Tombs - Monarchy Of Shadows

It has been a pleasure to watch and listen to Tombs as they've developed as a band over the years. The group has a one of a kind vision and a distinct approach that has always set them firmly at the top of the USBM pack. This latest offering, Monarchy Of Shadows is masterful, another great offering from the band that is defined by its first tracks anthemic chorus, "As above, so below!" It's a hell of a fun listen and a song that continually seems to go straight for the throat - and after all - what more could you want?

Monarchy Of Shadows is epic in scope and oftentimes wonderfully vicious in its throat ripping ferocity. That being said this is also possibly the artsiest Tombs record to date. The occasional use of clean or even bellowed vocals adds whole new levels of depths to the record and is a fitting indicator of how far the band has come along. The production is also truly excellent here. Tombs has always made fairly intricate and multilayered black metal. So the fact that the production is a shining star really helps to make this all the more meaningful and engaging. It proves once more the sheer excellence of the band.

It's easy to get lost in the strange and infectious grooves of Monarchy Of Shadows. The Dante-esque soundscapes painted here are masterful and the crazed shredding madness of a track like 'Once Falls The Guillotine' are way too goddamn fun. A record that seeks to build on past successes and continually elevates all that Tombs are about, it's hard not to be enamored with the bands unique and potent approach. Worth many a listen, Monarchy Of Shadows proves for the umpteenth time that Tombs are one of the premier USBM bands.

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