Enemy Reign - Between Hell and Oblivion

Ok, I've probably started 10 or 20 or all of my reviews with this theme, but I can't drive it home enough. Since fully forgoing the entire metal scene around 2001 or 2002, that shit done went crazy on me and has never quite recovered. The exported influence of At The Gates and In Flames suddenly at one point created a backflow, and metalcore started flooding into the mainstream scene. The almightly breakdown and blast beat took hold to the point that there are some bands who literally only play those two beats and make more money in a year than I do busting my ass in a sweaty warehouse in a month, and I think it's time they ate shit and started playing good music.

In the midst of the current surge in the metal scene, as is natural, bands who keep it real will always be around, and though I can't 100% get behind them, at least Enemy Reign sound on the outside like they belong in this latter camp. These guys have more in common with Napalm Death and Morbid Angel than anyone I've come across recently, and this gives their music a very honest and organic feel to it. The band, as evidenced by "Between Hell And Oblivion", don't rely on parlor tricks and studio magic to sound demonic. They achieve that on their own.

The recording of this record sounds like much of the tracks presented contain few overdubs or production fuckery that usually render modern metal records dull and sterile. No, this one feels wide open and breathes fully, and even the most mediocre parts shine.

Indeed I used the word "mediocre". I will not deny the passion, the intensity, the precision, and the dedication Enemy Reign spews with every note, but in the end songwriting is the main goal, and I feel that all the blastbeats in the world don't make up for the fact that I just can't even grab ahold of a single riff, let alone a song. Enemy Reign grinds with the best of them, but if you can't even remember the main riff of the song 30 seconds into it, there's a problem. I just can't remember ANYTHING about this record after I shut it off.

I indeed wish Enemy Reign the best in their endeavors, as they are playing music that is soothing and familiar to my jaded ears, but I do also hope in the future that they employ some different songwriting and techniques to stand out from the crowd. This is a seriously talented band, and it would be a shame if they blended into the crowd forever.

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