While She Sleeps has one of the most unique metalcore sounds out there, and they still manage to redefine it with every release. ENLIGHTENMENT(?) comes off their 5th full-length record, SLEEPS SOCIETY, and being the intro track, gives you a good taste of the new direction that this album takes.
I adore the monumental feeling that this track has, with it's inspirational sound, the call-to-action message at the beginning and energetic elements. This song takes the cynical and nihilistic approach of their previous album, SO WHAT?, and spins it around to give it a more hopeful and optimistic tone, while keeping the realism and uncomfortable truths that While She Sleeps dares to talk about.
The diversity and range in this song alone, as well as the rest of the album, is such a wonder to listen to. They keep to their punkier, hardcore roots in some moments but comfortably lean into more melodic and anthemic styles in others, and it all fits together so snugly. The vibrant guitar riffage, courtesy of their immensely creative lead guitarist Sean Long, provides so much of the dynamics and energy throughout the song. Their openness to using electronic elements to enhance their sound is also very present in this track, a distinct style that they've managed to create.
Loz's vocals continue to take the stage and blow me away. His vocal performance and delivery has never disappointed and is only ever getting better, especially with their foray into different musical styles and ideas in this album. A moment I always look forward to hearing in this song, albeit not the most outstanding technique-wise but just scratches an itch for me, is his delivery of the line "Tired of waking up and feeling numb" in the second verse, there's just something about the grit and the low note at the end that embodies so much anger and emotion.
While She Sleeps' has such a unique brand of creating moments, whether it be breakdowns, hooks or solos, all of which they rarely ever do the conventional way. The guitar solo in this track almost doesn't feel like one, and as cliché as it sounds, it feels like the guitar singing another inspirational tune, and it blends in so well to the theme and message of this song. The breakdown in this song isn't just pure heavy (although there's nothing wrong with that), but rather their iconic blend of melodic riffage and intense chunkage.
ENLIGHTENMENT(?) is definitely one of their more on-brand songs, that represents their signature sound more completely. It's one of the highlights on this album and an absolute pleasure to listen and headbang to. This track sits highly on my own personal list for favourites in their discography, and I recommend this being one of the first few songs to spin if you're new to them.
Rating: 3.5/5