Savages
Soulfly · 2013
69 min · 12 tracks · thrash metal
A relentless fusion of groove and thrash metal, layered with aggressive riffs and primal energy that evokes raw intensity.
Top tracks — play these first
-
→
Bloodshed — Opening the album with a palpable sense of urgency, this track sets the tone for the entire record with its intense rhythms and visceral lyrics about conflict.
-
→
Cannibal Holocaust — This track explores the brutality of human nature through heavy riffs and dark thematic content, reflecting Soulfly's ability to blend aggression with social commentary.
-
→
This Is Violence — With its anthemic chorus and driving force, this song encapsulates the album's exploration of violence as both a personal and societal theme.
-
→
Soulfliktion — Combining tribal elements with heavy instrumentation, this track highlights Cavalera's unique approach to rhythm and melody within the metal genre.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
Savages showcases aggressive songwriting and solid production, but its impact within the genre is limited.
What we noticed
- The album opens with a high-energy track that sets a relentless pace, maintaining aggressive tempos throughout the first half.
- Several tracks feature abrupt tempo shifts, such as 'Master of Savagery' which transitions from fast-paced riffs to slower, heavier sections.
- The use of layered guitar harmonies and tribal percussion creates a dense soundscape that enhances the primal energy of the music.
- 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
-
6/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
-
7/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Little footprint beyond its audience. 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
- wave-like dynamic listening experience
- primal rhythms for cathartic release
- intense tracks for focused energy
- aggressive grooves for workout motivation
- relentless pacing with peaks
Maybe skip if you
- seeking calm and soothing sounds
- prefer standalone tracks over cohesion
Where this album fits
- In the catalog
- Deep Cut — Solid entry in the catalog but not a standout for new listeners or major recognition.
- Moods
- Aggressive· Cathartic
- Career context
- Savages is Soulfly's eighth studio album, released in the wake of their 2012 release, Enslaved. At this point in their career, frontman Max Cavalera was solidifying his legacy post-Sepultura, pushing boundaries within the metal genre while addressing themes of violence and societal chaos.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Sepultura· Machine Head· Fear Factory
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 Bloodshed 6:55
- 2 Cannibal Holocaust 3:29
- 3 Fallen 5:55
- 4 Ayatollah of Rock ’n’ Rolla 7:29
- 5 Master of Savagery 5:10
- 6 Spiral 5:34
- 7 This Is Violence 4:23
- 8 K.C.S. 5:15
- 9 El comegente 8:17
- 10 Soulfliktion 5:43
- 11 Fuck Reality 5:25
- 12 Soulfly IX 5:55
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
Sync your library
Everything you track here works immediately — no account needed. Create one when you want to sync across devices.