January 18th, 2014 - Double Skull Savages! (Actually Quadruple Based On My Photo)

Afternoon kiddies!!  The Meista here with another kick-ass metal and craft brew pairing for ya... Soulfly's latest, "Savages" and a Double Skull Doppelbock Lager from Epic Brewing Company!  Hell yeah!!  This pairing goes out to my buddy Jerm!!  He and I will be seeing the amazing Soulfly live, on the "Savages" tour on January 29th!!  Cheers and hails Jerm!!  

"Savages" is Soulfly's 9th studio album and was released on September 30th, 2013.  Fronted by one of my heavy metal heroes, guitarist/vocalist/"lyrical terrorist" Max Cavalera (ex-Sepultura), Soulfly beautifully incorporates multiple styles of metal (primarily thrash, death, and groove) with world music (primarily Brazilian tribal music) and socio-political lyrics.  Cavelara is joined on "Savages" by Marc Rizzo (guitars, flamenco guitar, sitar), Tony Campos (acoustic and electric bass, vocals on "El Comegente"), and Zyon Cavalera (drums, percussion).  Of the album, "It's about the human condition right now", states Max Cavalera in the band's press release regarding the album's release. "We have the Internet and we're working on missions to Mars, but we are still decapitating each other and blowing up marathons. We're still savages. Even with technology and how far we've come in the world, our spirit is still that of a savage".  Every song on "Savages" is perfectly executed... the guitar work on "Ayatollah Of Rock 'N' Rolla" alone will melt your face!  Zyon Cavalera establishes himself as a master percussionist on this album as well.  "Savages" may very well be Soulfly's best album yet... it is profoundly aggressive, engaging, and dripping with artistic integrity and depth.  Here's the complete, brilliant track list:

1. "Bloodshed"
2. "Cannibal Holocaust"
3. "Fallen"
4. "Ayatollah Of Rock 'N' Rolla"
5. "Master Of Savagery"
6. "Spiral"
7. "This Is Violence"
8. "K.C.S.
9. "El Comegente"
10. "Souliflicktion"
11. "Fuck Reality"
12. "Soulfly IX"

Doppelbocks were originally brewed by fasting German monks as "liquid bread".  Rich and hearty, these ales would sustain the monks during their winter fasting periods.  Following that tradition, the Double Skull Doppelbock Lager from Epic Brewing Company is rich and filling.  It is brewed with Muntons Maris Otter, Weyermann Pilsner, Briess Bonlander Malt, Munich Malt, Briess Aromatic Malt, Weyermann Cara Munich II, and Carafa III, along with Premiant, Tettnang, and Perle hops to balance out the heavy malts. It pours  Upfront, the Double Skull is a bit aggressive, but it smooths as you delve deeper.  Depending on the release (mine is #19), the Double Skull comes in anywhere between 8.0% to 9.1% ABV; this is a big boy, but the heavy use of malts and the sweeter caramel and hop notes really balances out the higher alcohol content for a smooth and enjoyable experience. There are slight hints of fruit and great toasted bread aromas and even notes of grassy herbs.  The flavor is all about the malt.  Huge notes of baked bread and biscuit... this is hearty stuff my friend... as is "Savages"!!

Saúde!!