The Belarusians' album "Under Phoenix Phenomenon" impressed me so much back in the day that the band instantly became one of my absolute favorites. And I'm very glad I finally got the chance to hear the album "Shine." The debut was originally released in early 1999 and has now been reissued with absolutely nothing changed in the sound.
The uniqueness of DIVINA ENEMA's work lies in the absence of any specific stylistic framework. It's a cocktail of the most diverse musical directions. If you're unfamiliar with the band's output, you'll be shocked at first by what you hear. The music and the manner of performance are highly theatrical. You just need to listen closely, to immerse yourself in the essence, and a curtain will open before you — making you a spectator of a demonic mystery play.
"Shine" feels like a masquerade ball of dark forces. In a lavishly decorated hall, richly dressed guests in powdered wigs and masks waltz together. When the clock strikes midnight, their masks will fall away, revealing demons, phantoms, witches, and other creatures from our worst nightmares. Then a new, far more terrifying performance will begin.
The music is very melodic; Renaissance-era motifs intertwine with harsh, chaotic black metal guitar passages. The tempo leaps from fast to slow and back again.
The vocals deserve a separate discussion. Yaroslav Burakov's wide range commands respect. He plays with his voice so masterfully that at first you might think there's more than one vocalist. There are notes of irony and mockery in the singing. Some compositions are built on dialogues, and each role gets its own intonation, its own timbre.
The album is unique, much like everything DIVINA ENEMA creates. If you appreciate modern theatrical art, you will enjoy "Shine."