3

3 marks a pivotal moment for Soulfly, being the first album entirely produced by frontman Max Cavalera. Released in the shadow of the September 11th attacks, the album is deeply colored by themes of grief, spirituality, and global unity, most notably evidenced by the track '9-11-01' which consists of sixty seconds of silence. Sonically, it continues the band's exploration of 'World Metal,' blending the down-tuned, bouncy riffs of groove metal with traditional Brazilian percussion and instruments like the berimbau. The recording saw the return of drummer Roy Mayorga and features a diverse array of guests, including members of Sacred Reich and Ill Niño. Critics often view this album as the bridge between the band's nu-metal beginnings and their later, more thrash-oriented direction. It remains a standout for its raw production and its unapologetic embrace of the Aum symbol and Eastern mysticism alongside its heavy metal core.