The Classic Metal Album Reviews:
Title: Arise
Artist: Sepultura
Release Date: 1991

Rating: 5 Skulls
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    • Hel's Review:
    Well, here it is. This is where my love of Brazilian death metal began. Sure, there's a great argument to be made for other Sepultura albums. But, to me, part of what makes an album a classic is your own personal experiences and feelings about that album. Arise is the one that got me acquainted with Sepul (as my friends and I lovingly refer to them.) As I believe I have mentioned previously, I can't claim to have a great deal of firsthand knowledge of many of the recent classics. In this case, where I grew up, no one knew who Sepul was. Hell, they still may not know - it wouldn't surprise me much.

    Which brings me to another point. Sepultura circa present day is not the Sepul I am discussing here. The division between Max and the rest of the band changed things forever. I don't think either the current Sepultura or Soulfly will ever be what this band once was. Plus, both bands have been corrupted by "new" metal, and I can't defend that for a second. So, please, don't confuse the two, they are very distinct and separate issues. I will elaborate more fully the next time either of these bands puts out a new disc.

    So that brings us back to the good old days. I defy any of you (who have actual good taste in metal, that is) to put this album on and tell me it sucks. It's been a joy for me, listening to this record again for this review. "Arise" still gets played live today, so we've never really forgotten the wild brutality of that track. But what I think does get forgotten is the fact that each and every track on this album is rife with sheer intensity. Not a single dozer in the bunch.

    This album was undeniably integral to my "underground" metal development as a youth. The brilliance of this band quickly became clear to me once my new friends (who are still my friends today, btw) took it upon themselves to show me the glory they were all appreciating at the time. From that day on, I was a devout Sepul fan. I think it is certainly fair to say that all of the albums on which both Cavalera brothers played were brilliant. But this one in particular will always hold a special place in my heart.
    5 out of 5
    HEL  Email Hel

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