From Bandcamp, “Black Hole District” is a story in a Tech-Noir style, inspired by Blade Runner, but also Dark City, Matrix, Ghost in The Shell, as well as “hard boiled” literature. The narrator lives in a decaying city, in a dystopian future. The album is designed as a movie would be, with a scenario, an atmosphere, a central character whose train of thoughts is provided to the listener through narrations in a “hard boiled” detective style. Eager to offer original music, MONOLITHE does not hesitate to break the rules of its primary genre, Doom Metal, while preserving its substantial marrow and roots.” The album has an interesting pattern, consisting of short instrumentals followed by longer songs. I am going to highlight the longer songs and make a comment in the segue pieces.

“Sentience Amidst the Lights” is the first proper song. The Doom is somber, and all of the parts work well together…keyboards, guitars, bass, and drums. The song has a weighted feeling to it, the keys keep it melodic, and the guitar harmonies are strong. I like my Doom with varied vocals and this song delivers deep gutturals and clean harmonies. Each of the short connecting instrumentals sound like warnings or even wonders from outer space, and they keep the listener engaged. “To Wander the Labyrinth” features a healthy dose of keyboards as well as sturdy pass notes, and so far, the band has found a great balance between the somber heaviness of Doom and the wonders of melody, and this song is no exception.

“Unveiling the Illusion” moves faster and more aggressively, with guttural vocals and a contentious guitar riff. Not to be outdone, the melody keeps up nicely, burning through the fog and keeping pace with the harsh sounds. I can’t say enough about the keyboards, they really help to thicken up the sound. “On the Run to Nowhere” moves slower, and again, there is a perfect balance between aggression and melody. Take the clean vocal harmonies for example…when they appear, it’s like a beacon of light in a dark place where you would not be able to find any. They lift the song up and carry it through the blackness. “Those Moments Lost in Time” is the final song, and the synergistic combination of despair and hope are perhaps done best here. The balance is striking.

In this album, the band masterfully balances the crushing weight of Doom Metal with haunting, melancholic melodies that feel almost ethereal in their delicacy. The slow, deliberate tempo common in Doom is ever-present, creating a sense of impending dread that lingers throughout each track, but it's never overwhelming to the point of suffocation. The melodies serve as a lifeline, offering glimpses of light within the murky depths. This is an album where the heavy and the melodic entwine in a dance that feels both tragic and cathartic. It’s a testament to their ability to merge two seemingly opposing forces into a cohesive, stirring experience.