MONUMENTS' Phronesis - Side Stage Magazine

MONUMENTS is a progressive metal band hailing from the UK. Earlier last month, they released their third album, Phronesis. Coming off a strenuous 2-year worldwide tour, this album was written and recorded to offer mental and physical healing to the band. Guitarist, John Browne, speaks of the songwriting process and the title of the album and its Greek roots. “‘Phronesis’ is wisdom, but a really specific type of wisdom to do with oneself…good judgement, being excellent in character, practical wisdom.”

This album is one that was great to listen to while working. Every single song had great melodies, and heavy guitars that energized me throughout my workday. Diving into the lyrics, I enjoyed the album even more, as they hit very deep into what most in our society are going through.

Opening the album is “A.W.O.L.” opening in a theatrical way with violins, then fantastic screaming vocals accompanied by speed metal instrumentals. The lyrics speak to feelings of depression and can relate to feeling alone and invisible, but the screaming lyrics and fast pace of the song offer an amazing relief to push through those feelings of emptiness the lyrics sympathize with. Being no stranger to the feelings in the song, this song was empowering to get over those isolating thoughts that can consume someone fighting loneliness, depression, and other demons.

“Mirror Image,” is a song that has you feeling every lyric. It’s interesting that the tempo of the song ebbs and flows with the self-reflection going on with the song. “Mirror Image” points out how we all put on false images to fit in, and while doing this, we’re crippling ourselves “going no where,” and “the mirror bends your image.”

“Leviathan” starts heavy and throughout the song has great screaming vocals. I especially love the lyrics about releasing anger, hatred, and negative feelings because of how they can take control. “So let it go. We can’t assume control. The only thing to hate, is the hate you show.” It’s appropriate to relate those feelings to a demon taking control, and the lyrics throughout are ambiguous enough that it could easily be about a monstrous persona taking over, or simply the hate that can consume someone. As an eternal optimist myself, I like the aspect of encouraging others to release any negative feelings.

This album came from a healing perspective for the band and gave them a cathartic experience in writing it. As a listener, those same feelings have translated through their lyrics. Their lyrics are poetic, and their vocals and heavy instruments are very energizing and they have a great sound together. Check out their new album, Phronesis, and try to catch them on tour. Their schedule, and all updates, are on their band facebook page, www.facebook.com/ThisIsMonuments