Review Summary: From the get-go this EP grabs your attention and with a GI JOE kung fu grip, doesn’t let go...
Much like what has happened to metalcore, the musical world of djent metal has become saturated with cookie-cutter artists who seem to write songs based off of a recipe they found online. That makes it all the more sweeter when you find an artist who puts out a release like Bilo 2.0. This EP is soaked with original riffs, well written songs with diverse structures, and effects that are not only tasteful, but enhance the parts of the song they show up in.
While his first EP, Bilo, showcased a lot more chugging in conjunction with atmospheric effects and riffs, Bilo 2.0 puts the chugging into more of a supporting actor roll and lets shine his improved skills sweeping and picking scales. The effects also have a more prominent though nowhere near overbearing or annoying role in this release. The intro to the EP does just what an intro should, gives you a taste of what’s to come. The song slowly builds up into a sexy lick which coupled with the build-up flows perfectly into the spacey progression that is the conclusion. The next song (my SOTY so far) Rise and Shine begins with one of the most addictive riffs I’ve ever heard and pulls you blissfully though the entire song with the slower portions leading into faster portions effortlessly ending with a masterful guest solo.
The remainder of the EP takes you through an amazing ride. From the beautiful soaring chorus and saxophone solo of “Along for a Ride” to the gypsy-esque intro and oddly well placed (though off putting at first) singing portions of Mbinguni Amina, this EP grabs your attention from the get-go and with GI JOE-like kung fu grip, doesn’t let go. And while I could individually describe how each song progresses through the EP, the idea in writing this review is to have people more musically inclined than I to listen and see just what David Maxim Micic can do. Fans of progressive metal and progressive music in general would do themselves a huge favor in giving this a try.
