Album Review: My Enemy Complete – Self-titled EP

If you live anywhere from Northern Virginia to Baltimore, chances are you have heard of the bands 51 Peg and Chrysalis. Both bands had significant followings in this area in the industrial/alternative scene. These bands poured their hearts and souls into their music, but for whatever reason it did not work out. Out of the ashes comes a sort of regional super-group.

Bilaal Y (Chrysalis) and Brian Fasani (51 Peg)had been playing around with some ideas long before their bands went away, so it was a natural transition for them to come together to work together. They brought on fellow 51 Peg Alum, Carlo Pizarro to complete the trio.

If you think of the sound of a band as a food recipe, take hearty doses of either Tool or A Perfect Circle and mix it with the electronic work and brooding lyrics of Pretty Hate Machine era Nine Inch Nails. Throw in a pinch of The Cure and Depeche Mode and you will find My Enemy Complete. This band blends electronic music with actual instrumentation extremely well. The layers provide an extremely intense feel that must create one hell of an atmosphere live if translated well.

The opening track of the EP, “Resistor” immediately takes the listener on a trip down memory lane for a little NIN work. Drop in the pounding guitars, all while Fasani creates a tremendous backline on the drums. Bilaal’s vocals are similar to Maynard James Keenan. This song will be a fan favorite both live and on this EP.

“Stain the Same” follows a mellower flow in term’s of the vocals. There’s less intensity and more vulnerability both in his voice and his lyrics. Fasani may be at his best here though. The combination of ripping guitars and almost soft synth work, ties together pretty well.

“A Thousand Cuts” is another truly vulnerable song with Bilaal channeling his best Maynard here. The band pays homage Trent Reznor’s self-inflicting lyrical style is clearly evident here as well. “The Cord” gives us a small dose of The Cure guitar work as the creamy middle of an intensely crunchy song. This and “Resistor” are probably the two best on the album.

There really isn’t a weak song on this EP. It is pretty evident that a lot of time and hard work went into creating these songs and it has paid off. Each of the three is strong musically and the lyrics create the perfect brooding intensity to complement the music. The Mid-Atlantic coast may have mourned the loss of two loved bands, but they have been replaced by a stronger outfit that will sure turn heads.

Artist Name: My Enemy Complete
Album Name: Self-titled EP
Release Date: January 11, 2011
Myspace Link: http://www.myspace.com/myenemycomplete
Band Members: Bilaal Y – Vocals, Guitar, Synth   Brian Fasani – Drums   Carlo Pizarro – Guitar
Purchase Link: http://www.radio-active-music.com/
Facebook Link:  http://www.facebook.com/pages/My-Enemy-Complete/110037068329
Location: Washington D.C.
Label: Radio Active Music
Genre(s): Industrial, Alternative
Our Rating: 4/5 Stars

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