Is Tribus a good place to start with Sepultura?

Yes, Tribus is recommended as a starting point for new Sepultura listeners. A raw exploration of groove and aggression, blending thrash metal intensity with haunting melodies and Brazilian rhythms. Released in 1998, Tribus is an EP that showcases Sepultura's evolution post their acclaimed album Roots. It represents a transitional phase as the band navigated a new musical landscape after their major breakthrough, exploring elements of nu metal while still retaining their thrash roots.

Tribus works well if you're into fierce energy for workout sessions, brief bursts of intensity and tribal rhythms for immersive experience.

How many songs are on Tribus?

Tribus has 6 tracks, running approximately 20 minutes.

Tribus

Sepultura · 1998

20 min · 6 tracks · death metal

A raw exploration of groove and aggression, blending thrash metal intensity with haunting melodies and Brazilian rhythms.

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Top tracks — play these first

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The Waste Start here — This track encapsulates the aggressive energy and intricate rhythms that define the band's style while also incorporating more melodic elements.
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Prenúncio — As one of the longer tracks on the EP, it showcases dynamic shifts between heavy riffs and atmospheric sections, highlighting the band's versatility.
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Common Bonds — This alternate mix adds a fresh perspective on the band's signature sound, emphasizing groove while maintaining aggressive undertones.

Elevation

Our rating, out of 100 — and why.

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

50 /100

Foothills

Higher than 23% of albums we've rated

Tribus showcases a blend of aggression and melody, with notable rhythmic experimentation reflecting Sepultura's evolving sound.

What we noticed

The first track opens with a heavy, syncopated guitar riff that sets a relentless pace, which is maintained throughout the EP.
Several tracks incorporate Brazilian percussion elements, creating a distinct rhythmic texture that contrasts with the aggressive guitar work.
The last two tracks feature slower tempos and more melodic structures, providing a contrast to the intensity of earlier songs.

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

Influence 4/10

Known within its scene. 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

fierce energy for workout sessions
brief bursts of intensity
tribal rhythms for immersive experience
focused listening in quick sessions

Maybe skip if you

prefer long, sprawling albums
seek melodic calmness

Where this album fits

In the catalog: Experimental — Represents a transition with new sounds, influencing later work and nu metal.
Themes: Brazilian tribal rhythms· societal waste critique· cultural fusion in metal
Career context: Released in 1998, Tribus is an EP that showcases Sepultura's evolution post their acclaimed album Roots. It represents a transitional phase as the band navigated a new musical landscape after their major breakthrough, exploring elements of nu metal while still retaining their thrash roots.
Stylistic neighbors: Soulfly· Pantera· Machine Head