This is the second release from Orlando, Florida's Meka-Nism. They are an exceptionally talented 5 piece, fronted and founded by Meka, whose vocals are just mesmerizing. Like their first EP, "The Dance at the End of the World", there are no bad songs. That was 4 songs, this is 5, and that is the worst thing about it, it ends way too soon. Production is fantastic, song writing has improved, despite being pretty damned awesome the first time around. I rarely listen to things all the way through in one sitting, this I listened to half a dozen times in a row. To break it down...

The Shift kicks things off with an appropriate sample. Then it slams in with some brutal Metal. Lots of energy, short, definitely a head banger.

Mekamorphosis follows. A bit slower, some great guitar work to start out. It slows way down, before getting very big and powerful. Meka really shows off her vocal skills on this one, doing some great operatic parts, and all the way down to some really gruff stuff when the song gets heavier near the end. The dynamics here are awesome. Build, drop, build, etc. I think this is my favorite from the first few listens.

From Out of Nowhere starts out very light, then just gets brutal. Like most of their songs, lots of dynamics and time changes.

Mouth of God is driving and heavy, with a nice melodic chorus. Some of it is especially brutal, only to become catchy and melodic again.

And finally, Phoenix, this also starts slow, and I believe is the only song in which someone else joins Meka on vocals, as their is a male vocalist in the beginning trading lines with her. Of course, it builds and this is definitely one of their most powerful songs. The way it builds and flows makes me feel like what it may be like to be deep in the ocean feeling tides move.

I feel like I can say a lot of the same things about a bunch of the songs, yet all the songs are very different. For the most part, they are all dynamic, they build and drop, they're powerful, diverse, melodic, and heavy. You can feel the passion as well throughout, and that is often something hard to capture on a recording. The musicianship is top notch in all aspects.

Finally, not to gloss over the powerful lyrics and concepts. I can't quite make them all out yet, but they tend to speak of transformation, overcoming obstacles, and the raising of consciousness. It's a rather energizing and empowering listen.

Easily one of my favorites of 2015. It blew me away like few things do anymore.

Find out more and pick up a copy at their website.