Review by adhlactha on April 21, 2020.

The music of Atrox has never been good for definition, maybe only on their first doom metal record, but even then they've still created an individual approach. Their later experiments were like utter madness, but after the departure of their vocalist Monica Edvardsen, the music became less bizarre. With new vocalist Rune Folgerø they released two albums, and the Monocle is the second in new style (and with the gap of almost ten years).

There’s no such word as limits in case of Atrox, there never was, so they go on with their experiments even after such a long pause. But the comeback was very welcome, even with so massive rivalry in genre. Of course, in a sense, they had their name on avant-garde scene, but they were never famous. This music is progressive as hell, but instead of alarming you in technicality, after some time you start to sing along, because the songs are simple to perceive, and the melodies are catchy. Almost in every composition there are strong guitar riffs, and they precisely create the structure of the song. Rune’s vocal range isn’t outstanding, but his singing is so intense and shrewd, that it compensates the excuse of angelic/demonic manner of Monica’s singing (she’s like a goddess). Of course, I still miss her talent, but new Atrox are on a right path, this is now different band in a way, so better not to compare. The principles of heavy metal are followed here, so it’s not some out of style music, and with some influence of electronic music (especially on songs 'Suicide Days', 'Mass' and 'Movie') this album recreates good balance between heaviness and pop-like attitude. Clean sound and the articulate audibility of every instrument (as well as vocals) create comfortable conditions to immerse yourself entirely in the Monocle.

Virtuosity and confidence of every musician is really striking, though there is only standard set of instruments for metal band (bass, drums, guitar and synthesizer), but still that’s enough to fit in avant-garde genre. There is a change of mood in every song, and after it the song seems stronger and it’s not possible to miss these moments. Epic atmosphere throughout the record isn’t too prevailing, but it is perceptible. Industrial moments rather fill in through the music, but it’s more a progressive record, and not electronic. Some can say it has gothic influence, but only in a sense of old gothic rock/post-punk scene and dark atmosphere.

There are some difficulties to compare Atrox’s music with some other band. Even after change of style and long pause, they’re still  simply Atrox. Hopefully we won’t need to wait another ten years for new record, because experimental musical scene is far poorer without band such as Atrox.

Rating: 9.2 out of 10

Review by Felix on October 26, 2021.

Machine gun drums, nagging vocals and sinister guitar lines - welcome to the always consistent universe of Grabak, a German black metal combat unit that never beats around the bush. Totally generic and slightly predictable, but enormously aggressive and violent, the band cements its status as non-fickle heralds of sonic tightness. Their best and most tyrannic songs have an infectious effect, at least to a certain extent. As soon as the fairly monotonous voice commands: "You are part of the legion", one really wants to become a soldier of Grabak's army. Too bad that this feeling only grows during the first half of the album where the better tracks are bundled. The longer the output lasts, the more the band runs out of puff. Little by little, the quality decreases, not in a dramatic manner, but recognizably and it goes without saying that a downward spiral is never a good thing.

Without delivering lukewarm or sloppy numbers - only the instrumental at the end of their fifth full-length shows a slightly lackluster face - and without shocking the listener with a feeble production, the album does not blow the audience away. It is true that the mix can be described as dense and robust. Moreover, it is aligned with the genre-typical standards with the effect that an uncanny mood is rising. Yet it is not the proverbial wall of sound. The same applies for the song material. The guys of Grabak have penned strong pieces, but in harmony with the slightly stale concept, there are no songs that stand out. The brilliance of true classics is missing. The band does not reach its best form, but this fact should not be overrated. Indeed, the Teutons have proven that they have enough ideas in order to write a perfect album (Encyclopedia Infernalis). But how many bands are able to produce such a masterpiece twice in a lifetime? Thus, it comes as no surprise that the status of immortal titans such as 'Bluttaufe' or 'Grand Grimoire' remain unaffected.

Despite the generally strong and ambitious guitar work, the integration of some cross-grained riffs would have been helpful. The overdose of more or less streamlined guitar leads is not the be-all and end-all, because due to these leads, the songs lack depth. Once again, I want to emphasize that I am not speaking of a mediocre or even ill-defined work. Nevertheless, I am a little bit disappointed in view of the lack of catchy (yet totally black) parts and the absence of dramatically growing song structures. Sporadic female vocals cannot cure these shortcomings and the same goes for the fact that Grabak do not lack of integrity and conviction. No doubt, the band acts fervently. Yet some explosive moments and a few numbers of flattening mid-tempo parts are not enough to form an album that deserves an outstanding rating. But regardless of all these details, it is a fact that the band shows a mature performance, and it cannot be condemned just because of not having fully exploited its extremely large potential. Consequently, I am still curious whether the black squadron will return or not after being passive since 2011.

Rating: 7.5 out of 10