LIVE REVIEW: Monuments @ O2 Academy Islington, London
MONUMENTS were one of the most adored tech-metal band in the mid 2010s and now they are back with their new vocalist playing one of their biggest headline shows. Alongside them were HEART OF A COWARD who found themselves in a similar situation to MONUMENTS. So this gig is all about two bands continuing to bounce back.
Opening act I BUILT THE SKY feel like the sort of act that people would either love or find boring. As is often the case with instrumental bands. They are certainly an act that will to musos as the the technicality on display is undeniably impressive. But it also feels like nothing fresh or original when it comes to instrumental bands. Outside of the impressive musicianship none of the songs manage to leave a lasting impression unlike the best bands in the genre.
Rating: 5/10
HEART OF A COWARD were up next to deliver their bruising tech-metal. Their latest album The Disconnect helped get the band back on track and sets like this a reminder of how good they can be live. The guitar tone still hits like a wrecking ball and vocalist Kaan Tasan has really made the role his own. They might not be as complex as the other bands on the lineup but their more direct approach really makes an impact tonight with pits going on until the end of the set.
Rating: 7/10
Finally it was time for MONUMENTS to take to the stage for one of their biggest headline shows ever. And it is immediately clear they are more than up for the occasion, especially vocalist Andy Cizek. Having joined the band less than a year ago it’s clear he’s already settled comfortably into the role. His energy and charisma tonight is infectious but it’s his vocal performance is where he really shines. His range is fantastic and effortlessly switches between singing and screaming with ease. And of course the rest of the band are all flawlessly tight even with a few technical issues that crop up.
The setlist is nicely mixed up between older fan favourites and newer material but it’s all received brilliantly by the crowd. It’s clear that even after a couple of years silence and some significant lineup changes, MONUMENTS are still adored by their fans. Their ability to balance serious, technical musicianship and a sense of fun has always helped them stand out and that hasn’t changed. And with them stepping up in venue size and filling the room, it looks like MONUMENTS are back at the top of their game.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in London from @wtchfndr here:
