The Monumental Pandemonium
Post-Mortem
POST-MORTEM is a richly instrumental, Progressive Death Metal Band hailing from France. Their sophomore album, "The Monumental Pandemonium" hit the world on April 29th, 2022, through Great Dane Records. Though listed as Progressive Death Metal, there is touches of Atmospheric throughout, led by its staunch Death Vocals. The drums play a large role in this band's sound, with their wildly fast-paced speed. Meanwhile, the guitar marries this all to its sometimes-melodic chords.
"Abyssus Abyssum Invocat" - Not enough can be said about the lusciousness of this intro song. Orchestrating a deceptively melodic tune, to an otherwise very heavily Death laden album. From the creepy, monotonous, prayer-like chants; to the almost soothing notes of atmospheric delight. This intro song captures your imagination from the start. "Genocider" - All that creepy, softness laid out by the intro; is blown away like scattered clouds with the brash eruption of Death Metal vocals. Hard, heavy, fast, and pulse quickening. The drum style beats a brutal assault on your ears as the rage of the song sweeps you away. "Skin of My Enemy" - Marching beats, amidst wild waves of madness in the form of sound. Deep, growling vocals so classically Death Metal. This is a sound that could appeal to many. A style similar in nature to FLESHGOD APOCALYPSE, but not entirely mimicking.
"Mountain of Skulls" - The beat varies enough throughout the song to not become boring, or remain static. A good song, just like a good story; must vary in tempo to keep the attention of the listener. This is another very classic Death sounding song. "Skin of My Enemy" - Vengeful passion of raging lyrics, backed by a very solidly mixed sound musically. Those insanely fast drum beats punctuate poignantly passionate guitar and bass chords. The guitar specifically with a haunting lilt to its sad melody. "Soul Inquisitor" - Easily my favorite song on the album, leading in with its atmospheric sounds. The guitar in this song is absolutely phenomenal and heart-wrenching. The kind of sound that grabs you by the heartstrings somehow and wrenches you in the gut. Pure poetry in sound.
"The Monumental Pandemonium" was a ride from start to finish. POST-MORTEM delivered well in their quest to produce an artistic piece of Progressive Death Metal. I think this is an album that can appeal to many with its various sides. Yet, is hard enough to satisfy even the lovers of older school sounds. Despite having a semi-common name, this is not a common band.
8 / 10
Excellent
Songwriting
Musicianship
Memorability
Production
"The Monumental Pandemonium" Track-listing:
1. Abyssus Abyssum Invocat
2. Skin of My Enemy
3. Mountain of Skulls
4. Opening of the Underworlds Gates
5. The Pure Terror
6. Cryptic Revelations
7. Arallu Imperator
8. Soul Inquisitor
9. Alter of Inner Ghouls
10. Graviora Manent
11. Massive Decimation
Post-Mortem Lineup:
Laurent Greder - Drums
Samuel Clauss - Guitars
Pierre Mohn - Bass
Xavier Schreiber - Vocals
Jack Ruetsch - Guitars
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