Modern Rites are an international band as is increasingly the way these days, comprising Berg from Swiss atmospheric black metal band Aara and Jonny of US experimental metal band Kuyashii.
Dark and desolate landscapes are offered and delivered. “Vigilance Eternal” builds up in intensity and power before launching into lingering death. Roaring echoes fill the background space as the deathly assault continues. High intensity as it is, I wasn’t finding much to excite me here however. Each song is strong though, and thunder is always there. “Self Synthesis” sweeps through the now familiar dark territory. The drum is hard and constant while the guitar rings defiantly. There is depth. The juggernaut rolls on with “Nothing Left to Give”. Darkness is as ever in the year. The song is resoundingly heavy and drives forward like a weighty machine. “Machine Paradox” is another journey into uncompromising force fields. The guitar represents lurking danger. The volume is at the maximum and the atmosphere is pungent. The tempo steps up and the sound spectrum expands so we cannot escape the impressive and imperious onslaught. Only at the end does the sonic attack relent and melancholy prevails after 36 relentless and powerful minutes.
This album is impressive in its intensity. “Monuments” is an appropriate title. The death-thrash with surrounding noise and industrial elements are as solid and robust as the title suggests.
(7.5/10 Andrew Doherty)
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