When Jesu entered the recently dubbed “post-metal” scene, the formula they adopted on their self-titled debut showed promise for the new genre. Instead of tedious essays in Neurosis and Tool, Broadrick took the industrial essence of his previous band, Godflesh, and applied an almost shoegaze-esque structure to it. Chaotic, surging guitars and electronic noise complemented by drifting, somnolent synthesizers, and Broadrick's lonely, far-away vocals floating in atop the mix made up this new sound, with a drum machine and sometimes live drumming adding coherence to the largely amorphous body of music.
Three albums later, Jesu have persisted in using much the same formula, but have been described as adding a “pop” influence to their music after the release of their previous EP, Silver. This is quite a damning label to be branded with, and it is certainly one I find quite unfair. Certainly, the album's production is more balanced, and while the guitarwork tended to overwhelm the other components of the music on previous releases, it sits comfortably in its own space on Conqueror, allowing the synths to take songs to soaring heights. The guitarwork is also more dynamic, with melodies overlaying the downtuned riffs, and adding more progression to the songs, which in general have more structure--undoubtedly a good thing. In the case of their self titled album, my hands seemed to drift toward the skip button in my less patient moods. Jesu have often been described as having quite depressing music, and while many of their new songs still deal with emotional hardships and a jaded view of human nature, Conqueror often sounds almost upbeat.
These things considered, I can hardly see Justin Broadrick appear on a Justin Timberlake album (at this point one prays for the gods of irony to be merciful). In essence, however, Jesu trodden water to some extent in this release. Sure, there are a few bells and whistles there, but the bands sound remains very similar to what it was. On the other hand, the bands sound is highly unique and unmatched by none in the post-metal genre, and is still a perfectly valid addition to their catalogue.
| Reviewer:Jasper Rice Added: March 11th 2007 |
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