882EA0CC-72B8-4378-8794-5360311CDD78 - AMP

2023-03-06

SOULFLY – SKINFLINT – LIVE @ THE SPACE BALLROOM

By Ralph Beauchamp

Soulfly brought their “Totem” tour to the Space Ballroom on Feb. 19th. Their show was mesmerizing with Max Cavalera and crew laying down eighteen devastating songs that totally enlivened the sold out venue. Soulfly got direct support from African heavy metalists, Skinflint.

Skinflint is an explosive three piece group from Botswana. Composed of Giuseppe Sbrana (Guitar/Vocals), Kebonye Nkoloso (Bass) and Cosmos Modisaemang (Drums), the band raged hard from the very beginning. I’m not sure how many people in the audience knew who the band was but by the end of the night, they surely did. Sbrana was a strong frontman, easily capturing the hearts of the crowd. His guitar licks were fierce and his vocals punishing. NKoloso’s bass had an extremely muscular punch while Modisaemang’s percussions dealt out an insatiable beat. From start to finish, Skinflint delivered a relentless barrage of heavy.

Images courtesy of Holly Roy Photography

Skinflint just released their new album in Feb. entitled Hate Spell via Into Records. Every song is memorable but a few stand out. “Bloody Quills” has a ferocious tempo while “Sasabonsam” is brutally ruthless. “Blood Dripping From Torsos To Toes” is another highlight. What is interesting is the use of their African roots in their music. It adds an interesting flavor to the heavy metal they are letting loose. Hate Spell is hammering throughout. Skinflint takes no prisoners.

What can one say about Soulfly! Throughout their 25 year existence the band has blazed new avenues of metal. Max Cavalera has always raised the bar. Each of Soulfly‘s 12 albums have unleashed flaming paths of destruction. Their music is fearless with barbaric riffs and biting lyrics. Cavalera’s vocals always warrant attention and demand respect. Their new full length, Totem (Nuclear Blast Records) is no exception. Once again, Cavalera has constructed a beast of album full of rage and frenzy.

They opened with “Back to the Primitive” from their 2001 disc, Primitive. Right out of the box, Soulfly had the Space Ballroom manic. This was what everyone was waiting for. The moshing began almost immediately. “No Hope=No Fear” came next and once again the room erupted with appreciation. Max was feeling the fervor and dishing it out as well. Max’s guitar simply slayed. Mike Leon on bass was fantastic. His stage presence rivaled Max’s. His bass dispensed thick eruptions of annihilation. Max’s son, Zyon, on drums was crushing while tour guitarist, Mike DeLeon emitted brutal bolts of aural bombardment. Soulfly was slamming!

Song after song, Soulfly disseminated the room. They performed great renditions of “Bleed”, “Eye For an Eye” and “No”. All from their 1998 Soulfly release. Other strong standouts were their Sepultura cover, “Refuse/Resist” and “Prophecy”. Their new album, Totem, was also well represented with Soulfly playing “Superstition”, “Scouring the Vile” and “Filth Upon Filth”. They encored the night with a kick-ass version of “Jumpdafuckup”.

As the night wore down, I don’t believe anyone had any energy left. They left it all in the pit. There was no holding back this night. Skinflint brought the fever while Soulfly conquered the spirit. By all means pick up both Hate Spell and Totem. You will not be disappointed.