Review Summary: If you're looking for tasty djents and math vibes, you will have to look elsewhere.
Monuments have been making a scene in the djent world, and metalcore fanatics all over the world have practically turned these guys into the next Elvis Presley. Yet for this listener, the hype doesn't cut the mustard here. Monuments are no doubt talented players, obviously having spent more than a few Friday nights at the Guitar Center. But their music lacks the soul that true djentcore needs. Granted, Monuments are only one small pimple on the infected wound that plagues the world of metalcore and djent all over the world.
When you listen to the true metalcore and djent out there, it stirs a fire within. The finest djent and metalcore all over the world almost shakes the soul like James Brown. There is true emotion within the scales, the notes themselves acting as singular poems, couplets making up the greatest epic poem. Yet Monuments on their new album,
In Stasis, is probably closer to a fake phone number written on a post-it note. You call the number thinking it's a hot girl, and some angry man answers the phone and threatens to beat your ass. Yet even that may be ascribing too much power to the music of Monuments, because they cannot beat anybody's ass. Even the weakest fighters from all over the world could easily take their music in a fight.
One aspect of Monument's
In Stasis that actually works is the nu-metal. The nu-metal revival isn't exactly "nu," but I think Monuments give a fair tribute. They can sometimes stir the feelings of a Papa Roach or a POD in songs like "No One Will Teach You." Yet aside from that, the chugs aren't convincing, the djents are limp (and I don't mean Bizkit), and the vocals lack the passion true djent all over the world needs a heaping dose of.
"The Cimmerian" is a track where Monuments seem to be trying to go progressive, but instead of a bang and a whimper, these blokes go out with a fart. You couldn't hear it, but it stinks a little more. The talent is there, but as far as songwriting, they should stick to their own advice: no one will teach you. I pray for djent all over the world if this is what the scene has come to. The djent scene used to be flourishing with beauty, now it's like riding the subway in Manhattan at 4 AM. Because I feel like I just got robbed.
