Jesu - Conqueror (Hydrahead)
4/5
By: Jacob Dunkley
Justin Broadrick is one clever, talented individual, that much we know for certain. Not only has JB been in Napalm Death and Godflesh, but with the first Jesu album he presented us with... well, let's just call it something slightly more listenable.
So, now to the second Jesu record. The sound of 'Conqueror' can best be described as being somewhere between the clamour made by label mates Isis and early 90's English shoe-gazing bands such as My Bloody Valentine, and although technically you could call it a metal record, its calm vocals and beautifully layered parts, although slow, never once drone too much.
The opening track from which the album takes its name is a barrage of riffs topped by Broadrick's gentle voice, one that is almost utilised as an instrument in itself. 'Transfigure' beautifully crashes in with heavy riffs that although loud never seem forced or act as a discomfort, whilst 'Medicine' also stands as a testament to how reminiscent of shoegazing 'Conqueror' can be.
Although many of the tracks may sound a bit too similar on first visit, Jesu have created an album that you find more beauty in with every spin, and if you take this home I recommend listening to it at a variety of different volumes to fully appreciate it all. When played quietly, it seems more like 'Loveless' by My Bloody Valentine, when cranked up loud it crashes out of your speakers confronting you with a wall of noise.
I'm not quite sure what they put in the water in the Hydrahead Record's offices, but the label seems to release albums that continue to defy boundaries and inspire, and show no sign of stopping. Jesu's 'Conqueror' is just the latest from what I'm sure will be another great year for a label which has a habit of producing records that the word genius was created for. Although not as diverse as their first outing, Jesu themselves seem to have not just found their feet, but they've created something truly amazing in the spot they're standing.
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