Nicole Brice
Dec 14, 2024
Voice of the Enemy is back with an EP full of head-nodding rhythms.
Groove metal is currently alive and well in south Louisiana. This latest release from Louisiana’s own Voice of the Enemy is full of rhythms that will have your head nodding non-stop. Released on December 14, 2024, Mannequin of Misery: Volume 1 marks a striking return for a band that has been on hiatus for a few years.
The first single, ‘Combustion,’ was released on November 29, 2024, and was an excellent teaser for this monstrous masterpiece of an EP that was forthcoming. With vocals reminiscent of Rob Halford, ‘Combustion’ is a song with so many layers and textures that you can’t help but be intrigued to hear more, and that’s exactly what it did for me leading up to the release of the full EP.
Mannequin of Misery: Volume 1 opens with ‘Redemption Song’ – a track that starts with a groove in the melody from the get-go with a faint build to a thematic opening. The guitar in the beginning part is so clean. The production of this song is so clean. Holy crap. Head nodding right off the bat.
After the killer opening track is ‘Intentional’ – a song that begins with a powerful scream that sets the tone for a fast-paced head-nodding extravaganza. Voice of the Enemy truly brings the “groove” to groove metal with this track. While the band bio describes their music as thrash, this EP proves they have evolved past that.
Up next is ‘Time in Hell’, which is a bit of a departure from the deep grooves shown in the prior tracks. It begins with an instrumental opening that is so intense you are waiting in anticipation for what’s next. When the vocals start, it intensifies until the chorus hits you with a gut punch—an enjoyable track.
Ending the EP is ‘Execution’ – a hard-hitting, thunderous, fast-paced ride of aggression. Reminds me of old Judas Priest. It's a fun song.
While Volume 1 doesn’t shy away from the expected heavy metal influences—such as breakdowns, chugging guitar riffs, and fierce drumming—the infusion of some more progressive sounds truly sets the EP apart and shows that Voice of the Enemy is indeed back and ready to take on the scene.
Stream Mannequin of Misery: Volume 1 now on your favorite streaming platform and be sure to catch Voice of the Enemy LIVE in January. Check their social media for more information and dates.
For more info on Voice of the Enemy:
Voice Of The Enemy | ReverbNation
Voice Of The Enemy (@voiceoftheenemyband) • Instagram photos and videos
Stream Voice Of The Enemy music | Listen to songs, albums, playlists for free on SoundCloud
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