these achievements shouldn’t be dismissed – after over 20 years, Sepultura still have much to offer (indeed arguably more than they did in their early days as a generic thrash/death metal band) – the band are a somewhat different prospect than when Max was at the helm. It must be difficult putting on a live show knowing that, despite more recent songs written with Derek in mind, fans still want to hear classics like ‘Refuse/Resist’, ‘Beneath The Remains’ and ‘Roots Bloody Roots’.

Facing an enthusiastic home crowd back in Brazil, Sepultura put on quite a show, rattling through a selection of favourites both old and new. There’s much more I’d have liked included, but little that should’ve been cut – the mixed blessing of a large back catalogue, I guess. And perhaps it’s too late now to be talking about Derek vs. Max. Derek will never be a replacement, but he’s a different frontman with his own style, and Sepultura are in many respects a new band now.

The set is performed with competence, and the minimal fuss of seasoned professional. While the crowd obviously enjoyed it, the intensity didn’t quite transmit to DVD it seems, thus the result is solid but unexceptional. What’s more, the release is let down by poor bonus features that really don’t justify a second disc. The supposed documentary and making of seem mainly compiled of leftover clips with musical accompaniment or some fairly banal commentary. Admittedly such will never be the major selling point of a music DVD, but it’s a shame it didn’t have a bit more thought put into it. As I began, it’s never a good idea to write off a band as tenacious as Sepultura, but I’ll be awaiting that new album more with trepidation than expectation.

(2/5)

Release Date: 12 December 2005

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