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Verdict: Heavy music never sounded so enchanting
In extreme music circles Justin Broadrick is the Godfather. Some followers of this varied music scene might scoff at that suggestion. However, it's fair considering Broadrick has ventured into the extremities of genres like metal (Napalm Death), ambient (Final), hip-hop (Techno Animal), and, his crowning achievement, the industrial grindcore of Godflesh.
On Conqueror, his fourth release as Jesu, there are hints of the menacing discord and paranoid noises of Godflesh on tracks Transfigure and Medicine. But mostly, Jesu seethes gorgeously from the speakers, like on 10-minute centrepiece, Weightless & Horizontal, where Broadrick's metallic monotone is captivating.
Unlike his past forays, there's nothing abrasive here, but it's the sheer weight of the music that's overwhelming. The ponderous pace, sonic intensity and stoned atmosphere of Jesu might be laborious for some, but the power and beauty of Conqueror is undeniable.
