LIVE REVIEW: Monuments @ The Waterfront Studio, Norwich
This tour cycle feels like a proving ground for MONUMENTS, it was in the early 2010s they were lumped in with the booming tech metal movement. Many of their peers have fizzled out with some of the hype dying around the now dreaded term ‘djent’. We’re finding out who the real contenders are and who merely jumped aboard the bandwagon. Now ahead of their UK Tech-Fest headline slot they set their eyes on Norwich’s The Waterfront Studio to prove they weren’t a flash in the pan, to prove that they are here to stay.
One of the best things about smaller tours like this is when local talents use their chance to shine on the bill. Norwich boys ENENRA come out swinging with the intent that everyone remembers their name after tonight. Huge bouncy tech-metal riffs fill The Waterfront Studio with ease, their sound is uber heavy but clean and precise, packing enough of a punch to get pits going. Luke. M shows of a mind-bending range of vocals, from Sam Carter-esque highs to slam metal lows, with the in-between being filled with epic clean choruses.
Rating: 8/10
Travelling all the way from South Africa, DEITY’S MUSE deliver on the more transcendental side of progressive metal, like that of KARNIVOOL and the lighter end of TESSERACT. There’s no big breakdowns or screaming, they simply deliver with technical proficiency and slow building riffs. It makes for a chill breath of fresh air in between the chugging titans that are the openers and headliners tonight. Singer Wayne Boucher often goes into trance-like states during the peak of his vocal performances and as the track’s crescendo whilst Alvin Bouche pummels out rumbling and complex basslines. At times it could use a little more bite or some bigger hooks to keep the crowd’s attention but the playing and craftsmanship is undeniable.
Rating: 7/10
It must be daunting for MONUMENTS that on a make or break tour, right before a headline slot at UK Tech-Fest, they are utilising a guest singer to fill in after the departure of Chris Barretto who’s unique and vastly ranged vocal performances were one of the main pillars to MONUMENTS‘ rise. It would be daunting at least if it wasn’t for the stellar job being done by Andy Cizek (of Florida prog/ambient group MAKARI). Cizek not only fills the shoes but slips into them as if they were tailor-made for him. As soon as the opening A.W.O.L kicks in, his slightly shy stance transform instantaneously into a raging entity spewing forth guttural roars. It’s up in the air how permanent his position is, but it’s crystal clear he has the chops for it, as he launches into the clean choruses with ease. As the tremendous chugs of I, The Creator shake The Waterfront Studio, everyone in the room is reminded why MONUMENTS were once the band on everyone’s lips, their live sound can reach absolutely astonishing levels of technical brilliance.
That being said there is the odd hiccup, one of the solos is lost in the mix and sometimes the backing tracks feel a bit too synthetic. But it’s not a big deal for MONUMENTS because despite being in a genre that’s often taken too seriously there’s nothing but smiles and positive energy onstage. There no brooding looks demanding to be seen so seriously, instead it’s John Browne and Olly Steele joking with the crowd as their gut pounding guitar tones release an all-out assault. The set seems all too short as they depart the stage to a chant of “10 more songs” from the hungry crowd. MONUMENTS indulge them with two more, still smiling as they’ve proved that despite the pressure they still stand tall.
Rating: 8/10
Check out our photo gallery of the night’s action in Norwich from Jack King here:
