Soulfly - Are so impressive in London!!!

*****

One of the best live sets, I have witnessed in 2024 and by Soulfly.

Soulfly ***** After seeing Cavalera at the London, Shepherds Bush, O2 Empire, I had a feeling that there is an underlining buzz around everything that Max Cavalera is doing at the momment. So I was happy when I heard Soulfly were coming back to the UK, the first time in five years. This lead to a packed crowd, and a powerful atmosphere. And what must have been one of the performances I have seen this year. A few of the faces in Soulfly have changed, but not the athletics or vision of the band which is very strong. And shown by the fact everyone is buying , every little bit of merch they can get there hands on and there is one Hell of a lot.

Support Cage Fight had warmed up the crowd nicely, for when Soulfly burst on the stage to the anthem 'Back to the Primitive', a track that I like more and more in recent years. I always was most into the Thrash and more Punk side of the projects Max has done, and the tribal stuff didn't hit me as hard. Even though I liked it, I have liked it more since I have gotten the albums again out of my collection. But really love Max when he get's dirty and nasty on tracks, which they do tonight in style. Texan Mike DeLeon who took over guitar duties from Dino Cazares is just something special to watch, he get's so into the music, going crazy at points. He really put is full self into performing the songs, and eveyr note is dirty and nasty and pitch perfect.

Main man Max Cavalera, which we know now is the only consistent member of the band, is joined by his son Zyon Cavalera (Drums). Who actually has played on five Soulfly records, and Mike Leon  (Bass) who has played on two. But I have to say, you would not realise that they had not been in from the start. Because every member really fits, and every song is performed in the way it should be. And you really do get the best selection of Soulfly songs, I don't think I could have picked a much better one. Ok we all have our favourites, and they might not be the same. But when you see the band live, you really do want them to play certain tracks.

So as they play songs 'No Hope = No Fear' and 'Prophecy', you know this is going to be a night that is just a little bit special. 'Superstition' and 'Filth upon Filth' off the new album 'Totem' fit in nicely next to older classics, not seeming out of place at all. Even though I would say in the last few years Soulfly are just getting heavier and heavier, and soon will be verging on being an even more into the Extreme Metal genre. The authentic sounds of 'Tribe', just sounds so big. And being next to the tracks of 'Totem', it just seems to be enhanced and works better in the set than it has ever done before.

Their set is so enjoyable 'Bumba' and 'Bring It' bringing out a great deal of participation, and the audience moving forward in time for when they are joined by Max's step-son Richie Cavalera (Incite), for the best version of 'Bleed' since I first saw it done at the London, Astoria. Fred Durst (Limp Bizkit) came on and did his part on the track, and it was a huge highlight of the evening all thoughs years ago in 1998 too. I still remember their Astoria show, so many years later.

But if I had to be honest, I think this one was better. So I am excited to hopefully see Max's band Go ahead and Die, I loved the first few Cavalera Conspiracy albums so much, and of course Nailbomb and Killer be Killed. And hearing Sepultura songs done in the right way, with his band Cavalera. Hopefully we will hear more Sepultura material, done by Max again in the future. But personally I might like Go ahead and Die and Nailbomb even more, because of the really Punk vibe they have to their music.

I have to say as they get to some of their biggest songs 'No', 'Jumpdaf**kup' and 'Eye for an Eye', I am just disappointed that the evening is coming to an end. I could have listened to the whole set over again, and I can't say I have thought this about many bands recently. I know as being a person that saw them first time round, and as I get older... it is getting harder to last out gigs. That the fact I want to go again, and take the pain to body.

This must have been a show that was quite special, and one that I am so glad I didn't miss. I also think Max Cavalera is at his best at the moment, and is making all the right moves with who he chooses to work with. So it really is the time to count up your coins, and make an effort to go out and see him play live. Also the merchandise is incredible, so make sure you take enough money to get all the items you want. I know I bought a few for myself, to remember the evening by.

Review and Photos by Dan Devour

Soulfly - Setlist
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Back to the Primitive
No Hope = No Fear
Superstition
Downstroy
Seek 'n' Strike
Prophecy
Bumbklaatt
Tribe
Filth upon Filth
Fire
Porrada
Bring It
Bumba
Bleed (with Richie Cavalera)
Blood, Fire, War, Hate
Boom / No (Played as a medley. 'Boom' was shortened, segueing into 'No'.)
---------------------------------
Jumpdaf**kup (Shortened version)
Eye for an Eye

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Watch! the Video for 'Back to the Primitive' Below...