Machine Messiah is the fourteenth studio album of the Brazilian metal band, Sepultura. Released on January 13, 2017, this album represents a significant shift in the band's style, with many critics and fans praising the album for its experimental approach. The album is influenced by the band's usual thrash metal, but it also incorporates elements of heavy metal, progressive rock, and world music.
The title, "Machine Messiah," is inspired by the massive influence of automation and artificial intelligence in our modern society. The album is meant to critique and reflect on our increasingly symbiotic relationship with technology.
The album production was done by Jens Bogren, a renowned producer in the music industry. His influence can be seen in the polished and refined sound of the album, which still maintains a distinctly Sepultura edge.
Machine Messiah was mostly well received by critics, who praised the band for its innovative approach and fusion of distinct music styles. The album also performed well commercially, charting in several countries around the world.
The track list mirrors the album's eclectic sound, featuring tracks like "Machine Messiah", "I Am The Enemy", and "Phantom Self". The lyrics delve into deep themes, confronting sociopolitical issues and questioning the human-technology dynamic.
Consisting of Andreas Kisser on guitars, vocalist Derrick Green, bassist Paulo Jr., and drummer Eloy Casagrande, Sepultura brought a fresh perspective to their signature approach to metal music with Machine Messiah, showcasing their capacity for growth and adaptability after more than three decades in the music industry.