Djizoes – The Erkonos Project / 2005 Self / 3 Tracks / http://www.djizoes.com / [email protected] / Reviewed 03 May 2006

“The Erkonos Project” starts off pretty quietly, but it takes only a minute for individuals to go and acclimate themselves with the production values of this disc. There is a distinct mixture of artists like Black Sabbath and Tool in Djizoes’ music, as the vocals that present themselves on “Rising A Nation” sound like “War Pigs”-era Ozzy than anything else. The epic metal style of Djizoes fits the extended track length of the songs on “The Erkonos Project” well.

The only thing that I’ve noticed with bands in this style is that many of them tend to fall into a rut where they are unable to go and create anything new. This does not seem to be a problem that Djizoes encounters, as the arrangements continually change up and allow listeners to see exactly how talented that the band is. As was previously mentioned, there is one hurdle that individuals have to jump before they can fully enjoy Djizoes; the production that is present during “The Erkonos Project” is echo-filled, something that causes the compositions of the band to bounce around and obscure what is a very clean and clear sound. The opening drum taps of “Banshee” remind listeners of early Korn, even as the vocals seem more like a blend between Disturbed, Jethro Tull, and Godsmack. The more melodic opening to “Banshee” is something that is different than anything that listeners could forecast from Djizoes. The slow insinuation of the guitars and drums during the opening of this track rapidly morphs into a shifting and shambling beast of a track, something that does not have any specific ties to previous acts (as “Rising A Nation” did. Djizoes does finally move into a distinguishable style about half-way through the track, where they assume something that resembles a Led Zeppelin track. The band shows on “The Erkonos Project” why they have sold dso many copies of previous discs.

I believe that Djizoes can stretch their sound out to make a full-length disc with seven or eight songs, but this will be predicated on their ability to find a more professional studio for their next batch of recording. The band is great – don’t get me wrong – but what could be some of the freshest and newest metal is unduly tarnished by the limitation of their recording. Here’s to hoping that we hear more from Djizoes in the near future. Find a copy and pick it up.

Top Track: Silence

Rating: 6.6/10

[JMcQ]