Before it went on to alter the metal landscape in the '90s, Sepultura created a portrait of uncompromising and highly sophisticated thrash that can stand proudly alongside masterpieces like Metallica’s Master of Puppets and Slayer’s Reign in Blood. Beneath the Remains is one of the finest examples of its genre: an unrelenting exercise in whiplash rhythms and pulverizing momentum. While some groups had a hard time being innovative within the highly codified world of thrash, Beneath the Remains is notable for its ingenious musical tricks. These are on full display in “Hungry,” a song that shifts between six different rhythmic exercises. While no one could ever accuse Sepultura of being “poppy,” its songs are undeniably catchy even when they aren’t melodic. Among the stone classics here are “Inner Self,” “Slaves of Pain,” “Primitive Future," and the title song, which starts deceptively with an acoustic prelude. While the band’s obvious leaders are vocalist/guitarist Max Cavalera and lead guitarist Andreas Kisser, two alternate-take bonus tracks emphasize the contributions of drummer Igor Cavalera.