DJIZOES:
"In the Papers" (Self-produced; 2006)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
"In the Papers" is a step up from the band's 2005 EP, "The Erkonos Project," if only in that the production values here are somewhat higher and that there are more than three tracks.
Otherwise, it's more of the same from the band, with their progressive hard rock / prog metal leanings and slightly grunge-era vocals. At times, the bass sounds amazingly like Iron Maiden's Steve Harris, and it carries the songs more often than not. That's a good things as, despite the fact that the melodies here are often unmemorable, the album continues through at a driving pace that doesn't leave you behind.
The most important thing about "In the Papers" is that it proves that Djizoes: is a band with its own unique sound and style. The songs on this CD may not drive themselves into your subconscious with unforgettable hooks, at least upon first listen, but they will hold your attention throughout and maybe even lure you back for return listens.
Djizoes: Dje - vocals, guitars; Ales - bass, screams; Iv - guitars; Vinch - drums.
For more information, check out www.djizoes.com or http://www.myspace.com/djizoes.
"The
Erkonos Project" EP (Self-produced; 2005)
Reviewed by R. Scott Bolton
Let's get this way out of the way at the beginning; otherwise, this could become confusing: Djizoes: is pronounced "Jesus" and, yes, the colon is included intentionally. I don't know if you're supposed to pause significantly at the end of the band's name or if the colon is just decorative like the two little dots about the o's in Motorhead's logo.
Now, onto "The Erkonos Project." The cover of this three -track EP is a sketch of a vocalist onstage, belting out a tune that is amplified so intensely that the audience is literally blown away. That's kind of what this CD will do to you but not in a Slayer/Metallica/Slipknot kind of way. Instead, "The Erkonos Project" is one of those walls of sound CDs, an almost prog rock record that sets its own pace for how it will rock you and manages to do so over three slightly-longer-than-usual tracks.
With songwriting that's measured and deliberate, musicianship that's reminiscent of prog rock (especially during the lengthy instrumental sections) and production that allows the whole project to breathe while still sounding bigger than life, "The Erkonos Project" is an eye-opening introduction to a unique band. Their calculated and controlled sound may not be for everyone but those lured in will be easily caught and held.
For more information, check out www.djizoes.com or http://www.myspace.com/djizoes.
Rating Guide:
A classic. This record will kick your ass.
Killer. Not a classic but it will rock your world.
So-so. You've heard better.
Pretty bad. Might make a nice coaster.
Self explanatory. Just the sight of the cover makes you wanna hurl.
Copyright © 2009 by R. Scott Bolton. All rights
reserved.
Revised:
18 Nov 2024 13:33:12 -0500.
