REVIEW: Sepultura - The Cloud of Unknowing

Such a sad but wholesome EP: The Cloud of Unknowing by SEPULTURA. The Brazilian-American heavy metal band are on the road currently celebrating their 40th anniversary concluding late 2026, and have brought out a 4-track EP which serves as a sweet goodbye from their hard-earned legacy, from 16 records - 14 of which have gone gold. It is more than just a collection of songs, this EP plays out like a reflective journey, touching on themes of identity, conflict, and transformation while also delivering the intensity fans expect.

All Souls Rising kicks off strong and bold, making an entrance that ensures SEPULTURA will not be forgotten! From the opening seconds, the track hits with unrelenting force as Derrick Green delivers one of his most ferocious vocal performances on the record, fully locked into the song’s aggressive pulse. The orchestral touches clash and merge with razor-sharp riffs, creating a dynamic tension, slight subtle nods to Schizophrenia-era chaos; if you’re a longtime fan, you’ll certainly notice it.

Beyond The Dream represents one of the most defining and emotional highlights of SEPULTURA's era, capturing the essence of a legacy forged through decades of iconic albums, touring, and their dedication to music. "Believed in what we did and said, the future is not our end." These lyrics give such a warm feeling that, from where they started to now looking back on their final touring moments, makes you all teary eyed. It’s showing a new dimension of the band but just a little too late, fulfilling a long-held ambition to embrace the ballad format while staying true to their unmistakable heavy sound.

Sacred Books is the shortest track on the EP but the experimentation is still happening because we get some piano taking centre stage with a jazzy vibe, while still holding down its metal weight. Andreas Kisser keeps the riffs dense and controlled, while Derrick Green delivers a solid, measured vocal performance. Though not a standout, the song works well as a transitional moment. The Place leaves us wanting more, while sobbing knowing it’s the end - however even though it’s the end, it doesn't stop them from taking it in a darker direction. Lyrically the song is reaching out about migrants searching for refuge and fresh start which is very heavy with how today’s world is. As we journey towards the end, we get your usual SEPULTURA vibes with the thrash metal roots.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZYyUwXUS1Fk

Sadly, the end is nigh. SEPULTURA's The Cloud of Unknowing stands as a fitting and multifaceted closing statement. Rather than simply revisiting past glories, the band chooses to evolve, blending their thrash roots with more atmospheric melodies and even cinematic elements. As a final chapter, this EP doesn’t just celebrate what SEPULTURA were, it reinforces what they have always been. Thank you for the good times.

Score: 8/10

The Cloud of Unknowing will be released on 24th April 2026 via Nuclear Blast Records.

Words: Ciara Hicks-Evans

Photos: Sepultura