Recently, on one of the forums, I came across quite a few statements declaring Dante XXI to be one of the disappointments of the year.
Perhaps that is indeed the case — I won't dispute that point of view. But it seems to me it's time to get used to it and accept as a given that SEPULTURA is no longer what it once was. Max Cavalera — the creative center — left the band, and by definition it will never be the same. One should not expect revelations on the level of Arise or Beneath the Remains.
As much as we might wish otherwise, nothing will return to the way it was. You either accept this or never again buy a CD bearing that name so dear to your heart.
But if you look at Dante XXI with a detached eye, it is actually quite decent. At the very least, it listens far more pleasantly than the 2006 offerings from SODOM and VENOM. Varied, driving, distinctly Sepultura-esque thrash built on a hardcore foundation — aggressive and interesting. Fans of SEPULTURA's post-'96 era should enjoy it very much.
...
But of course, it's not the same anymore... not the same at all.