What can be better than a Heavy Metal-fueled family affair creating an exciting, badass new album? There certainly is not a whole lot that comes to mind, specifically regarding the brand-new Soulfly album titled Chama. As the title of this thirteenth album’s Portuguese meaning of ‘flame’ suggests, it is definitely capable of setting fire to anything that is in its path. Released October 24th, 2025, via Nuclear Blast, Chama was written and created by Soulfly Vocalist/Guitarist Max Cavalera, Bassist Igor Amadeus Cavalera, Drummer Zyon Cavalera, and Guitarist Mike De Leon.
Originating in Arizona, Soulfly captured a time when Nu metal was blowing into the mainstream, but Max Cavalera kept his Sepultura roots in check and created a sound that mixed groove, tribal, and Thrash so well that a bunch of ’90s Metal kids could not stray from. Chances are, if fans were listening to Soulfly in the late ’90s, then they were also tuned in to Fear Factory. As a powerful duo that ripped a nice hole into the mainstream of Nu Metal, Soulfly brought their tribe to life. Ironically, this new album, Chama, also features some rapid-fire riffs from Max’s “brother from another mother,” Fear Factory’s Dino Cazares, on the tune “No Pain=No Power.” Close friends, Dino Cazares is often seen on stage at Cavalera Conspiracy and Soulfly shows as a featured guest musician, and the smiles and powerful riffs go hand in hand to bring these pure, true musicians to life.
One might ask, when digging into this album, is there a title track on Chama? Yes, of course there is, but somewhat uniquely, it is the last of ten songs on the album. It feels familiar to the beginnings of Soulfly. Still, it carries itself forward with echoes of the vocals and dabbles in djent and groove guitar, contributing to that heaviness that fans adore. Moving backwards on the album is the serenity of the tribe vibe explored in “Soulfly XIII,” which creates a melodic interlude that is still unmistakably Cavalera.
Then, a favorite track is midway through the album, would have to be “Black Hole Scum” because it resonates with fans on a rage-filled power-play level and even seems to expose a slight old-school Black Metal vibe in the vocals and some of the Thrash guitar change-ups. The more, the merrier when it comes to mixing Metal genres. Usually, a well-stirred blend arrives at such wonderful controlled chaos that is indeed apparent on this new Soulfly album.
Overall, Chama is one of those albums that can just be churned up and spit out in any order or direction because all the tracks have their own sound mind. Concept albums are also great, but the best part of this Soulfly album is that the concept seems to be letting out the darkest parts of one’s soul like an angry fire-filled dragon’s breath. Moving further back to the beginning of Chama, “Indigenous Inquisition,” which is only approximately two minutes long, reels you in like watching a glorious stampede.
What is fascinating about Chama is not just its heaviness, but the way it feels freeing. Soulfly have always used heaviness as catharsis, or ritual dignity, and here that strength returns in full force. Between the tribal drums, the crushing riffs, and the longing vocals, Soulfly is embracing something elemental. On this album, heaviness is happiness in more ways than one.
For all of the above, Soulfly fans should get excited because after breathing the fire of Chama, there is no turning back. Beyond this, a nod has to be given to Max Cavalera, noting that age need not fizzle out the lifeblood of a true musician. That is why Cryptic Rock gives Chama 5 out of 5 stars.
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