Time
Has Come... is the debut EP by
French band Sjuk and represents a decent introduction to a band
clearly still finding its feet. The EP is unlikely to earn Sjuk a
huge degree of fanfare but promisingly displays some encouraging
signs of progression over their 2009 demo, as the band hones its
blend of metal and Celtic folk. It's become a crowded genre but is
not an easy style to master and Sjuk appear to be making strides
towards mastery of that particular style.
However,
this band is clearly not the finished article yet. Much of this EP
consists of 'folk sections' and 'metal sections', which would not be
a problem in itself if not for the fact that the folk sections of the
record are so much stronger than the metal sections, which can at times be turgid and boring. For a band that describes itself as 'folk
death metal' I can't help but feel that they would be better
served by toning down the death metal influences at times.
Second
track 'Frojd's Booze' in particular suffers in this way, consisting
mostly of mediocre, mid-paced death-style riffage that bears little
resemblance to the long (too long, if we're being harsh) folk section
that introduces the track. The song is only four and a half minutes
long but seems to drag on because it's so dull.
The
heavier sections on this release probably suffer due to the rather
basic production of the EP. This can't really be helped, as Time
Has Come... is a self-funded
release, but the weak guitars and tin can drums don't flatter the
songs at all. I'd be interested to hear what the band can produce
with the backing of a label and a more professional production.
Sjuk
are at their strongest in the less heavy, acoustic moments. Title
track 'Time Has Come' is a particular highlight, a sombre acoustic
guitar blending with keyboard/accordion over a prominent but not
overpowering beat to create an atmospheric and enjoyable listen. The
song is slow and repetitive but never bores. The simple
inclusion of acoustic guitar overlays in 'On the Sea' transforms what
would otherwise have been an underwhelming death metal number into a
thoroughly enjoyable song and the inclusion of this displays good vision from the band.
Vocals
throughout consist of fairly standard death growls that are performed
competently enough, but leave me a little cold. I've heard far worse
before and undoubtedly will do again, but the vocals on Time
Has Come... do very little to
inspire. Fortunately, these are used sparingly and the music is
allowed to shine as a result. The instrumentation is generally strong
enough throughout the EP to stand up on its own without the need for
vocals.
Most
promising about this EP is that there are signs of an effective
fusion of folk and metal on some tracks that simply weren't present on
the band's earlier material. The traditional flute melody on opening
track 'The Announcement' blends nicely with the simple guitar and
drum work that accompanies it, and serves as a nice introduction to
the EP. 'For Our Land' is another highlight, the excellent
flute-accordion harmony giving the track something of an epic feel,
despite its basic arrangement. It's this track that gives me the most
cause to be hopeful for the band's future, a very well crafted track
that demonstrates the validity of Sjuk's metal credentials alongside
great folky sections.
Time
Has Come... is not the greatest
folk metal work by a long shot, but there are many causes to be
optimistic about Sjuk. 'Time Has Come' and 'For Our Land' are more
than enough reason to give this EP a listen, but it is perhaps
telling that it's the less heavy tracks which are the most
listenable. Nevertheless, Time Has Come...
is a mature debut release and this bodes well for the band's future;
Sjuk are clearly a band with potential and I personally will be
tracking with interest what could be a successful career.
VERDICT
Time Has Come... is available to download for FREE here.
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