Enemo-J
Those lovely chaps over at Skratch The Surface are always good for sending through a CD which gets us thinking, so when they dropped us a package with a copy of the latest Enemo-J record, Ill Begotten Means, I was chomping at the bit to get it in the stereo. Formed many moons ago with a dedication to their own fresh take on the metal formula, this is a band who have gone from strength to strength in their time together, forming their sound and getting their name out there. Having already played Download and supported the likes of Korn, Hed PE and Sylosis – I figured it was about time we check out the new album to see what’s on offer!
As the Intro track gets things in motion we’re led slowly into a dark and mysterious place, a vocal line leading the way over a haunting choral section, creating a sense of anticipation from the word go. It’s when title track Ill Begotten Means kicks in though that the true colours of the album are revealed, offering up a sludgy and bass heavy mix of hammering guitars, pummelling drums and roaring vocals. Alternating between roaring and singing, it’s striking how the guys have managed to incorporate a sense of melody throughout the track, allowing the track to move away from something which is overly heavy and becoming something which is accessible, easy to listen to, and the sort of thing which is going to whip a live crowd into a frenzy!
Moving on to Heaven Is My Hell (Without You) (Ft Joanne Finnegan) the theme of power and melody continues once again, this time adding in a sense of emotion which lifts the track beyond the simple heavy tag. As if to go even further, the female vocals of Joanne add in a soaring quality, something which is going to connect with those who hear it and offer up a musical soundtrack to the emotions they’re feeling at that moment – it’s a hell of a track. Children Of The Night chooses not to mess about with any of this though and this time, simply launches us back into that pit of all out devastation, immediately setting the tone on heavy and offering up a sound which is once again, perfectly crafted for the live scene. Melodic, powerful and straight to the point throughout, this track is a definite high point on the album, and the sort of track which I wouldn’t be surprised to see released as a single to entice more people in to listen to the album.
Track after track continues to push the boundaries of the album, from Scapegoat through to Chaotic Disorder, working through the Interlude and on into A Storm In Heaven, Cold and Intentions Aren’t A Crime Yet. Listening to the album it’s striking how each track almost tries to better the one before it, whilst at the same time maintaining a sense of continuity throughout. It’s when White Noise (Ft Chris Greenslade) comes about though that once again, another high point is achieved on the album. Spitting vocals combine with hammering guitar work to create a sound which is upbeat, heavy and firmly rooted in the world of metal from the early 2000’s. Despite this, the guys have managed to make it sound fresh, new and exciting, demonstrating their musical ability and using all of their abilities to craft a track which is sure to become a live favourite.
It’s only then left to Exit Strategy to finish things off, finishing on another fast paced track full of intricate guitar work, hammering drums and hooks which are sure to get pits moving. Imagine a track which is full of every possible metal element you could want and you’re getting somewhere close to where this track is, it’s the sort of track which doesn’t just close an album, it opens the door for what is to follow and leaves you content in the knowledge that what you’ve just heard has been one hell of a ride.
We’ve spoken to Enemo-J before when we conducted an interview with them, but listening to their music my only regret is that I haven’t checked it out before! From start to finish this is an album which pushes the boundaries of metal, gets you involved, and reminds you of what it was that first got you into the scene. If you’re looking for a band to check out that’s going to satisfy that heavy craving as well as offering something funky and upbeat, this is it – get.on.it.
To find out more about Enemo-J, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls
As the Intro track gets things in motion we’re led slowly into a dark and mysterious place, a vocal line leading the way over a haunting choral section, creating a sense of anticipation from the word go. It’s when title track Ill Begotten Means kicks in though that the true colours of the album are revealed, offering up a sludgy and bass heavy mix of hammering guitars, pummelling drums and roaring vocals. Alternating between roaring and singing, it’s striking how the guys have managed to incorporate a sense of melody throughout the track, allowing the track to move away from something which is overly heavy and becoming something which is accessible, easy to listen to, and the sort of thing which is going to whip a live crowd into a frenzy!
Moving on to Heaven Is My Hell (Without You) (Ft Joanne Finnegan) the theme of power and melody continues once again, this time adding in a sense of emotion which lifts the track beyond the simple heavy tag. As if to go even further, the female vocals of Joanne add in a soaring quality, something which is going to connect with those who hear it and offer up a musical soundtrack to the emotions they’re feeling at that moment – it’s a hell of a track. Children Of The Night chooses not to mess about with any of this though and this time, simply launches us back into that pit of all out devastation, immediately setting the tone on heavy and offering up a sound which is once again, perfectly crafted for the live scene. Melodic, powerful and straight to the point throughout, this track is a definite high point on the album, and the sort of track which I wouldn’t be surprised to see released as a single to entice more people in to listen to the album.
Track after track continues to push the boundaries of the album, from Scapegoat through to Chaotic Disorder, working through the Interlude and on into A Storm In Heaven, Cold and Intentions Aren’t A Crime Yet. Listening to the album it’s striking how each track almost tries to better the one before it, whilst at the same time maintaining a sense of continuity throughout. It’s when White Noise (Ft Chris Greenslade) comes about though that once again, another high point is achieved on the album. Spitting vocals combine with hammering guitar work to create a sound which is upbeat, heavy and firmly rooted in the world of metal from the early 2000’s. Despite this, the guys have managed to make it sound fresh, new and exciting, demonstrating their musical ability and using all of their abilities to craft a track which is sure to become a live favourite.
It’s only then left to Exit Strategy to finish things off, finishing on another fast paced track full of intricate guitar work, hammering drums and hooks which are sure to get pits moving. Imagine a track which is full of every possible metal element you could want and you’re getting somewhere close to where this track is, it’s the sort of track which doesn’t just close an album, it opens the door for what is to follow and leaves you content in the knowledge that what you’ve just heard has been one hell of a ride.
We’ve spoken to Enemo-J before when we conducted an interview with them, but listening to their music my only regret is that I haven’t checked it out before! From start to finish this is an album which pushes the boundaries of metal, gets you involved, and reminds you of what it was that first got you into the scene. If you’re looking for a band to check out that’s going to satisfy that heavy craving as well as offering something funky and upbeat, this is it – get.on.it.
To find out more about Enemo-J, check out their Facebook page HERE.
Words: Dave Nicholls