SEPULTURA – THE CLOUD OF UNKNOWING

Glancing at Quadra (2020) sitting in my collection, a wave of melancholy inevitably rises-but this is not the moment to dwell on endings. For now, the focus shifts entirely to this final offering.'All Souls Rising' opens the EP with a surge of energy that feels both urgent and defiant. Inspired by a book about a slave rebellion in 18th-century Haiti, the track erupts like an apocalyptic force, fusing massive grooves with sweeping orchestral textures. Within just a few minutes, it channels multiple eras of Sepultura’s sound, creating something that feels both familiar and fiercely alive. From the very first seconds, the impact is undeniable. Derrick Green delivers one of his most intense performances, his voice cutting through the chaos with raw conviction and power. The interplay between orchestral elements and razor-edged riffs generates a constant push and pull, a tension that keeps the track in motion. Beneath it all, there are echoes of the band’s past-subtle nods to the chaos of the Schizophrenia era-woven into a modern, forceful sound. It’s a statement that doesn’t look back in resignation, but forward with fire, proving that SEPULTURA still has something vital to say. Slowing the pace, 'Beyond the Dream' reveals a more reflective and vulnerable side of SEPULTURA. The track begins with a gentle introduction, as Derrick Green’s deep, controlled vocals gradually evolve into a more intense and expressive delivery. Andreas Kisser’s melodic solo work adds further emotional resonance. Lyrically, the song feels like a moment of introspection, looking back on decades of dedication and shared belief. Lines such as "Believed in what we did and said, the future is not our end" carry a warmth that borders on bittersweet, while the opening verse hints at a quiet sense of disbelief at how far the band has come. As a power ballad, it subtly nods to classic influences like SCORPIONS, yet remains grounded in SEPULTURA’s identity. It’s a rare and deeply human moment-one that adds a new dimension to the band’s legacy, even if it arrives near the very end of their journey.

A shift in dynamics defines the latter half of the EP. 'Sacred Books' pulls back from the initial intensity, settling into a slower, more deliberate groove. Despite its shorter runtime, it experiments with texture-most notably through the inclusion of jazzy piano passages that add an unexpected, almost cinematic layer to the track. Andreas Kisser maintains tight, controlled riffing, while Derrick Green approaches the vocals with restraint, allowing the atmosphere to breathe. It may not be the most immediate standout, but it serves its role well within the EP’s flow. Serving as the EP’s emotional climax, 'The Place' unfolds as a slow-burning finale that lingers long after it ends. Centered around themes of migration, identity, and disillusionment, the track moves from introspective calm into a steadily rising sense of urgency. Its message carries real weight-strikingly relevant in today’s world—as Derrick Green navigates the tension between belonging and exclusion, shifting seamlessly between restrained, almost reflective passages and bursts of raw aggression. The instrumentation follows this arc closely, evolving from a subdued, mournful foundation into a more forceful and driven sound, with Andreas Kisser’s riffs gradually tightening their grip. By the time the tempo surges, the band reconnects with their thrash roots, pushing the track toward a cathartic and powerful conclusion. It’s a closing statement that leaves a deep impression-both a final surge of energy and a quiet acknowledgment that the journey is coming to an end.

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SEPULTURA’s "The Cloud of Unknowing" is a powerful and emotionally charged final statement, balancing heaviness with reflection and modern relevance. While not every moment is equally striking, the EP succeeds in capturing both the band’s enduring intensity and their reflective farewell, resulting in a fitting and impactful closing chapter.

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SCORE 9.5/10

REVIEWED BY SWAMPY