Sometimes I struggle with explaining why something is good or why someone should give an album,
movie, show, etc. a shot. As someone who writes, that can be a frustrating thing to deal with. Not
having the exact way to describe what is so good about the thing. It starts with fumbling through various
disconnected sounds, words, and phrases, then ends with an exasperated, “look, you just have to listen
to it.” I am currently feeling that same frustration with the latest album from ZØRORMR, The Monolith.
The album is just damn good, and the title is absolutely fitting. It’s eight tracks clocking in around 45
minutes, but none of the songs outstay their welcome. Every track has your attention from start to
finish. Musically, it is a slow march to a towering obsidian spire in a large, open space. The album sounds
orchestrated. It has the feel of classical music piece because it seems that every note and beat has its
proper place and it was designed that way. Don’t get me wrong, I know that makes it formulaic or over
written, but it is not. ZØRORMR have taken care to make The Monolith an experience.
ZØRORMR are giving you an experience with this one. It borders on theatrical. The Monolith has a lot of
black metal feel to it, but it is much more than that. And that is where some of the frustration of
describing it comes in. It is so much more than black metal. Although, there is little comparison, sound-
wise, between the two, I would say that if you are a fan of Celebration of Guilt/A Diamond for Disease
era Arsis, you would really enjoy The Monolith. It’s a feel that the music has been composed instead of
written. I don’t what else to tell you…you just have to listen to it.
The Monolith is out now via Nocturna.
Overall Score: 9/10
Review by:Dan Perretta
