BEYOND THE PALE – MONUMENT IN TIME

Bursting out of the gates with brutal intent, 'Liberation for the Damned' sets the tone in uncompromising fashion, presenting a twisted and merciless tale of revenge. The track seethes with barely contained fury, made explicit as Janneke hurls the line, "Like a fucking king, you ascended upon the throne / Like a fucking coward, you will die all alone". Her performance is nothing short of ferocious: a voice of immense power that tears through the song like a chainsaw biting into concrete. There is no polish here, only grit—every scream soaked in bile and venom, embodying the raw hostility and confrontational spirit that lie at the very core of the genre. Guitar work lies at the very heart of Monument In Time, permeating every track from the melodic death metal sensibilities of opener 'Liberation For The Damned' to the punishing, full-throttle force of 'Payback Is a Bitch'. The riffs are sharp, explosive, and meticulously crafted, leaving no doubt that this EP is deeply rooted in reverence for the band’s fallen guitarist. His talent for volcanic yet virtuosic playing resonates throughout the record, shaping its character and emotional weight. Rather than functioning as mere musical components, the guitars become a narrative device—channeling memory, loss, and respect, while ensuring that his presence remains an integral and unmistakable part of the band’s identity.

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Mixed by Arnout Leene and mastered by Tony Lindgren—whose impressive résumé includes work with At The Gates, Sepultura, and Carcass—Monument In Time is a masterclass in powerful, precise production. The guitars strike with a sharp, satisfying crunch, cutting through the mix while the rhythm section rumbles and drives with relentless force beneath the harsh vocals. Every element is given its space, allowing the intricate riffs, dynamic drums, and emotional weight of the performances to shine. The result is a dense, aggressive sound that never feels cluttered; instead, it amplifies the intensity and raw energy of the EP while maintaining clarity and balance. It’s a production that not only supports the music but elevates it, ensuring that every note, scream, and riff resonates with impact. 'The Age of the Pariah' opens as a razor-sharp critique of modern society, laying bare the arrogance of those who refuse to accept blame or responsibility while expecting the world to bend to their every desire. The track’s biting lyrics and relentless riffing make it impossible to ignore, striking a chord with anyone frustrated by the state of contemporary culture. 'Walk the Plank' takes a darker, almost theatrical turn, delivering a twisted pirate anthem brimming with energy and mischief—so audacious and raucous that even Alestorm would struggle to keep pace. Closing out the trio, 'Facts and Figures' is a merciless assault on the lies and distortions that permeate the media, pairing crushing riffs with searing vocal attacks to create a song as confrontational as its message. Together, these tracks showcase the band’s ability to blend pointed social commentary with aggressive, memorable songwriting, making the EP as thought-provoking as it is punishing.

There are only a few minor quibbles: while undeniably powerful, the vocals can become a bit grating over multiple tracks, and the choruses, though solid, don’t always linger in the memory. These are small issues in an otherwise commanding debut. In just 33 minutes, "Monument In Time" packs a wealth of intensity, emotion, and technical prowess, leaving the listener both breathless and captivated. It’s a formidable first effort, showcasing a band with clear vision and immense potential. For fans of heavy music that carries real emotional weight and depth, this EP is a must-hear.

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SCORE 8/10

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WORDS BY SWAMPY