Formed at the tail end of 2023, New World Order represents the first musical output from Meny Da Familliar. Much like a number of groups that seem to be forming in Japan, there’s a distinctive metallic underbelly to this act, but it doesn’t stop them from bringing in some other sources of inspiration at the same time. To that end, Meny Da Familliar don’t go too crazy on the outside influences compared to some, with modern power metal vibes permeating their sound, but it’s a label that doesn’t quite do them justice either.
Single and lead-off track “Sanctus” does a good job at previewing what Meny Da Familliar are all about. Some shredding guitarwork, some bombatic yet playful synths in the background, and occasionally intense drumming set the standard. Vocalist Meny flips the expectation though, with a lower vocal range that gives some melancholic contrast to the more aggressive and driving tempos. It certainly gives the music some unique charm, and something to ponder while banging your head to the massive riffing. “Catharsis” is another scorcher of a track, though it feels a bit more epic with the background and tendency to move further into melodic spaces, despite the urgent tempo and rumbling bass. “Atheist” has to be the most frenetic of the bunch in this regard, with Natsumi’s drumming immediately bringing the song to a fervent gallop, augmented by some light violin, playful synths, and a powerful solo from Belph. There’s a majestic quality to this one that seems to push it above the others.
The other two tracks hit some different areas. “BlueBird” is the more easily classifiable, as a more pensive ballad-y track. Meny’s vocals help to raise the gloomy factor to it, which keeps it from feeling cliched, and instead works as an effective gutpunch. The closing track, “Precious to Me,” is by far the most experimental on the EP. Driving electronics are pushed up in the mix, giving it a more of a techno meets metal vibe. The effects are pulsating, and it plays well with the riffing and Meny’s vocal performance. It’s a unique track for sure, and offers some solid ground for them to experiment with going forward as it intriguingly hits just as hard as the more straight-up metallic tracks.
Meny Da Familliar leave a mysterious and intriguing mark with their impressive debut. It’s rooted in metallic energy enough for wider attention within the scene, but does well to avoid power metal trappings and pitfalls. With some of the tracks offering some experimentation, hopefully it’s also something the group continues moving forward as it should give them an edge over their competition. All in all, it’s worth seeking out if you want some heavy metal that doesn’t play by all the rules.