If there's one thing I like from a heavy metal album, it's a great story. Not only are you listening to the story, but you are also in it. When giving "Architect of the Void" a spin, that's the kind of feeling I get. You can see it. You can feel it. And you can smell it. So kick back, put on the headphones, and take a journey into "Architect of the Void".
When the first track, "Umbral Vale", comes on, I think of a young man, ready to become a warrior. But in order to do that, he must leave his village and prove that he has what it takes. Before he takes off, he says his farewells to his mother, his siblings, neighbors and friends. And finally, his old man. The one who he wants to make the most proud. He gets his stuff and the guards open the gate for him, and he's off on his own now. The drum beat in the beginning of "Philosopher's Blade", I imagine him walking through the forest and mountains. Stops to get some rest and then continues with his destiny. One day, the young man walks by a village. He sees a farmer and his family being harassed by a evil clan. He rushes over there and takes them out, except for one. Who runs back to the other clan. On "Lord of Bones", I like to think that's where we meet the Warlord of this evil clan. He hears what that kid from a small community, did to some of his men. So now he wants to get some payback. His men are putting armor on the Warlord. The blacksmith is welding his new sword. Making it strong and sharp, so the Warlord will be able to impale his new enemy and make him suffer. "Between Oder and the Vistula" is where we have our big fight scene. At first the Warlord has his clan go after the young warrior. The brave kid takes them out, one by one. Until there was none left. Just him and the Warlord. Standing in a field, with the corpse of the Warlord's clan. The Warlord gives the young lad a good beating. Showing why he's the boss. Not going down that easy, the our hero picks up his sword, and just goes berserk on the Warlord. The Warlord has underestimated the young warriors' strength, and can no longer stand his ground. Our hero was able to get the Warlord on his knees, and with one swing from his sword, he decapitates the Warlord and ends his reign of terror. Finally, when the title track comes up, I can imagine a guard, keeping watch, early in the morning. He gets up and pours himself a bowl of soup. When he gets back to his post, he sees something coming towards the gate. We see his bowl drop to the ground as he runs to the other guards and tells them to open the gate. When they open the gate, we see the young hero return home. Carrying the severed head of the Warlord, he has now proven that he's a warrior. The whole village are rejoiced and give him a great homecoming. He is greeted by his mother and siblings. He sees his dad from across, so he walks towards him. They stare at each other for a second, til his father gives him a big hug. Of course he is now proud that his little boy is now a great warrior. And now the warrior can relax and enjoy being around his loved ones, til he goes on to his next adventure.
Now to just let you know, that's not what the album is about. But when hearing the instruments, that's what I'm seeing in my head. I'm pretty sure that the guys in B!TM wrote up something more epic than what I just typed up above. "Void of the Architect" is definitely their best and most epic album. Both Jordan Nalley and Jason Casanova did a great job making this album heavy and intense. As many reviewers have already mentioned, for Matt Price and Chase Manhattan to keep Behold! The Monolith going, after the death of vocalist/bassist Kevin McDade, is really encouraging. In some ways, I like to think that "Void of the Architect" is the bands "Back To Black". It's really great that B!TM was able to put out a kick arse record, that I know McDade will be very proud of. Behold! The Monolith are a great addition to the heavy metal scene. Their mix of Stoner/Doom with Sludge and Post-Metal is something that sets B!TM apart from other LA bands. And of course Price's guitar playing is just awesome. Just listen to "Philosopher's Blade" and "Lord of Bones". If you're a fan of High On Fire and their intensity, then you're really gonna be a fan of Behold! The Monolith. This is a band to listen if you want some hard pounding heavy metal Glad to see Behold! The Monolith still riding strong. RIP, Kevin McDade. Hope all is great in the afterlife.
"Architect of the Void" gets a rating of "5 Hitlers Punched in the Face".
