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The Holy Mountain

Enemies (2006)
No Idea Records

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Contributed by: Anchors
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Published on September 15th 2006

I guess nobody told the Holy Mountain to pace themselves.

Enemies is the third release in as many years from these No Idea workaholics, and it’s one that finds them going in a decidedly more thrashy direction than they were previously able to. Whereas their last couple records toed that fine line between crust and thrash, these new songs take a turn for the latter, and though they may not have known it at the time, a turn for the better.

Their recordings were hard and aggressive enough as it was, but that extra step has now been taken, and this now four-piece has taken heavy doses of His Hero Is Gone and Born Against and pushed it that much further. Much like Bloodstains Across Your Face in Decline, this is a collection of songs, six new recordings, the Wrath 7” and two songs recorded live at The Fest last November.

All of that adds up to eleven songs. Eleven songs sure to punch, knock, and pulverize you straight into the ground without any semblance of restraint. It’s what’s come to be expected from the band, and it’s what they deliver.

The first six songs were those initially recorded for this new EP, and those are the ones that took a bit different of a direction. Make no mistake, anything you’ve loved about the band is just as present as ever, only amplified this time around. Carrying a frantic pace from beginning to end, the dizzying assault of dissonance and deep vocals present something so brutal, but at the same time, strangely melodic. It’s an interesting dichotomy that the band is able to work out -- for all the blistering speed and cacophony created, there is that bit of underlying melody, and though it’s not immediately evident, it’s there. “The Will of the People” scales back a little, offering more groove than unrelenting fury, but still striking a balance between the two. The riffs are engaging, full of small twists and turns to keep you on your toes, and the vocals fit the track just as well as any. It’s also a bit longer of an offering, giving the guitarists ample time at the end of the song to show their chops, and keep the weight of the track on their shoulders entirely.

The actual EP songs progress quickly, then leading into the three found on the Wrath 7". As mentioned before, the songs found on that record do have a decidedly more crusty feel than anything else to be found on this collection, but regardless, it has no problems coalescing with the prior or following material. A little more emphasis is placed on vocals, and less on musicianship with songs like “Re-Construction” turning those vocals and bass up in the mix, and dealing less with guitar soloing or quick chord progressions. The aggression and raw sound of it all is still there, albeit parlayed in a bit different of a manner.

With the two live songs to seal off the package, there’s a lot to enjoy for any recurring fan of the band or somebody just now getting in. More a style tweak than general overhaul, the changes made by these Florida ragers have been for the better, and should do nothing if not continue to facilitate the growth of their sound.

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feeeding5000 (September 20, 2006)

I haven't bought any of their albums -- the local punk record store closed down before I could buy "Bloodstains...". I heard the cover of Crass' "Big Hands", which is probably the best Crass cover (there's only like 4....Business, Conflict, Soft Pink Truth...)

SilentStorms (September 20, 2006)

Isn't this album cover similar to Ed Gein's new full length.

P.S. Phoenix Bodies rule!!!!

Mute98 (September 18, 2006)

sick cd!!

you guys might like Requiem- Storm Heaven, such a beautiful cd

jamespastepunk (September 18, 2006)

I'm fairly sure this dude isn't Will.

Anonymous (September 16, 2006)

I'm going to check this out, I love Tragedy, DRI, Municipal Waste...

Anonymous (September 16, 2006)

Crossover does rule. As for the D-Beat argument, i think Tragedy and The Holy Mountain prove that there is life after ripping off discharge.

notfeelingcreative (September 16, 2006)

Crossover rules. Municipal Waste, Holier than thou?, Send more paramedics, Crossexamination, Corrosion of Conformity, Ghoul, and Toxic Halocaust are rad bands.

Maby you should stop being so goddamn didactic and have some fun with some fast, loud, and honest music.

Since COC crossed over to metal, I haven't heard a single song that can be described as being 'fast'!

Anonymous (September 16, 2006)

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

yea yea whatever Will. This record is reminiscent of 'bloodstains' and i loved that record. Good dirty production

-kliph

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

"And Will, how many more straight up D-Beat albums can u take from the same band?"

D beat bands should break up. As well as 80's style metal bands.

-Will

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

This is a classic already. Not as good as Entrails though.

ozmanx (September 15, 2006)

Cool, these guys are alright by me.

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

Hasn't this album been out for months? I'm surprised it wasn't reviewed earlier.
And Will, how many more straight up D-Beat albums can u take from the same band?

Great album. I like the direction, especially the vocals

-kliph

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

This album is really good and they are also an awesome live band

dir (September 15, 2006)

I like this band so much. My favorite track on this is "Spilling Currency" or "Wrath". I too think they are getting better.

SloaneDaley (September 15, 2006)

I'll have to check this out I really enjoyed the last record

Anchors (September 15, 2006)

Well Will, surely if you were in the band, this record would be a 10, no?

notfeelingcreative (September 15, 2006)

I loved 'endtrails', I kept meaning to pick this up, but judging by the reactions of Mr. Marinovic and Mr. Notemo, I'm glad I didn't! If I want meatl, I certainly don't think of Holy Mountain.

gladimnotemo (September 15, 2006)

I heard this is just alright.

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

I don't think this album is any more metal than their earlier stuff. I agree with the reviewer that this band is getting better and better. And the reviewer didn't mention drums once, but the new guy they got right before "Entrails", I think, is really good.

Anonymous (September 15, 2006)

Okay, I'm sick of bands being so metally. Crossover sucked, metal is not good music. This band totally went down the wrong path.

-William Marinovic