UK technical death metal band Monasteries are here with their new EP entitled Silence, an ironic title considering just how loud these songs are; they will leave your ears ringing for hours after listening. The last two tracks to the EP have now been released, fleshing out the five song record to 20 minutes of heavy metal to headbang to. These songs are designed to speak to that primal fear and rage that exists within all of us; an invitation to release one’s inhibitions and to join and dance along with the dark side.
However, whilst these songs do indeed invoke rage, it is more because of the fact that we are left confused and conflicted, unable to understand the actual content or message of the songs. The EP starts with a song entitled ‘Jorogumo Yokai’, one of the final two to be released. This song is loud, messy, and somehow one note throughout; there is no shape to the song, no rise and fall, no life. If you’re merely looking for some loud noise to eradicate any background annoyances, then this song will definitely do the trick in that respect.
The real shame is the fact that you cannot make out the lyrics above the noise of the song, because when one searches the lyrics they are quite intriguing, reading almost like poetry. Stand out lyrics from ‘Jorogumo Yokai’ read "she holds an engaging smile, eyes like wild fire, burning deep, tongue flirted with optimism, an open invitation, to thou abode has risen". Reading the lyrics evokes the feeling of a darker Shakespeare, writing a sonnet to a dark and enticing lover. It is unfortunate that this is overshadowed by the music, not allowing the beauty of these lyrics to shine through.
The second of the songs that have just been released is the final track of the EP, entitled ‘Silence (In the Place Where Heaven Should Be Found)’. Now this one is everything one could wish for in a metal song. Exciting crescendos, varying tempos, and a slowed down bridge that builds up to the big final release. In this song the tension and rage built up is palpable, making its final drop a kind of cathartic experience. ‘Silence’ definitely deserves its place as the titular track.
Overall, the final two tracks work to make the EP feel cohesive, and you can tell Monasteries
have found their sound and are rolling with it. If you are in need of letting out, letting
go of some rage, or even looking to embrace that rage, then this EP is definitely the soundtrack for that.
Monasteries have just joined Seek and Strike records and have been recently touring with the likes of Gassed Up¸ Arcania, Within Destruction and many more. Be sure to experience the rage for yourself and check out their EP which is out now across all streaming platforms. For more band and touring information, follow their social medias linked below.
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