Soulfly - The Bottom Lounge, Chicago, IL 4/18/12

Soulfly is riding high these days. They've just released, "Enslaved," one of their best albums. The album celebrates a solid return to metal roots, and shows to everyone Max Cavalera is still capable of delivering quality tracks. Cavalera is a metal survivor with a definite style, and great songwriting skills.

Soulfly took the stage by storm. The energy level in the room literally doubled once the first riff was uttered, and it just stayed that way to the remaining time the band spent on stage. A decent crowd of very dedicated followers showed up to support their heroes. Soulfly certainly did not disappoint their expectations. Giving the crowd a mix of band's old and new cuts, and an occasional Sepultura song here and there. In other words, Max Cavalera, gave the audience good breakdown of his entire career.

The intensity continued to reach high levels, the fans were moshing, coming on stage, and singing along with the songs. Cavalera played his guitar in a very unique way, his style dominant, and nicely complemented by the other guitar player, Marc Rizzo. The energy was fueled by a very dynamic rhythm section consisting of bassist, Tony Campos, and drummer, David Kinkade. Campos often took second vocals to Cavalera, only adding to the overall brutality. During, "Revengeance," Max was joined on stage by his kids, and they together performed the song. A nice touch of family solidarity.

The concert was very dynamic, and moved very fast. The turnout could've been more impressive had the band played on a weekend as opposed to a Wednesday, but the fans who came certainly gave their all, and that's all that matters. Soulfly however was running fast and hot on all cylinders!

Mark Kadzielawa