Always a band that has played things on the more modern and outside-the-box is that of Enemy Inside. If anything, they have grown more confident over their last two albums, Phoenix and Seven, and that leads us to Venom. Taking the usual rulebook and all but tossing it out the window, there’s a stunning display of diversity to the band’s songwriting. For those who have followed the band, Venom shows their tenacity to continue moving forward, and for those just getting the memo on Enemy Inside, they are bound to be impressed by their ability to toss a myriad of modern influences and make it all work.
The opening title track starts things off on a decidedly heavy slant with it’s grooves and screams from vocalist Nastassja Giulia, not to mention the rumbling industrial noise. But it leans into a soaring chorus that should feel quite welcome, contrasting the harsher vibes for some infectiously melodic ones. “Sayonara” blends some upbeat Japanese elements, rap verses, and playful pop melodies with an underbelly of groove to make it danceable yet heavy. “Fuck That Party” leans very heavily into the electronic elements in the most upbeat way and blurs it with a very strong dance party vibe. Some guest vocals from Zak Tell from Clawfinger make it stand out further, almost tapping into Electric Callboy sounds. “Dirt on My Name” acts as a more melodic, yet modern rock-esque cut that utilizes Mirza Radonjica of Siamese in a duet-like role, with a monster breakdown later on doing a good job of intensifying it at the right moment. To close the album, the electropop of “Let Me Go” serves as an upbeat yet melodic end to end things, giving some ethereal feelings to leave the listener on a high note.
That said, some tracks do more naturally continue on the pathway of modern metal that Enemy Inside have been putting forth. “What We Used to Be” is a catchy number that blurs the rock/metal lines with it’s soaring hooks and hyper melodic chorus. “Don’t Call Me an Angel” follows suit later in the album, meshing together some poppy Amaranthe-y melodies with a heavy bottom end that listeners will surely sink their teeth into. The bouncy grooves later in the track do a great job of pumping up the energy as well. “Unburn” rumbles along with groove and interwoven electronics, but also absolutely soars at the chorus with Giulia’s vocals elevating the mood significantly into something really special.
Enemy Inside have done a great job of continuing to expand their sonic palette and Venom is poised to bring them up to the next level. It carries a number of influences and really gives the tracks their own identity and space, but never feels at all incoherent because of it. Benefiting from the generous diversity, it’s got a lot of appeal to potential fans who are looking for either something modern and groovy, or those seeking something more melodic and hook-filled. Enemy Inside have proven themselves on both fronts, and show that they can make something magical when they put them together.