Monolithe – Zeta Reticuli (2016)

Brilliantly continuing the 2015 album "Epsilon Aurigae", today we have Monolithe and the crushing “Zeta Reticuli”. Originally recorded back in 2015, this album further expands the band’s refined Doom/Funeral Doom sound into more progressive and experimental territories while preserving their atmospheric elements. Clocking in at 45 minutes, this is definitely one of the most engaging releases of 2016 so far.

Opening with “Ecumenopolis”, the band slowly changes from atmospheric sounds to piercing Doom riffs. This continues slowly as the vocals suddenly appear and the atmospheric elements turn a bit more psychedelic as the crushing wall of riffs lurks in the back. The band does a solid job in keeping things interesting by delivering crafty drum patterns near the end.

The band ups the ante with the very proggy and unique “TMA-1”. This track has a very experimental vibe as it feels like the band was just jamming around with a solid set of ideas. There are some un-Doom like riffs in this track, which incidentally make for a very interesting song as they contrast some of the band’s more ‘traditional’ song structures.

Closing the release we have “The Barren Depths”, a more ‘standard’ piece filled with very powerful Doom riffs and guest clean vocals by Guyom Pavesi. This track returns to the band’s more traditional sound while perfectly crafting a very oppressive atmosphere. Our favorite section of this song is the instrumental passage around the 7:45 minute mark.

Overall, “Zeta Reticuli” only adds to the brilliant musical displays that Monolithe has released in the past. Slowly evolving, this band has a very diverse and engaging sound which allows for experimentation while keeping their core values intact.

Label: Debemur Morti Productions

Release: July 8th, 2016

Genre: Doom Metal

Country: France