Goya Deliver Infectious Doom Vibes in New EP, ‘The Enemy’

Review by Zachary Painter

It seems that Goya is becoming more and more of a household name among metal fans, and amidst all the heavy music being produced and pressed at a dizzying rate, that’s saying something. The Arizona doomers latest EP, ‘The Enemy’ (2016), certainly keeps them relevant and is quite impressive considering 'The Obelisk’ (2015) came out just last autumn.

Every track here is solid, averaging at around five minutes per (except for the extended version of “The Enemy” at the end), making the new EP a brisk, enjoyable listen. And, if you’re like me, you’ll find four dollar asking price simply unbeatable.

The Enemy is rich with hooks and good songwriting. That opening riff has been stuck in my head all week at work, and Owens’ savvy pop sensibility when it comes to constructing vocal melodies doesn’t help! I don’t believe Goya will ever truly shake the comparisons to Electric Wizard (an influence they wear quite proudly, e.g. Jeff’s side-project Acoustic Wizard). In spite of that, the direction Goya chose on The Enemy shows them cultivating a sound all their own. Such is the case with “Last,” a song with Electric Wizard leanings and a prominent chorus that is distinctly Goya, or even penultimate track “Light Years,” which features a lead guitar lick that earworms its way deep into your skull.

By comparing the catchy nature of The Enemy to the doomy, dusky riffs that pervade Satan’s Fire and The Obelisk, it is obvious that Goya have a talent for writing true barn burners. After all, the focal point of this EP, in my opinion, is the successful synthesis of pop and stoner. This shouldn’t be seen as a negative thing. Quite to the contrary. When done this well, it’s stadium quality, headbanging fodder and a joy to listen to.