Not necessarily a fan of Doom Metal and Sludge rock, I tackled this album with skepticism and woeful distrust. However, I came to find something that titillated me in a way that I’ve not felt in a while.
“No Comfort” is the fourth studio album released via Relapse Records. A masterwork of editing, it is superb in its production value–accentuating the subtle harmonies and complex melodies brought forth by the band. It is amazing how the Swedish trio manage to do so much with very little in the sense of instrumentals. They harness the power of an obscure genre and embrace the reverb and power riffs of a time long since passed with their latest offering. As a first time listener and fan of all things strumming and drumming–colour me impressed.
The album takes you on an auditory journey rife with malice and every metal-head’s Achilles heel….distortion! And it comes at you in spades. Esben Willems had this to say about their latest album;
“From the very beginning, our aim has been to create the heaviest sound possible, but at the same time maintaining groove and melody. Being three individuals with very different frames of reference in most things, we’ve reached our common ground in Monolord. We have a strong collective sense of what the band’s sound and vibe is. It’s not necessarily always a rumbling wall of sound, which I feel is shown on No Comfort.”
With power chords that resonate deep down in your gut, Monolord’s fourth studio album is nothing short of sheer brilliance. Music made for people who can take the time to shut the fuck up and listen. Its complexities are reminiscent of heavier prog-rock and you’ll find yourself peeling back the layers of this sound sensation over and over simply because of the ambiance.
The trio behind this masterpiece are :
Thomas V Jäger: Electric and acoustic guitar, vocals and percussion
Esben Willems: Drums & percussion
Mika: Electric bass guitar
Chris Lemos
If you’re looking for something a tad more introspective with a thundering momentum that would make Ozzy proud and Josh Homme nod in approval, be sure to check out this kaleidoscope of dark noise.
You can catch Monolord bending minds and rocking worlds state-side on the following dates:
Tour dates:
Nov 05 San Diego, CA Brick by Brick
Nov 06 Tucson, AZ Club Congress
Nov 07 Albuquerque, NM Sister
Nov 08 Dallas, TX Gas Monkey
Nov 09 Austin, TX Empire Control Room (Levitation x Relapse Showcase)
Nov 10 Lafayette, LA Freetown Boom Boom Room
Nov 11 New Orleans, LA One Eyed Jacks
Nov 12 Atlanta, GA The 529
Nov 13 Asheville, NC Mothlight
Nov 14 Richmond, VA Camel
Nov 15 Baltimore, MD Metro Gallery
Nov 16 Philadelphia, PA First Unitarian Church
Nov 17 Brooklyn, NY Saint Vitus
Nov 20 Chicago, IL Reggies
Nov 21 Indianapolis, IN Black Circle
Nov 22 St. Louis, MO Fubar
Nov 23 Lawrence, KS Bottleneck
Nov 25 Denver, CO Marquis
Nov 27 Los Angeles, CA Teragram Ballroom
Stay up to date with all things Monolord via:
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https://monolord.bandcamp.com/
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