SIAMESE

ELEMENTS

Long Branch

8 / 10

Track listing:

01. The Shape of Water
02. Vertigo
03. Predator
04. Chemistry
05. Through My Head
06. On Fire
07. God Is A Woman
08. Utopia
09. Hurricane
10. This Is Not A Song

SIAMESE's story is anything but typical for a rock band. The group is fronted by Mirza Radonjica, a refugee who escaped the Balkan genocide, spending four years in a refugee camp. He also pursued music despite his family's disapproval. Radonjica's powerful and difficult life experience comes across in SIAMESE's music.

The band's new album, "ELEMENTS", the band's seventh, carries the weight of these past experiences, as well as Radonjica's struggles with an abusive, alcoholic father. It's a deeply personal album that imparts Radonjica's feelings. It's impossible to listen to "ELEMENTS" and not be moved and impacted.

"ELEMENTS" kicks off with "The Shape of Water", a straight-ahead hard rock song with crunchy, powerful vocals and raging guitars. Radonjica's voice grabs the attention of the listener, with its full, robust nature and expressive delivery.

"Vertigo" follows, another high-octane hard rock number with a modern rock vibe and slightly distorted vocals, giving it an extra edge. This song is heavy on the riffing and chugging guitar lines, making it an anthem.

Other highlights include "Chemistry", which offers lightning-fast guitars and one of the heaviest songs on the set, and "Through My Head", which brings a heartfelt ballad that evolves into a melodic hard rock number with emotive vocals. On "Through My Head", Radonjica sings about wanting to turn back time and is tortured by all his memories. "Hurricane" is another highlight, bringing some variety to the album with Radonjica showing off his screaming chops and the band adding some electronic beats.

"This Is Not A Song" begins with a VOLA-esque break down, demonstrating the band's far-ranging influences. You know that female narrator voice that you hear on TikTok videos? You hear a similar voice throughout this song, plus a heavy wall of guitars and the band demanding that you get into the mosh pit. Props for this unique end to the set.

"ELEMENTS" has a lot of variety, which is a good thing, but considering Radonjica's unique past, it could go even further to deliver an even more unique sound. Right now, it's safely in the hard rock and modern metal category, but hopefully on subsequent releases, Radonjica and company will branch out.

Author: Anne Erickson

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