AlternativeFeaturesHeavy Music HistoryPost-Hardcore

HEAVY MUSIC HISTORY: The Mindsweep – Enter Shikari

On January 19th, 2015, The Mindsweep marked the release of ENTER SHIKARI’s fourth studio album, which further solidified their reputation for blending post-hardcore, alt-rock and electronic elements. Upon its release, The Mindsweep achieved notable chart success. In the UK, it debuted at No. 6 on the UK albums chart and also further secured top spot on the UK Independent Albums chart the week of January 26th. Upon release, critics lauded the album for its innovative fusion of genres and thought provoking lyrics, receiving a metacritic score of 89/100 which indicated critical acclaim. 

The thematic depth of The Mindsweep resonated with listeners and established the album as a cultural touchstone within the alternative music scene. Its innovative blend of genres and willingness to tackle complex subjects influenced contemporaries and emerging artists, encouraging them to explore and experiment beyond traditional genre boundaries there is an entire treasure trove of songs on this album that have become stalwarts in the live shows and amongst fans. Anaethetist gave a scathing critique of the commodification of healthcare. It’s a high energy, drum and bass driven track that is infused with a raw punk intensity, bringing societal and political topics into the spotlight with an electrifying and furious beat. The Last Garrison became a defining anthem of the album, representing the band’s balance of explosive energy and lyrical poignancy. Its chorus, “Still air in my lungs”, is both euphoric and defiant, encapsulating the album’s themes of resilience and hope. Torn Apart tackled themes of societal divisions and human connection. It’s one of the album’s more atmospheric pieces, showcasing the band’s ability to contrast aggression with introspection. 

There Is A Price On Your Head is a brief but blistering track. It’s chaotic and energetic. Resembling a modern punk explosion, it also wouldn’t feel amiss on any record by SYSTEM OF A DOWN. Its snarling lyrics take aim at exploitative corporate practices, a hallmark of ENTER SHIKARI‘s politically charged ethos and quickly became a visceral highlight of the album. Dear Future Historians unlike the rest of the album’s high energy tracks, is a poignant piano driven ballad. It offers a moment of reflection amid the chaos. It is poetic, moving and has a soaring arrangement which helped to showcase frontman Rou Reynoldslyrical depth and resonance. It gained reputation as an introspective centrepiece, solidifying the band’s ability to deliver quieter yet powerful moments alongside their intensity, going shoulder to shoulder with the likes of other tracks of theirs such as Constellations and Satellites. 

In the decade following its release, The Mindsweep played a pivotal role in maintaining and enhancing ENTER SHIKARI’s relevance in the music industry. The album’s success paved the way for subsequent projects, including The Spark (2017) and Nothing Is True & Everything Is Possible (2020), both of which continued to receive critical acclaim. A consistent touring cycle and dynamic live performances often featured tracks from The Mindsweep, which not only bolstered their live experience in terms of quality but reinforced their reputation for energetic and thought provoking shows. Moreover, the album’s exploration of societal themes had remained pertinent, its messages continuing to resonate amid global discussions about healthcare, social justice and political polarization. The album’s enduring relevance has continued to maintain its significance alongside other instalments of ENTER SHIKARI’s discography, being held in the same regard as the likes of Common Dreads (2009) and A Flash Flood Of Colour (2011).

The Mindsweep era saw the band embark on an extensive world tour, travelling across the UK, Europe, US and beyond. The tour was marked by a series of critically acclaimed performances where the new tracks took the ENTER SHIKARI live experience to a whole new level, further cementing their reputation as one of the most exciting and excellent live bands on the scene, an aspect which still exists to this day. The extensive touring featured (at the time) ENTER SHIKARI’s biggest headline show to date. On February 27th, 2016 the band graced the stage of Alexandra Palace for a victorious and euphoric show which is a true cornerstone in the band’s history. Their grit and determination had truly paid off, with The Mindsweep playing a huge part in this moment of the band, becoming a portent for bigger and better things for all things ENTER SHIKARI

The Mindsweep stands as a landmark album in ENTER SHIKARI’s career, exemplifying their innovative fusion of genres and commitment to addressing complex societal issues. Its critical acclaim, chart success and lasting cultural impact have solidified the band’s position in the alternative music scene. A decade after its release, the album continues to be celebrated for its artistic ambition and enduring relevance.

Enter Shikari - The Mindsweep

The Mindsweep was originally release on January 19, 2015 via Hopeless Records.

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