Shadows by Enemy of the Sun
|
Release date : November 2007
Reviewed by Mark Fisher
Background information
Review
Background information
A mastermind largely responsible for the mighty Grip, Inc., Waldemar Sorychta's other 2007 project materialises as Enemy of the Sun (Eyes of Eden's Faith having been released during August 2007). When it comes to affirmed acts such as The Gathering, Moonspell, Lacuna Coil, and Tiamat, Sorychta played a key role in establishing their growing reputations. Credited with nigh on two decades of quality work, Enemy of the Sun proves to be Sorychta's return to the extremely heavy sound which fans of the currently shelved Grip, Inc. loved. Sorychta wrote all the music which Enemy of the Sun's debut full length Shadows boasts, not to mention production and mixing duties. Sorychta performs guitars, whilst Alla Fedynitch (also of Eyes of Eden, and a former member of Pain) handles bass, Daniel Zeman (ex-Furnaze) occupies the drumkit, and Finland's Jules Näveri (boasting credits with Profane Omen, Burning Empire, and an erstwhile stint as part of Misery Inc.) supplies vocals.
Review
Shadows' overt aggression immediately outlines itself to the listener's ears. Within Metal's competitive sphere, this amounts to the heaviest full length Sorychta has committed to tape in quite some time. If requested to comment upon opening track “Emptiness”, then the words “absolutely sick” seem a rather apt description. An individual possessed, Näveri's Extreme Metal chords victoriously flirt amongst a wide variety of scales merely during the inaugural number. Melding primitive Rap Metal against heavier Alternative stylings, “Feel The Beating” plunges those elements into extreme's territorial waters at all the precisely correct moments. Both “Carousel” and “Lost In Time” are two compositions which respectively maintain a heavier grind, an arresting quality which refuses permission to escape from the groovy aspects which Enemy of the Sun capably execute. During the album's overall lifespan, various classic influences shine through. Acoustic fragments, aspects redolent of Mike Patton-era Faith No More, and more than a timid sprinkling of blistering guitar solos ably retain the listener's interest in Shadows - even while the clutch of tracks keep inspiring you to constantly wriggle in your very seat.
Sorychta seemingly suffers from symptoms associated with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), an audibly notable aspect of Shadows which is hinted towards at numerous junctures. In the vein of Grip Inc., the music is stylistically inconsistent (while largely remaining extremely heavy). In comparison to Grip Inc.'s back catalogue, Shadows is much more disjointed when critiqued as a whole album. Näveri handles the daunting task more assuredly than most vocalists could, although it'd be curious to witness the Finn's capabilities against the surroundings of an Enemy of the Sun concert (given the music's impromptu nature). When discussing Metal vocalists, the only other individual whom has to strive so difficultly is whoever is behind Crytopsy's microphone at any given period. A generally respectable listen, Shadows unfortunately lacks the timeless quality which most of Sorychta’s projects possess. From beginning to end, Shadows is a musical experiment in where to venture next.
