Behold! The Monolith: From The Fathomless Deep

From the deep, dark recesses of the netherworld we bring you Behold! The Monolith, a heavy doom metal band hailing from Los Angeles, forming around 2009. The original trio was hit by tragedy in 2013 when bassist and vocalist Kevin McDade tragically passed away, throwing the band in hiatus until 2019 and the addition of Matt Price. The band’s line-up is:

Menno Verbaten (bass, vocals, cello)
Matt Price (electric, acoustic and slide guitars)
Chase Manhattan (drums, gong)

The band is back with their fourth release titled From The Fathomless Deep, and if you enjoy heavy doom you have come to the right place. This is some heavy stuff! At the core of their sound are the bone shattering guitar riffs that are unleashed slow and heavy, and are matched with evil growling vocals, often delivered in a near demonic whisper. The guitar and vocals mesh together extremely well, giving the music a fierce two-pronged attack, all the while backed by a powerful rhythm section.

It all begins with the massively heavy “Crown/The Immeasurable Void� where a varied soundscape of intense doom guitar dirges and quieter clean passages are enhanced with demonic growls providing an unsettling musical experience to say the least. The results are outstanding. Moody and atmospheric guitar effects begin “Psychlopean Dread�, another slow burner with evil intent. This band knows how to get their point across, reeling in the listener in a most intoxicating way. The speed metal of “Spirit Taker� with moody and slow instrumental breaks, the excellent “The Seams Of Pangaea� where the bass plays a major role, and the album ending multi part “Stormbreaker Suite� where addictive riffs makes for some outstanding doomy sludge, round out the album in grand fashion. The guitar solo on the last track is one of the best moments on the disc.

From The Fathomless Deep is a thoroughly enjoyable listen and is easily recommended for fans of heavy doom and sludge.

A Ripple Music release.

Discography:
Behold! The Monolith (LP - 2009)
Defender, Redeemist (2012)
Architects of the Void (2015)
From The Fathomless Deep (2022)

Track Listing:
1. Crown/The Immeasurable Void (9:30)
2. Psychlopean Dread (6:29)
3. Spirit Taker (5:37)
4. This Wailing Blade (3:51)
5. The Seams Of Pangaea (8:55)
I. Caravela
II. Mind The Gap (Instrumental)
III. Pangaea (Reprise)
6. Stormbreaker Suite (11:25)
I. 55°98’33�S - 67°26’67°W (Instrumental)
II. Smoke And Oakum
III. Hearts Of Oak
IV. Valediction

Added: December 13th 2023
Reviewer: Jon Neudorf
Score:
Related Link: Band @ Bandcamp
Hits: 274
Language: english

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