What does Roots sound like?

A raw and primal fusion of heavy metal with indigenous Brazilian rhythms, creating an immersive sonic experience. Rooted in death metal and thrash metal. Start with "Roots Bloody Roots".

Is Roots a good place to start with Sepultura?

Yes, Roots is recommended as a starting point for new Sepultura listeners. A raw and primal fusion of heavy metal with indigenous Brazilian rhythms, creating an immersive sonic experience. Released on February 20, 1996, 'Roots' marked Sepultura's sixth studio album and their first under Roadrunner Records. This album followed their critically acclaimed 'Chaos A.D.' and showcased a significant shift toward integrating tribal elements and world music influences, reflecting the band's Brazilian heritage during a time of personal and professional evolution following lineup changes.

Roots works well if you're into intense, focused listening sessions, dynamic emotional journeys and primal energy and drive.

How many songs are on Roots?

Roots has 17 tracks, running approximately 66 minutes.

Released 30 years ago

Roots

Sepultura · 1996

66 min · 17 tracks · death metal

A raw and primal fusion of heavy metal with indigenous Brazilian rhythms, creating an immersive sonic experience.

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Top tracks — play these first

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Roots Bloody Roots Start here — This track serves as the album's defining anthem, combining aggressive riffs with tribal percussion to represent Sepultura's cultural roots. Its impactful lyrics convey themes of identity and resilience.
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Ratamahatta — Featuring guest vocals from Brazilian rapper Kisser, this song merges heavy metal with indigenous chants, illustrating the band's unique blend of genres while celebrating their heritage.
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Lookaway — A notable collaboration with members of Korn and Faith No More, this track showcases an experimental sound that reflects the album’s innovative approach to genre blending and highlights the era's growing nu-metal influence.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.

61 /100

Treeline

Higher than 71% of albums we've rated

This album blends heavy metal with indigenous rhythms, showcasing strong craft and distinctiveness but uneven cohesion.

What we noticed

Several tracks feature guest vocalists, adding variety to the vocal delivery and expanding the sonic palette.
The last three tracks shift towards more atmospheric sounds, incorporating ambient elements that contrast with the earlier aggression.

Composition 25% of the score: 7/10
Craft 20% of the score: 8/10
Durability 25% of the score: 6/10
Distinctiveness 18% of the score: 8/10
Sequencing 12% of the score: 5/10

Influence 6/10

Significant within its genre. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.

Is this for you?

Good fit if you like

intense, focused listening sessions
dynamic emotional journeys
primal energy and drive
layered, dense sonic textures
rhythmic exploration and discovery

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Breakthrough — Established Sepultura's reputation and influenced the nu-metal genre.
Themes: tribal rhythms· Brazilian heritage· cultural fusion
Career context: Released on February 20, 1996, 'Roots' marked Sepultura's sixth studio album and their first under Roadrunner Records. This album followed their critically acclaimed 'Chaos A.D.' and showcased a significant shift toward integrating tribal elements and world music influences, reflecting the band's Brazilian heritage during a time of personal and professional evolution following lineup changes.
Stylistic neighbors: Soulfly· Pantera· Machine Head