Emmure – Eternal Enemies
Review by Jennifer Boylen
When it comes to Emmure we can always count on one thing: everything being controversial simply for the sake of being controversial. Their latest release, Eternal Enemies follows this trend to a T.
Let’s start with “Untitled,” the opening track. We all know what the original title was, and that is a whole separate issue. Although I do genuinely like the idea of using the samples as well as the sound towards the end, I still could have done with out it. Everyone has their shtick but you have to back up stirring up controversy with quality work or you’ll fall flat on your face. Apparently this is a lesson Emmure has not quite mastered.
This record is not bad in any sense, it’s just not amazing. If you want something decent and heavy, Eternal Enemies will do. If you’re down to get sworn at for 45 minutes, you’re in luck. If you want something to blow your mind; keep on searching.
Front man, Frankie Palmeri takes the spotlight on the album as it’s heavily focused on vocals. That being said, the vocals are all over the map. I genuinely like the addition of rap-like clean vocals as well as the variety; but the whiplash-inducing switch from low rumble, to talking, to screaming, and back again gets old. On top of that, the lyrics are very distracting. This is not completely unexpected, but some of them are not only completely unoriginal, many are down right cringe worthy (i.e. “Yeah, you know what Daddy likes” among others).
For the most part, the melodies and breakdowns are pretty predictable and genre-standard. I did enjoy some of the electronic elements but they sort of fell apart during the middle of each track. Regardless, there are a few gems with some great guitar riffs and some musical substance, such as “Grave Markings,” “E,” and “New Age Rambler.”
The closing track “We Were Just Kids” is definitely my favorite track on the whole record. Not only does it break up the monotony from majority of the other 14, but it shows musical diversity, depth, and genuine musicianship. Instead of trying (really hard) to make a point, the music speaks on it’s own, which is what a record should do. Although those are few and far between, in true Emmure style, those few make each of their records worth listening to and Eternal Enemies is no exception.
Overall Rating: 2.5/5
Recommended Tracks: “Grave Markings” “New Age Rambler” and “We Were Just Kids”
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