Dante XXI

Sepultura

Product Details

• Audio CD (March 14, 2006)
• Original Release Date: March 14, 2006
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Steamhammer / SPV
• ASIN: B000E6GCCA
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.4 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (44 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #140,172 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

After losing Max Cavalera to his own ambitions in Soulfly, Sepultura brought in Derrick Green, and then seemed to stumble a bit. But that’s not the case here. Dante XXI is a powerful record, on that stands alongside of Sepultura classics like Beneath The Remains and Chaos A.D.. Loosely based on Dante’s "The Divine Comedy" and clocking in at less than 40 minutes, this is hardcore thrash with a literary bent. Using the classic Sepultura speed metal churn, "City of Dis" burns along with a strong vocal performance by Green. But it isn’t a one-note piece of music either, as the band learned from their more experimental phase: "Fighting On" digs in with a slower torch, while "Ostia" has a beautiful string instrument break. Many people wrote the band off when Max left, but it would be a mistake to dismiss this album, as the band has once again found the same intensity they showed in their earlier years. --Robert Arambel

Product Description

True classics in the history of rock and metal music not only distinguish themselves in terms of great songs and awesome productions but also in terms unusual thematic concepts. Sepultura once travelled to the Xavante Indians on the border between Brazil and Bolivia to find inspiration for their masterpiece, Roots. Now, more or less one decade later, the band have drawn their creative ideas from the content of a book that their vocalist Derrick Green read, or should we say devoured, a good fifteen years ago during his university days: ‘Divina Comedia’ (in English: The Divine Comedy) by the Italian poet and philosopher, Dante Alighieri. Of which explains the album title, Dante XXI, as well as the fact that the recording is an exceptional offering, featuring songs that catapult the classic Sepultura variety of thrash metal into the present. Sepultura anno 2006 celebrate their straightforward, uncompromising metal without concessions, causing a serious adrenalin rush in their listeners’ veins, without any frills, directly and unequivocally to the point. Or, to quote vocalist Derrick Green, "Sepultura songs have their own dynamics that you won’t find in any other metal act."

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars They have been through Hell and Purgatory.....but this album is Paradise, March 16, 2006

By	Steve (Cork, Ireland) - See all my reviews

This album is deservedly getting great acclaim world-wide, but I feel compelled to add another 5-star review to the growing amount that are out there already.
I can't say enough good things about the album. I think it's their best work since Arise (if not, dare I say, ever?).
The band have had their critics since Max Cavalera left; a lot of people instantly disliked Derrick Green upon hearing Against, and hence decided not to give the following albums a chance. If you are one of these people, I strongly advise you to buy this album. If you are one of those who kept faith in the band, then you are reaping your just rewards.
As much as I love the Derrick-era albums prior to Dante, I think this album is an amalgamation of all the best elements of its predecessors. It's thrashy, it's heavy, there's a healthy mix of alternative instruments (the use of Horns, I believe!) and it is really creative.
There's also something a little extra in Dante; it's dark. As a concept album, it draws inspiration from The Divine Comedy (the album is split into 3 sections; Hell, Purgatory and Paradise) both lyrically and artistically. There are some intense songs such as "Buried Words" in which you can decipher the book's influence (if you've read it of course!) The art-work also draws inspiration from The Divine Comedy, with some top-notch work.
In conclusion, this is an album that should have the begrudgers running back to the band in their droves (If you are one of them, there's no shame in it!) as well as putting Sepultura back on the radar of metal heavy-weights where they belong. ....this is simply a great album. Buy it!

15 of 17 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sepultura roar back after "Roorback", March 15, 2006

By	A. Stutheit "Teyad" (Denver, CO USA) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)

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Following the release of 2003's "Roorback," Sepultura have released their fourth studio album (and fifth disc total) without original frontman Max Cavalera. I must say I was skeptical when listening to the new album because "Roorback" was somewhat of a disappointment. But, after listening with an open mind, I can safely say that "Dante XXI" is doubtlessly Sepultura's best release with singer Derrick Green (who joined the band in 1998), and also their best since 1993's "Chaos A.D."

These songs definitely thrash with a great intensity, one that was missing from "Roorback." The rhythm section no longer suffers without the second guitar; in fact, while listening to some of the songs, like the churning fifth track, "False," it's difficult to tell that the band only have one guitarist.

Next, "Dante XXI" is more creative than most of Sepultura's previous releases. The tribal drums and acoustic guitars are omitted, but a couple of the tracks (i.e. "Ostia") feature (what sounds like) violins in the background. Plus, you know this has got to be a fairly creative C.D., because it's a concept album! (The lyrics are based on Dante's famous book, "Inferno.")

Finally, Derrick's vocal performance is improved here. His yells still aren't quite as powerful as Max's growls, but, on the plus side, they are more decipherable.

The first real song on here, "Dark Wood Of Error," sort of brings Meshuggah to mind, because it has pounding, lumbering guitars and busy double bass drumming. The next track, "Convicted In Life," begins with a ten second drum intro, before catapulting into buzzsaw guitar riffs. Other highlights include the machine gun, cascading riffs and fast, pounding drums on "City Of Dis" and "Fighting On," the fiery, churning riffs and careening guitar solo featured in "Nuclear Seven," "Repeating The Horror" (which ends with a catchy, rhythmic drum solo), and the explosive thrasher, "Crown And Miter."

All you need to know about this album is that it's a great return to form for Sepultura; and as aforementioned, "Dante XXI" is the group's best record without Max. My only gripe with it is that it's kind of short (only 39 minutes), but, all in all, Sepultura sound very impressive and much improved!

8 of 8 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Perfection, March 29, 2006

By	E. Morsella (New York) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

In short, if you like metal and thrash, you must own this album.

I've been listening to Sepultura since Schizophrenia, and, for some reason, that somehow gives me the feeling that I can say the following with a bit of authority: This is one of the best Sepultura albums of all time. I saw them live for "Beneath the Remains", "Arise" and a few times thereafter (e.g., Tattoo the Earth). Andreas Kisser is simply one of the best metal lead guitarists of all time. The high-pitched yet earthly and "organic" leads on "Beneath" and "Arise" 'remain unique to that Sepul-sound. This album builds off that unique sound. I've enjoyed this album tremendously. BRAVO!