Staying true to his successful formula, Joe is going down a
new path again with opus #3 in his EP-series, and he does it so well. The
difference between each release is not enormous but still distinct and with ‘A
Sharer In Demons’, he has moved forward once again. The six new songs move
deftly between different emotions and tempos with a huge nod to none other than
Killing Joke.
Instrumental ‘Portal’ is the perfect opener with its
fantastic horror-inducing feeling and touch. Brief but very effective. It leads
into the title track, ‘A Sharer In Demons’ which is slow, lurking and severely
punishing. Tribal drumming leads the way as Joe purges his fury. ‘Diatribe’
brings the first homage to the mighty Killing Joke, especially in the riffing
and the vocal approach. Lovely indeed and that guitar performance, man! And
halfway through a wonderful acoustic part appears that leans heavily towards
Depeche Mode. Odd combination perhaps, but it’s a great song, one of my
favourites on this EP.
‘No Revelation’ continues where ‘Diatribe’ left off, albeit
slower and more atmospheric. And the presence of Jaz Coleman is still there.
Very sinister, doomsday-sounding and purging. Joe is onto something on ‘Opiate
Fiend’. He has written songs like this before which are full of Southern
Darkness, angst and dejection. All while being acoustic and bluesy. These
compositions are getting better and better, just listen to this one. Starts off
with a blistering guitar solo before he unleashes the demons. Very dark and
morose, yet absolutely wonderful. ‘I Destroy Angels’ is the perfect ending to
this great recording. The song continues down the Southern Darkness path at first while
moving at a snail’s pace. The pace continues while an evil apocalyptic sense
takes over.
At first, Joe was going to do a three part EP-series but two
more have already been released – yeah I’m a slow-poke sometimes. And as great
as this release, and the previous two are, I can’t blame him for recording and
releasing more material. ‘A Sharer In Demons’ clearly showcase that Mean Joe is
a force to be reckoned with. Great stuff!
-Swedebeast
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