ALBUM REVIEW: Neverending – Monolord

With roots in doom metal, yet never seemingly comfortable with adhering to a strict label formula. MONOLORD have instead forged their own hypnotic path. While they undoubtedly have moments that can be characterised as classic doom metal, taking inspiration from a great number of the genres leading bands. The trio have sought to carve a piece of individuality through the inclusion of numerous musical elements and push far beyond perceived genre boundaries. For over a decade now, this steadfast dedication to themselves as a band not the genre has meant that they’ve become beloved by many within heavy music. The consistency with which MONOLORD push forward has meant that not every album release has been met with rapturous reception. Some have not always subscribed to the journey and complain that a subsequent album does not carry the same presence as a predecessor. However, it can never be said that MONOLORD have ever stagnated. Neverending goes further than ever, holding true to the drive for expansion. However, it has a solid and defined identity at its core – the identity of a band doing the very thing they love and doing it with exceptional skill

With guitar lines reminiscent of Hotel California closing out the sumptuous, riff driven trance opener of Iodine, one can be left with little doubt that MONOLORD have concocted something truly engaging with Neverending. They’ve never been afraid to build in big guitar leads and let them drive the melodies. However, seldom on previous release have they been this front and centre and engrossing. All the while, the trademark drums, bass and vocals captivate every step of the way.

The way that the three-piece have carved out a recognisable sound over the years, yet flourishes and embellishments can make every minute sound utterly fresh and exciting is also borne out with the three current singles. You Bastard, Oozing Wound and It’s Neverending all add to the rich tapestry that is this new album, yet individually deliver a perfect slice of what MONOLORD are all about. You Bastard builds on chugging riffs and offers a catchy heavy rhythmic base, reminiscent of previous releases yet with the added flare of where the band now find themselves creatively. Similarly, Oozing Wound is a deeply mesmeric track building upon rhythmic layers and an incessant drive, offering a different angle but still unmistakable. The most recent single, meanders from some of MONOLORD‘s heaviest moments to delicate, vulnerability and glorious melodics. It’s an ideal way to close the album and highlights the current pinnacle on which MONOLORD sit. Each track exemplifies the skill at which the trio deftly balance emotional introspection and out and out heavy music.

With elements and techniques bubbling over in the creative pot it would be easy for any band to lose sight of a unified sound. All too often the presence of so much influence can derail a linear path through an album. Yet while MONOLORD can hold true to themselves through out the aforementioned tracks as well as continue to deliver luxurious groove in the form of The Masque or crashing heaviness with Invisible, they’ve nailed every aspect with excellence. Not just creatively but the production helps tie everything together. They’ve become adept at generating a signature to each album and working with Sylvia Massy they’ve once again ticked all the right boxes.

While some may bemoan that MONOLORD have shifted their stance from that of straight-faced doom, in truth, they’ve clearly been eschewing any tight label borders since their third album. Always progressing and developing ways to incorporate various elements and musical horizons into their sound, it is a key part that has made them so engaging for over a decade. Here, now, on Neverending its as if they’ve reached a juncture of what they have been so far working towards. They’ve outgrown so much of what they were when they started and have rarely put a foot wrong. Yet the new album feels like a glorious, captivating zenith. Huge riffs, colossal rhythms and a mesmeric sound that offers moments of soaring melody and utterly hypnotic pulse. This is the signature sound of MONOLORD and it’s perfect.

Rating: 10/10

Neverending is set for release on May 29th via Relapse Records. 

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