Review: In Mourning – Monolith (2010)
Combining the likes of Opeth, Arcturus, Agalloch and Amorphis, Sweden’s In Mourning are a come out of nowhere success in the underground metal scene. Despite finding their roots as early as 2000, In Mourning have only released two albums since 2008. Monolith, the band’s latest album, is making waves as the next Swedish sensation with a deep, chilling heaviness that is seemingly only rivaled by Opeth in popularity and, arguably, skill.
The technical precision of Monolith is really impressive, and while I don’t think it quite equals the immensity of Opeth, comparing the two is unfair to In Mourning who have crafted easily one of the most memorable records of the year, bar none. However, one avenue where In Mourning differs from Opeth is their focus on their death metal roots, instead of becoming a progressive metal band that employs death metal when it suits their needs, In Mourning are a progressive death metal band that harnesses the depth of melancholy and atmosphere. In this respect, I think Monolith takes on a bit of their Swedish brethren in Dark Tranquillity, melding melodic death with outside elements.
In years to come, these Swedes could become the cream of the crop of one of the world’s most rich bastions of metal. Monolith marks the rise of In Mourning to whole new levels of respect and admiration amongst both critics and general fans alike, and perhaps what makes that even more of a grand statement, is that Monolith is enjoyable enough, without all the heady weight attached to it, which allows for the average listener to replay over and over again. I have a feeling we are going to see so much more from these lords of precision and chaos.
AMAZING
Similar Artists: Arcturus, Opeth, Amorphis, Agalloch, Dark Tranquillity
1. For You To Know
2. Debris
3. The Poet And The Painter Of Souls
4. The Smoke
5. A Shade Of Plague
6. With You Came Silence
7. Pale Eye Revelation
8. The Final Solution (Entering The Black Lodge)
Tobias Netzell – Guitar, Vocals
Bjorn Pettersson – Guitar
Tim Nedergard – Guitar
Pierre Stam – Bass
Christian Netzell – Drums
http://www.myspace.com/in_mourning
Review by CODY
I agree, this is a great album.
This is a really cool cd.
I am purchasing it now, on the crappy zune marketplace just cause I can’t deal with myspace.
Shrouded Divine was without a doubt my favorite album of 2008, no question. ‘The Black Lodge’ was probably the most epic and amazing song anyone put out that year, and probably the greatest song this band will ever make. Though that comes as an unfortunate thing. Sure they have upgraded and refined their sound which makes them more stable but I was expecting better. This album is good, like really really good, but I don’t think its as good as their debut, which is the most impressive thing about this band, on how strong it was. Best song on the album is imo Debris. This is probably my fav album of the year so far, aside from Kalmah’s new album.
I don’t get the Opeth comparison at all… I hear other prog elements but it doesnt have any of opeth’s trademarks really.
I think they have very similar styles. They both have the heavier, death metal moments, and then the cool down prog moments all wrapped up with a bit of goth flair. I think they sound so much like early Opeth when they were more of a death metal band.
Joe – I am a huge Kalmah fan and I have yet to hear their new album…shame on me.
Dude, Cody, I agree. This album is absolutely amazing! Epiiiiiic!!
Good review.
So if you listen to “Debris” and “Black Rose Immortal” you hear a similarity? Not me. I respectfully disAgreep