International Metal Works

Who knew Brazilian trash metal was so popular? After the break-up of their band Sepultura brothers Igor and Max Cavalera, both of Brazilian decent, decided to create an international metal experience to replace the gap their band left in the music world. Now called Cavalera Conspiracy, the foursome and their debut album Inflikted are attempting to take the place of said Sepultura with mixed results.

Inflikted sounds like Metallica if they were full of angst, listening to Swedish black metal and never went into group therapy. Though Cavalera Conspiracy hopefully doesn’t perform ritual animal sacrifices and murders like black metal vets Burzum, they do channel some of that heavy metal style of the Norwegian act as well as the Cavalera brothers previous band. Igor’s drumming is fast and furious, always a driving force in their tracks. ‘Bloodbrawl’ has Igor pounding away, with brother Mac and lead guitarist Marc Rizzo, of Soulfly fame, perform the ripping guitar solo in perfect synch. The band definitely has musical talent that’s to be recognized, whether you like trash metal or not.

Cavalera Conspiracy has some flaws though. It’s hard to try to make a whole new band and not sound like your previous one. Max and Igor, who fronted Sepultura, seem to be having the same difficulty. Cavalera Conspiracy isn’t as hard as Sepultura was, but does share many similarities in their music. Guitarist Rizzo and French bassist Joe Duplantier do bring their personal influences from their previous metal bands to the collaboration, but Max and Igor’s leadership seems to overall carry through in the band. Inflikted brings nothing new to the table, but at the same time doesn’t fail to entertain. All four members have other projects they work on in conjunction with Cavalera Conspiracy, so perhaps the fact that the band isn’t their first priority makes them not attempt anything too inventive. However Cavalera Conspiracy never disappoints, and the brothers ability to create a metal success has succeeded.

Amy Dittmeier