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It's not about trying to identify who is better or worse, but rather about recognizing that they are different and that both possess unique qualities.
by Gabriel Fernandes Camargo Rosa, WikiBrother
It's already 2017 and, amidst all the debate about whether Sepultura is better with or without Max Cavalera, something very important is being forgotten: Derrick Green.
The frontman has already been with the band for 20 years, and yet there are still those who believe he's just a temporary member, only there to keep the band going until Max Cavalera returns.
But has Sepultura really become that bad!?
Well, I'm a big fan of Max's time in the band, however, I can't pretend to be deaf and fail to recognize that Derrick Green does an excellent job.
It's not about trying to identify who is better or worse, but rather about recognizing that they are different and that both possess unique qualities. I see this situation as much more complementary than competitive.
Max kicked things off, now Derrick has bravely taken over, and due to Sepultura's notorious musical development and rise (see "Machine Messiah"), there are countless reasons to believe that many, many more years are yet to come.
Because of this, I've selected 10 songs that help us rethink this period when Derrick Green took over the band's vocals. I'll say upfront that it wasn't easy to make this list (I left out a lot of great stuff) and I invite readers to leave other songs in the comments that deserved to be here:
"Corrupted" (album: Roorback )
For me, one of Sepultura's most underrated songs is "Corrupted." I always imagined it being the first song of a show. The guitar riffs, the solo, the drumming, the way the bass is used, the vocal style—everything about it contributes to an incredible energy. Very Sepultura! However, despite being played quite a lot at shows (at the time), it didn't get the recognition it deserved.
“Vox Populi” (album: Sepulnation )
In constructing the band's new identity, "Vox Populi" perfectly synthesizes this period, bringing melodic and tribal elements inherited from that era. Roots, but already highlighting a work that also explores diversity in vocals.
“The Treatment” (album: A-Lex )
Although melodic elements were gaining more prominence in Sepultura's music, the band never abandoned the fast-paced sound that characterized their early phase (back in the 80s). Songs like "Apes of God" (from the album: RoorbackThey had already been seeking this kind of revival, however, "The Treatment" presents melody, heaviness, and speed in well-balanced doses. Enough for a great song.
“What I Do” (album: A-Lex)
Another song that matches the vibe of "Corrupted." Sufficient doses of heaviness, speed, and energy. I don't think "What I Do" has the potential to open shows like "Corrupted" does, but it's a song I see as essential in any setlist because of its ability to captivate the audience.
“Ostia” (album: Dante XXI)
In “Dante XXI”, Sepultura chooses to explore their melodies within a darker theme, so to speak, and “Ostia” follows this rhythm, delivering weight in a musicality that resonates very well with classical music.
“The Vatican” (album: The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart )
What a crushing sound! I have no other way to describe this song. One of the most brutal sounds from the Derrick Green era.
“Manipulation of Tragedy” (album: The Mediator Between Head and Hands Must Be the Heart )
Or could this be the most brutal sound?
Well! The fact is, as I said before, the band had already been hinting at this direction since... RoorbackBut it was on "The Mediator (...)", with Eloy Casagrande taking over on drums, that this sound became more consistent. The energy of the sounds is reminiscent of crushing songs from their golden era (such as "Inner Self", "Mass Hypnosis" and "Arise", for example), but they already have touches of someone who was approaching 30 years on the road.
“Choke” (album: Against )
Roots The fact that it was such a successful album naturally generated great expectations about what the next work would be like. With Max's departure from the band, this atmosphere increased even more. In this context, "Choke" was chosen as the song that would introduce the new vocalist to the world and, consequently, the future of Sepultura. And what a great choice! "Choke" demonstrates musical maturity without losing sight of what had been making the band famous: the "tribal" element. It's a shame that the entire album didn't manage to maintain this style (which doesn't mean it's a bad album, by the way).
“I Am the Enemy” (album: Machine Messiah)
Another one in the vein of "Corrupted" and "What I Do." More for the energy it transmits than for the similarity in sound (which aren't that far apart). Within an album as good as this one. Machine Messiah"I Am The Enemy" has the potential to be that song that will never leave the band's concert setlist.
“Convicted in Life” (album: Dante XXI)
Without a doubt: THE BEST SONG OF THE DERRICK GREEN ERA! The way this song is structured, all the sections are very well put together. It has fast parts, melodic parts, and is heavy from beginning to end. Derrick Green's vocals are excellent and convey the perfect energy. That energy that made Sepultura so successful.
*This text was written by a Wikimate and does not necessarily represent the opinions of the site's authors.
