ENTER SHIKARI — The Mindsweep (review)

ENTER SHIKARI — The Mindsweep album cover

Album · 2015 · Hardcore Punk

3.5/5 · 2015-02-18
RuneWalsh2112

"The Mindsweep" is my first honest attempt at uncovering the successful quartet known as Enter Shikari. Having previously only heard a few of their singles, the band struck me as a fresh new act on the market filled with infinite number of forgettable bands that all strive to making a name for themselves in the modern age of commercial rock music.

I was quite surprised when I found out that Enter Shikari was one of the top billed bands on this year's roster for Download Festival, something that is generally only granted to some of the top names in rock and metal. So when did this band become as big as they are today and what have I been missing?

I honestly didn't know what to expect when the opening track "The Appeal & The Mindsweep I" began with Rou Reynolds making a speech that kind out reminded me of that famous William Wallace speech from Braveheart. The rest of the track had little to do with the Mel Gibson-directed period piece and instead was a very contemporary composition that mixed metalcore with modern electronic sounds (that are apparently referred to as electronicore).

After this shaking but overall exciting experience, we transport to "The One True Colour" that features a hefty dose of metalcore while maintaining a melodically strong chorus. "Anaesthetist" is where the album really gets going due to this track's strong distinct sound that mixes electronica, metal and a hip hop-like performance by Reynold that's done in a very distinguishable English dialect.

"The Last Garrison" was the first single off the album and it's a pretty obvious choice considering that it's one of the most commercially oriented tracks here. This is by no means a criticism, rather a distinguishable factor that makes this song stand out while hearing it on a commercial radio station. The next trilogy of tracks is, in my opinion, the strongest moment that this album has to offer. "Never Let Go Of The Microscope" and "Myopia" are clearly the reason why Enter Shikari is among the top names in the metalcore genre while "Torn Apart" gives them that extra push to go beyond their trademarked territory and into eclectic-styled songwriting.

After the short "Interlude", we are treated with one of this album's lesser moments as "The Bank Of England" is clearly an uninspired track that drags for to long and really accomplishes nothing during its 3+ minutes. "There’s A Price On Your Head" sounds like the band trying to replicate the magic of System Of A Down and almost nailing the performance. This track completely caught me by surprise as I was not ready to hear Serj and company to be featured on an Enter Shikari track.

"Dear Future Historians..." takes things down quite a few notches as we are treated to this album's first and only ballad. This is probably the track that I could try playing for my girlfriend in order to convince her that she needs to go with me to an Enter Shikari gig. The downside to this track is that it drags on for too long and really seems out of place with the rest of the album. "The Appeal & the Mindsweep II" returns the album full circle even though it's really not as memorable as the first part.

I was quite surprised by what I've experienced on "The Minesweep". This is definitely not the music that I generally listen to but definitely enjoyed what I was offered! The album is a bit short and features just too many different styles and sounds in order for me to truly gasp what Enter Shikari are going for. I kind of wish that more of the album sounded like it's middle section but that's just my opinion as I'm sure that fans of the band will be ecstatic about this record. Recommended to fans of eclectic metalcore who like to hear a broad scale of influences and sounds while still getting their regular dose of the band known as Enter Shikari.

***** star songs: Anaesthetist (2:55)

**** star songs: The Appeal & The Mindsweep I (4:50) The One True Colour (3:53) Never Let Go Of The Microscope (4:02) Myopia (4:10) Torn Apart (3:54) Interlude (0:56) There's A Price On Your Head (2:49) Dear Future Historians… (6:28) The Appeal & The Mindsweep II (3:40)

*** star songs: The Last Garrison (3:42) The Bank Of England (3:23)

more than 2 years ago
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Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

No problem, from what I've seen on YouTube they seem to put on great live performances :)

RuneWalsh2112 wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Thank you for the feedback! I like the album and it would be a blast to see Enter Shikari live. :)

Unitron wrote:

more than 2 years ago

Good review, I found this album to be a masterpiece. I do agree with 'Dear Future Historians' dragging on for a bit too long, but I love the rest of the songs.