Review Summary: Miss May I have matured musically, Monument is a good effort from a young band. It shows that, they do have talent and that they're trying to progress...
Think back to 2009, a young band from Troy, Ohio hit the music scene releasing 'Apologies Are For The Weak' gaining a mixed reception.
Well, Miss May I are back and they have grown.
Before I go on, their sophomore effort 'Monument' is good but it's not good enough.
What's good about Monument?
The vocals:
I personally really enjoy the vocal side of MMI, Levi (Vocalist) has certainly grown, his voice has become stronger meaning he can withstand the harsh vocals he performs but also he brings them up a notch. Levi's screams are very good, ranging from your usual deep, death metal-like guttarals to your high screech like screams but they aren't just that, Levi has his own 'twang' to his vocals that make them that extra bit sweeter. Levi performs relatively well on every song, 'Answers', 'Relentless Chaos', 'Creations' & 'Monument' are the epitome of Levi's ability as a vocalist on this album, truly brutal.
The inclusion of clean vocals is a nice little addition and they makes songs more softer and meaningful in a sense. 'In Recognition' is a very good example of what Ryan can do with his voice, it also shows another side to Levi. However some may find Ryan a bit 'nasally' sounding.
The drums:
Jarod is a really good drummer, he delivers on every song and adds that extra 'kick' that lifts the song and drives the entire atmosphere of Monument forward until the very last scream. Jarod shines on 'Masses of a Dying Breed' and 'Answers', in both tracks he delivers and raises the bar at the same time; every cymbal smash, every thud is a treat. That's not to say he doesn't shine on others but those two songs for me highlight his progression as a drummer.
The overall feel/flow of Monument:
The album flows well, it has a dark, corrupt feel about it. Each song has it's own little hook that makes Monument flow well and at times stand out, individual songs such as 'Relentless Chaos' add to the overall feel to Monument. The album has been mixed and weaved together excellentlently adding to the feel of the album; it helps squeeze out every last bit of juice Monument has to offer.
For a young band, MMI have created a more mature piece of work that is layered with various meanings/ undertones, some more complex than others.
What's bad about Monument?
Guitars:
They have their moments but it isn't often enough, the guitars aren't really that consistent. In 'Gears' they deliver well but it is a rarity. MMI still follow the same chug chug chug that is indeed a burden, which they must get rid of, they also have an undying thirst for breakdowns, which wouldn't be so bad if they were inventive and different.
Also...as per usual, the Lead/Rhythm dominates the airwaves, the bass is barely noticable.
Nothing really new:
Monument is an uprgrade of 'AAFTW', the clean vocals are more prominent in nearly every song and it soon becomes a commodity and stale & at times over produced.
Instrumentally its nothing new, the same techniques, the same structure. I haven't mentioned many songs because they all follow the same pattern and even the stronger songs sound similar to the one's before it.
Producer:
Honestly, I believe Joey Sturgis hinders bands rather than helps them. He is a breeder for genericity. Nearly every band that has worked with him have failed to break the mould in any way, MMI are another victim but its not too late for them to recover.
Monument is a good effort by MMI but it could of been so much better and it's quite saddening to see a band with talent and future prospects to stumble on their second album, when really they should be improving.
Songs to download:
'We Have Fallen': Excellent vocals & Drums.
'In Recognition': It's out of MMI comfort zone and it isn't that bad.
'Creations': Probably the strongest song.
'Answers': Vocal delight.
'Monument': A good end to a good album.
