This or The Apocalypse
Monuments
Review by Nick Cottin
With a name like "This or The Apocalypse," one might be expect another trend-rider of a band, throwing breakdowns around and pointlessly growling into the microphone. However, first impressions can be misleading. The band's music is complicated, layered and heavy. This is the type of album it takes two ears to listen with; the music is complex and needs to be listened to carefully. Not many bands can pull it off, but This of The Apocalypse handle it masterfully.The opening track of "Monuments" is "No Horizons" which sets the tone for the entire album. While I wasn't overly impressed when I first heard it, I soon realized that it's pretty catchy!
If you need a track to convince you to buy this album, "Monuments" will do just that - It immediately draws you in. "Memento Mori" is a peaceful track to rest from the dissonance of the others.
As far as the rest of the album, I think This or The Apocalypse could have done better.
However, "Elegiac" is tremendous and the perfect track to end the album with.
It is powerful, beautiful and feels epic.
If you're a metal or hardcore fan, check out "Monuments." This or The Apocalypse have breakdowns and the heaviness, typical metal characteristics, but they don't go overboard. They play music they love, and that's what's important.
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