Now, here we are. Opiate Sun is yet another EP by Jesu, which seems to be a recurring theme lately with this outfit of Justin Broadrick's (in addition of course to oft times contributors Diarmud Dalton and now Phil Petrocelli). A pre-release teaser song, "Deflated" (with its awfully catchy gloom), was offered to the sometimes insatiable and growing Jesu fan base. This brought squeals of delight from some of that camp (admittedly I was immensely impressed by this teaser track) and comments of its refinement on the common methods and writing techniques that Broadrick and company produce. Ultimately, this teaser track excited the Jesu faithful on the back of other releases from the band, further ensuring interest in Opiate Sun. And considering that this record was quite a while in the making, people's anticipation grew.
Probably the most successful aspect of Opiate Sun is the manner in which Jesu seemingly melds some of the best sounds that Broadrick has thus far produced under the moniker, and the EP seems to have just the right amount of production polish. Broadrick's vocals seem to be getting stronger and more confident as well; his performances on all of the tracks are big parts of the songs that add that little something extra to them. The soaring majesty of "Losing Streak" benefits from one of the strongest vocal melodies Broadrick has delivered while the music is a massive sounding wall of reverb laden guitars (including one of the catchiest lead guitar parts in a Jesu song) backed by a beat that only amplifies the overall affect. The chorus like vocals that appear in the bright mood of the title-track (creating an anthemic feel to the song), as well as its gloomy counterpart "Morning Light." And even though there is a palpable repetitive nature apparent, the tracks do not wear on the ears at all but rather is hypnotic and entrancing.
Opiate Sun is surely the best sounding Jesu material since the split with Eluvium (or if you prefer its CD moniker Why are We Not Perfect?) and possibly since Conqueror. These four songs also are compositionally better than much of the material in the same interval. If this record is any indication (nary a poor track among the four songs that it contains), Jesu can continue to release EPs that keep its burgeoning group of fanatical listeners wanting more. I will not go so far as to say that Opiate Sun is a return to form as I do enjoy just about everything Jesu, but this is definitely one of Broadrick and company's stronger releases overall.
