Meka Nism - The Shift - Anthems For A Revolution
Meka Nism - EP Review
The Shift - Anthems For A Revolution
CD Info
2015
English lyrics
5 tracks
9.5/10
I have followed Central Florida’s own five-piece metal act, Meka Nism, since their inception. Respected both locally and nationally for their overwhelming passion and professionalism, as well as the deep loyalty of their fan base, Meka Nism is a band to watch. In celebration of their burgeoning fame, I’m going to take the time to review their EP, The Shift - Anthems For A Revolution. So, without further ado:
I will be the first to admit that I am not generally a fan of albums that open with dialogue, but “The Shift” is a worthy metal opener reminiscent of Dutch symphonic metal band Epica. From the opening strains, it captivates with its deeply atmospheric and evocative rhythm. The percussion is primal and stirring, with riffs that are stunning in their sensuality. When Meka’s vocals surge, it becomes an aural assault. Her primal screams are followed by a crescendo of passionate riffs, throbbing bass, and extremely lush, intricate instrumentation.
“Mekamorphosis” is a highlight track for me. Meka Nism is a band that manages to seamlessly incorporate brutal metal intensity and tribal, lachrymose beats. Meka is a very versatile vocalist, sure to impress fans of Floor Jansen, Tarja Turunen, Sharon den Adel, Lzzy Hale, and Alissa White-Gluz. Her vocals begin low and throaty, and ultimately run the metal gamut from extreme to operatic. On the word “betrayal,” Meka’s chill-inducing voice soars with incredible range and power. This is an unimpeachably powerful track.
Meka Nism does not let you go for an instant. “From Out Of Nowhere” is arguably the most metal track on the album. The guitar riffs are especially impressive, but the entire band is so consistent in delivering that there are really no weak links to complain of. This empowering anthem gets a mosh-worthy rating of 10/10.
“Mouth Of God,” recently released as an official live music video, is intricate and aggressive. Interspersed with whispered dialogue, classical trills worthy of early Tristania, and ferocious screams, this song is sure to become one of Meka Nism’s most successful releases. The entire band delivers with every fiber of themselves. This is unadulterated, in-your-face, take-no-prisoners metal.
The softest song on the album, “Phoenix,” features dual vocals, both female and male. This is all that a metal power ballad should be, though it is too complex to be labeled as merely a “ballad” or an “anthem.” The production is pristine, and every moment is enthralling. This is the perfect closing song, and a very defining one; it is, quite simply, a celebration of existence: the raw, painful realities of grief, but ultimately, the triumph of life.
The only reason I am not giving this release a full 10/10 is because it is an EP, not a full-length studio album. I cannot wait to hear more from this prodigiously talented band. As Meka croons on their closing number: “We can see you breaking free, it’s time for you to believe in the dream you’ll come to be.”
