Soulfly Delivers Unrelenting Chaos at Packed Alpine Show in Reno
If you came to The Alpine in Reno looking for a mellow evening, you came to the wrong place. Soulfly, led by the legendary Max Cavalera, brought their tribal thrash metal to the all-ages venue, which was packed wall-to-wall with dedicated fans ready for a sonic frenzy. The energy in the room was high, even before the band hit the stage, a testament to the anticipation surrounding their recent release, Chama.
The lights dropped, and the roar from the crowd intensified to a near-deafening level as Max Cavalera strode onto the stage. Soulfly wasted no time setting the tone, launching straight into the powerful, groove-heavy opening track, “Indigenous Inquisition.” The moment the first crushing riff dropped, the already packed venue erupted into chaos. A mosh pit instantly formed and never seemed to stop breathing, a relentless vortex of movement that Max Cavalera expertly controlled all night long. His crowd interaction was superb—a constant stream of encouragement, guttural growls, and commands that kept the adrenaline high and the mosh pit in a state of perpetual motion.
While Max’s commanding presence anchored the performance, the unsung hero of the night was undoubtedly the man behind the kit. Zyon Cavalera's performance was nothing short of breathtaking. He was an absolute nut, driving the band forward with a level of precision, speed, and sheer physical power that was truly impressive. He delivered a drumming masterclass, proving to be the engine that fueled the evening's non-stop aggression.
The setlist was a dynamic mix of the band's extensive catalog, leaning heavily on the newer, globally charged material while ensuring classic favorites kept the older fans satisfied. The sound mix was punchy and clear, perfectly handling the low-end crunch of the guitars and the explosive percussion. As the final notes approached, the band pulled out one of their heaviest, most iconic anthems: "Eye For An Eye." The crowd response was monumental, delivering one last, massive surge of energy before the show concluded.
Soulfly delivered everything a metal fan could ask for: crushing riffs, infectious grooves, and an unforgettable, chaotic atmosphere. For a night of pure, unadulterated tribal metal madness, the show at The Alpine was a perfect 10.