Label- Self-release
Release Date - 20 May 2022
Words- Chris Fletcher
The creative brainchild of former members of Threat Signal and The Devin Townsend Project amongst others, Imonolith are back with their second, self-released full-length album. Entitled ‘Progressions’, a comment on the strides the band has taken since its inception, the album (originally intended as an EP before the band realised they had more to say) offers seven slabs of well-crafted metal along with a further three demo tracks at the tail end.
Opening track ‘Angevil’ starts the party with a bouncy, groove laden riff that piques your interest immediately, and whilst the harsh-verse-clean-chorus dynamic is nothing new, it is done to a high standard and the chorus is hookier than a sparring session with Mike Tyson. Other standout tracks here include recent single ‘The Lesson’ which offers yet more stomp, which is undeniably when the band are at their best. Elsewhere on the record there is a lot to admire, the guitar solo in ‘We’re In This Together’ is a particular highlight, and the closing riff on first demo track ‘Instinct’ really gets your head moving.
Whilst the seven full tracks on the record are done to a high standard, the subsequent demos tagged on also show real potential, however, the rough version of previous track four ‘The Reign’ could have been left on the cutting room floor. Whilst undoubtedly the albums heaviest track, it seems superfluous for the band to show us their working in demo form.
A main criticism of the record is that the slower, more ballad style title track slows down the pace and intensity without any real payoff. However, with that being said there are elements of the song that do show the band's song-writing dexterity and allow them to display the other strings to their collective bow.
Whilst nothing here is particularly groundbreaking, this album shows a band really hitting their stride and finding their sound. It is obvious almost immediately that these are experienced musicians and songwriters who have a good level of chemistry between them. Think US radio metal but with a bit more bite and there’s plenty here to get stuck into. Fans of bands like Stone Sour should have a great time with this, and it is certainly one that endears itself more with each listen.
7/10
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