Some doom is just so much fun to listen to you can't help but spin albums over and over again. Songs by bands like Conan and Electric Wizard, and more rock-infused stuff like Baroness, are so catchy and heavy at the same time that they stick in your mind. This is the perfect way to characterize the sound of Behold! The Monolith, whose new record, Architects of the Void, is their catchiest offering yet.
However, as catchy and fun as this record is, it also has a dark side, and not just in terms of the music. Those already familiar with Behold! The Monolith know that their original vocalist, Kevin McDade, passed away in a car accident in 2013, following their 2012 release. With new vocalist Jordan Nalley, the band have decided to release a cathartic record that gets rid of all the pain and anger surrounding McDade's death in a positive way.
Things start off with the catchy "Umbral Vale," which immediately sets a slow and plodding, yet melodic, tone for the record. "Philosopher's Blade" is pure gold — catchy, almost reminiscent of Baroness or old records by the Sword, while "Lord of Bones," another standout on the record, features a sweet guitar solo and about as much awesome riffing as one can handle.
Every doom fan should check out this record. It's fun as hell to listen to, and it's got some definite staying power in terms of the songwriting quality. The fact this is their comeback record after the death of their original vocalist is just one more reason not to ignore this offering.
(Independent)However, as catchy and fun as this record is, it also has a dark side, and not just in terms of the music. Those already familiar with Behold! The Monolith know that their original vocalist, Kevin McDade, passed away in a car accident in 2013, following their 2012 release. With new vocalist Jordan Nalley, the band have decided to release a cathartic record that gets rid of all the pain and anger surrounding McDade's death in a positive way.
Things start off with the catchy "Umbral Vale," which immediately sets a slow and plodding, yet melodic, tone for the record. "Philosopher's Blade" is pure gold — catchy, almost reminiscent of Baroness or old records by the Sword, while "Lord of Bones," another standout on the record, features a sweet guitar solo and about as much awesome riffing as one can handle.
Every doom fan should check out this record. It's fun as hell to listen to, and it's got some definite staying power in terms of the songwriting quality. The fact this is their comeback record after the death of their original vocalist is just one more reason not to ignore this offering.
