Sometimes, I really get bored from being exposed to uncountable bands from a specific kind of Metal. Yes, because it can really make our senses becomes unable to make a good review for a good work. Specially if we are talking of a music that is a trend on Metal. That's the case of Doom/Stoner Metal. It seems to be in great evidence, due the number of bands of this style that I hear time and time again. Of course we become trained to detect a good or bad work with it, but it bores a lot. But even bored as I am, I can say that Californian quartet BEHOLD! THE MONOLITH do a good work, but nothing special, on their new album, "Architects of the Void".

It's not a case to say that they are not good (it's the opposite: they are good in what they are doing), but it lacks of a more personalized work. They do a good mix of slow tempos in the vein of BLACK SABBATH with a thundering amount of energy that comes from some Southern Metal influence, but the voice speaking in mine ears that "I heard it somewhere before" is too strong. And of course they are in a the middle of many bands of the style, and aren't one of the best ones, the same ones that can survive after the trend is gone.

The sound quality is good to the style. Or being a bit more technical in my words: it's nasty and oiled, but not to the point that we couldn't understand what the band is trying to do or play.

There are some good moments on the album, like the good ideas that we hear on songs as "Philosopher's Blade" and "Lord of Bones", and the best are the grunted and aggressive harsh tunes of vocals and a good guitar work, but the lack of something of their own really is disturbing, even they being an experienced band (this is their third studio album).

Maybe only this album is like this (I really hope so), but more personality would be good for them. They have potential, but need to put it out.