. Bass also shoots for a more distinctive downtuned approach and tunnels out brash looming basslines that rumble vigorously underneath the guitarwork, adding volume to the already barbed stringed assault. Drums included on the CD don't fall short in any category, showcasing impressive depth as they range from straight forward bursts of fury to tribal pilgrimages which incorporate a vast array of Brazilian percussive instruments to create a montage of foreign spiritual energy.

From top to bottom this album is an engrossing experience, and although most people will probably buy it on the merit of the guest appearances from bigger name acts alone, there's a lot of things to enjoy here when listened to on a more personal level. The range of sounds and material is impressive, from the melodically thundering "Son Song" to the undeniably catchy rapcore of "In Memory Of..." all the way back to the entrancing dynamics of the instrumental track "Soulfly II". There's quite possibly something for everyone to take in and get some sort of release from. Another thing that shapes this album up into one of the more enjoyable releases of the year, would be the soul and conviction it has. Max's vocals come with a strong assurance and biting edge that sounds authentic every time he opens his mouth, and this along with the widely varied instrumental contributions make up one unforgiving showcase of explosive rage. "Primitive" isn't exactly the most groundbreaking album ever created, but the band does manage to invoke and touch upon a multitude of emotions as they charge through the albums 12 tracks, and that combined with strong musicianmanship, clever songwriting and an honest intensity, more than make this a highly recommended release.

(4.5 / 5)