Behold! The Monolith: Architects of the Void

Before I talk about this album, I have to say that I really like this band's name. The reason for that is likely because I just watched 2001: A Space Odyssey again and find myself, once again, fascinated by Stanley Kubrick's arresting visuals, his willingness to push against Hollywood conventions, and his ambiguous storytelling. I don't know whether this band draws on that famous movie for inspiration, but I can't help but think that the monolith we are beholding is of alien extraction.

In the movie, the monolith usually appears right before an advance in human technology and ability. I suppose that's a fitting way of approaching this album, even though I don't want to make too much of the analogy. Nevertheless, this album represents a new chapter for this band. See, Kevin McDade, the band's original singer, died in a car accident in 2013. This album marks the debut of singer Jordan Nalley. The album also includes a new bass player, Jason "Cas" Casanova, who also played in Sasquatch. Nalley's vocals are dark, growling, and harsh. They suit the music well, though they occasionally give the music a slightly darker feel than one might expect. Given McDade's tragic death, it's not surprising that the music might take a dark turn.

The music here is stoner / doom metal and it's played with all the energy and passion the band can muster. There are regular touches of darkness, as I mentioned above, but the band does not generally get lost in them. With the exception of "Black Days Of," the band is mostly doing interesting and impressive things. I would say, though, that the music is better on the shorter tracks—those that come in at less than 10 minutes. The closing track (the title track) is nearly 15 minutes in length and feels too stretched out, especially after the half-way mark.

This band is at its best when it adds a touch of harmony here, a flourish of speed there, and a sense of power everywhere. I was especially fond of "Philosopher's Blade" because of its surprising and awesome change in tempo. Overall, this band sounds great. Check out the awesome cover art, too.

Track Listing:
1. Umbral Vale
2. Philosopher's Blade
3. The Mithriditist
4. Lord of Bones
5. Black Days Of
6. Between Oder and the Vistula
7. Architects of the Void

Added: December 16th 2015
Reviewer: Carl Sederholm
Score:
Related Link: Bandcamp Page
Hits: 1857
Language: english

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