Max Cavalera proves that his post-Sepultura project Soulfly has all the power of his former band and then some. Exhibiting a variety of musical influences, including guest appearances from musicians as diverse as Sean Lennon, Cory/#8 from Slipknot and gospel vocalist Asha, Cavalera and his bandmates merge trance-like percussion, intense hip-hop beats and fierce guitars into raging convulsions. Especially heart-wrenching is Son Song, which features Sean Lennon on guest vocals. Veering between tenderness and anger at the loss of a parent, it exemplifies the depth of Soulfly’s range. - Roadrunner Records
Another band that fuses rock and rap is Wheatus, whose first, self-titled (and self-produced) CD provides melodic pop with a smirky twist. Think of Third Eye Blind, Dog's Eye View, Vertical Horizon, and all the other faceless groups filed under pop/rock. Take what's good about them- tight,melodic songs, smooth vocals, add a tongue in cheek sense of humor and a touch of youthful panache, and you've got Wheatus, the eponymous debut from the Long Island based band. Unpredictable comic lyrics dot songs such as Teenage Dirtbag, Truffle and Hump' Em, Dump' Em. The last title deals with singer Brendan's reaction to the "cheesy sex going on in the White House" during the Monica Lewinsky scandal. Brendan Brown's spry vocals and a smattering of additional percussion by Phil A. Jimenez are highlights. - Columbia Records
If Wheatus is too lite for your tastes, try Felons and Revolutionaries by controversial New Yorkers Dope. Brooklyn is a breeding ground for hardcore bands (Murphy's Law, Sick Of It All, etc.) and Dope is the latest in the tradition of in-your-face bands to form in the brawling borough. Felons And Revolutionaries, their Epic debut boasts 13 cuts from this self-described "post industrial metal band". Songs like "Pig Society" and "Debonair" are perfectly geared for rock radio. Discernible melodies and a tight rhythm section that chugs along like a berserk locomotive make "Felons and Revolutionaries" an easier listen than many of its hard-edged counterparts, but that doesn't detract from it's power. Vocalist/guitarist/group spokesperson Edsel Dope possesses the attitude of the early Axl Rose, and his throaty growl fuels cuts like "Everything Sucks" and "Kimberly's Ghost", a rant against a former lover. Along with brother and band co-founder Simon (keyboards/sampling), drummer Preston Nash, bassist Acey Slade, and guitarist Tripp Eisen, Edsel vents his rage against middle-class hypocrisy, dealing drugs,heroin, and the U.S government. Top-notch production by John Travis (Kid Rock, Sugar Ray) and cohesive songwriting make this a standout among the new hardcore rap/metal bands. - Epic Records
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