Classifying Marionette is a futile goal. Their brand of metal is a complex mash-up of various death, thrash, groove, hardcore, and melodic elements. It’s easier to do as their label does and simply consider them “modern metal”.

Enemies as an album presents the various sides of the band in a well-put together succession of songs that, judging by their titles, are mainly criticisms of modern society. Blast beats, pummeling rhythms, atmospheric keyboards, and throat-ripping vocals are all used to proper effect. The listener is carried through a sonic trek that promotes brooding, contemplative reflection rather than head banging fury. This is most likely due to the fact that the band is less riff-focused and more sound-focused, with the entire lineup delivering something unique rather than just driving a guitar line.

One thing that Marionette might want to consider on future releases though is further mixing up their influences and not sticking to one style for too long. Some of the songs such as “Your Hands” sound like Dark Tranquillity throughout whereas opener “The Swine” rotates blasts, thrash parts, and the more melodic ambient stuff in a manner that better establishes the band’s identity. There aren’t any throwaway tracks, just some that are more standard fare than others.

Enemies has more and more to offer with repeated listens. Marionette’s mixed bag approach offers fans of many different sub-genres something they can like all the while opening up their horizons to new variations on the metal formula.

3.5/5