In search of better sounds for the soul

By Richard Ostrom

JESU, Why Are We Not Perfect? (Hydra Head Records)

A CD reissue of three tracks (“Why are we not perfect?” “Blind and Faithless” and “Farewell”) previously made available on a 2007 12’’ split release with an outfit named Eluvium. The reissue is fattened up with alternate takes on two of the given tracks. If you are unfamiliar, Jesu is the brainchild of a workaholic sonic wunderkind named Justin Broadrick. The band was conceived by Broadrick in the wake of the unfortunate implosion of his most famous (and, arguably, finest) artistic byproduct, Godflesh.

But while Godflesh subsisted mostly on a weighty industrial dirge across a span of its almost 15 years of activity, this new mutation has gradually moved things in a, dare I say, more uplifting direction.
Since its inception in 2003, Jesu’s records have proven to both frequent and steadily satisfying. That this current release may register as the weakest of the batch is more a nit picky technicality then any form of outright pan. The tracks adhere to the Jesu formula of aching aural beauty possessing enveloping properties once introduced to the human ear, the second track, “Blind and Faithless,” being the dominant example.

Drawing from a well of influences from the obvious industrial standbys as well as a less common reference like the primarily English movement known as Shoegaze (check the likes of My Bloody Valentine, Ride and/or Slowdive for further details), Jesu gives birth on a constant basis to some of the strongest sounds of this young century. I recommend the curious listener pursue this by way of tracking down, if not this above-mentioned release, the two full length records (Jesu and Conqueror) or the 2007 EP Lifeline which features my favorite number, “Storm Comin’ On” (with vocals by former Swans founder Jarboe). Additional info; hydrahead.com.

THE SHOWDOWN, Back Breaker (Solid State Records)
Tennessee based Christian metal-core posse with their eyes on the Ozzfest prize. No mincing words on this 11-track puppy. Fluctuating vocals pummeled forward by aggro-beastly musicianship aimed squarely at the macho market. Songs attempting to pass along a message of perseverance and sweaty bravado come down the pipes baring titles such as “I Am Vengeance,” “One Foot In Hell” and “You Will Move.” Shades of melodic arena metal and southern swagger get tossed into the mix for measure, but the favored musical muscle here is a testosterone-laced boner parade of would-be brutality (but with a “positive” vibe now, remember). There’s also a handy Greek subheading for each of the tracks for that clever 300 effect.

KRISIUM, Southern Storm (Century Media)
Metal more in tune with the bullshit-free days of yore. Veteran Brazilian brutes waxing powerful semi-nostalgia on their seventh stab at genuine death metal infamy. Thick, ugly and unwilling to relent, it’s the basics of the genre folks. Kinda invokes ancient memories of hearing Suffocation, Massacre or Cannibal Corpse for the first time. Just that old school vibe y’all, nothing more, nothing less. Features a lucky 13 tunes, including a serviceable cover of legendary nation-mates Sepultura’s Refuse/Resist. Worth it for those of you who still sport your well worn Morbid Angel patches with pride. You know who you are.

THE HAUNTED, Versus (Century Media)
Brand spanking new ultra thrash blowout care one of Sweden’s premiere squadrons. For better than a decade these fellas have been blasting tight and infectious speed metal glory straight to the heart. One of those significant, dependable bands that consistently remind one why they continue to listen to metal. Each release more then gets the job done, it builds in value with repeated plays.

As with any growing body of work, certain points stand out more then others. Many a metal head seemed to reject the band’s previous effort The Dead Eye, while I personally prefer the two records produced with short-term vocalist Marco Aro (The Haunted Made Me Do It, One Kill Wonder). Versus is, for the most part, the best record featuring original vocalist Peter Dolving since their eponymous 1997 debut. A sharp, impeccable Scandinavian attack that can only serve to push these gentleman higher up the extreme music food chain.
DOUBLE YOUR ONUS! That’s correct dear readers, local metal super studs on the rise Onus will be on the bill at two area gigs for your nightlife enhancement. It all goes down hard at a pair of fine locales in glorious inner-city Appleton. The details are as follows......

1. Autumn Metal Crusade ’08, with Luna Mortis, Woods of Ypres, Onus, Wolven Ancestry, Upon Extinction. Thursday, Nov. 13, Mill Creek, 417 W. College Ave., Appleton, 7 p.m., $6.

2. Onus, Orwell, Face of Ruin, Upon Extinction: Saturday, Nov. 15, Maritime Tavern, 336. W. Wisconsin Ave., Appleton, 8:30 p.m. No cover.

So why not join Adam, John, Matt, The Doom Hammer and all their heavy friends and help fatten the local metal scene.....you know you want to. It’s your civic duty.