- YOUR TIME TO SHINE - MONOLORD
Earmaster: Jack Walsh | Website: monolord.com/
There is something about a 3-piece ensemble that has always fascinated and terrified us in equal measure. Not because it means something is lacking, quite the contrary in fact. It adds another layer of accomplishment to the mixture and Monolord are the perfect example of this. Starting way back in 2013 (that’s 8 years ago, a sure sign that we’re all getting old) they propelled themselves firmly into the underground music scene and have since continued to prove that heavy can always be heavier.
Their newest release is no different. Your Time To Shine immediately defines itself as an aficionado of doom and shows no signs of letting up throughout all 38 minutes. The droning build up in The Weary sets the pace for a deep and melancholic march through the album. A mixture of scorching riffs and ethereal vocals makes this first track shine through the atmosphere of darkness that Monolord have managed to create.
Leading straight through To Each Their Own (with a more melodic tone) and I’ll Be Damned (with its filthy guttural riff) we reach the title track. It may not seem possible at this point, but this is where things really start to slow down and heat up in equal measure. The vocals are wound perfectly through the slow parade of the drums, but the combination of bass and guitar is the star of the show. It builds and dissipates throughout, like someone charging at you from a distance only to slap you lightly on the arse and repeating the process ad infinitum. It’s a fantastically bizarre experience.
On reflection…
In Your Time To Shine the Swedish trio have created something both mesmerising and refreshing in their latest endeavour. It’s satisfying to hear something so raw and accomplished come out of the Black Metal motherland whilst not drawing too heavily on its traditional influences. A resounding success in our eyes. Excuse us while we go and give it another listen…