Monolit
Review Score: 8.5
Reviewed by: Billy Klare
Aortha release their independent debut album “Monolit” on September 15, 2023. The project is led by guitarist Predrag Glogovac who played in a band called Monolit based in the former Yugoslavia that were active from 1988 – 1992 (and briefly reunited in 2006 – 2008). Civil war in their home country led to the end of the band. Predrag enlisted many of his friends from the international metal community to bring his musical ideas to life and the album “Monolit” was born.
The Aortha project includes a long list of talented vocalists covering a broad spectrum of metal styles. The list includes: Kyle Thomas (Exhorder), Diego Valdez (Dream Child), Snake (Voivod), Alessia Scolletti (Temperance), Netta Laurenne (Smackbound), and Christian Alvestam (Scar Symmetry). In addition to Predrag on lead & rhythm guitars, other musicians include lead guitarist Igor Paspalj, bassist Jacob Umansky (Intervals) and drummer Hannes Grossmann (Triptykon & Alkaloid). Given the wide variety of vocalists participating, this project reminds me of a much heavier, faster and grittier version of Avantasia.
Aortha successfully combine many styles of metal ranging from thrash, traditional metal, power metal, groove metal and metal / rock opera. The albums strengths lie in the outstanding vocal performances and excellent musicianship. Overall songwriting is well done and very memorable. Bringing so many talented individual musicians together doesn’t always guarantee success but it definitely worked in this case.
The album opens with “Symposium”, a quick one minute instrumental featuring classical influenced piano and a sudden burst of aggressive heavy instrumental music. I personally don’t see how it fits within the overall context of the album, it feels a bit out of place.
The second song “Those That Should Not Exist” is led by Kyle Thomas and Diego Valdez on vocals. It’s primarily a thrash song at its core with some underlying Testament vibes. The track includes some killer guitar riffs and solos.
“Last Of Our Kind” is amongst the albums strongest tracks. It walks the line between traditional metal and power metal with Diago Valdez handling the majority of the vocals and Netta Laurenne providing some fantastic vocal harmonies. I love the memorable catchy chorus, chugging guitars and shredding solos.
Next up is “ Forging The Locus” featuring the vocal duo of Kyle Thomas and Diego Valdez again. The song is mainly thrash based but the addictive chorus shifts into power metal mode with Diego providing the cleaner vocals. The vocal contrast between the two singers is very effective.
“Keep the Dream” is a strong power metal track where Diego Valdez shines with his vocal performance. Once again, the guitar playing and overall musicianship is fantastic. A full-on galloping power metal juggernaut.
The song pacing slows on “Maximus Metallus”, a much heavier groove metal track with Kyle Thomas and Diego Valdez jointly handling vocals yet again. Some monster heavy riffs here. It’s a welcomed change of pace.
“Divine Future” is another standout track with Snake of Voivod providing one of the albums most unique vocal performances. Fellow vocalists Alessia Scolietti and Diego Valdez provide backing vocals. Musically, the track takes you for a ride beginning slowly but get’s into the thrash zone at times.
All the contributing vocalists participate in “When All Around You Is Madness” which has a metal opera feel. Probably the best track on the album, it takes you on a brilliant musical journey including beautiful melodic passages, fast chugging guitar riffs, thrash metal, power metal and even some death metal growls. The female vocalists really stand out on this one.
“Timeless Soul Cure” is led by the vocal duo of Diego Valdez and Alessia Scolletti who are fantastic together. Alessia’s vocals are so incredibly emotive and powerful contrasting perfectly with Diego’s vocal approach. Simply one of the best power metal songs I’ve heard in a long time. I couldn’t wipe the smile of my face the entire song.
The album ends oddly with “She”, a quick one and a half minute song that comes to an abrupt end, but it’s good. Why not expand on some of the ideas to make it a full song?
All I can say is WOW, a very impressive debut album that kept me 100% engaged from beginning to end. This is one of those rare cases you listen to an album you know nothing about and it knocks your socks off. Well done Aortha. Highly recommended for fans of all metal styles as there’s something here for everyone and the music is executed incredibly well.
Track Listing:
Symposium
Those That Should Not Exist
Last Of Our Kind
Forging The Locus
Keep The Dream
Maximus Metallus
Divine Future
When All Around You Is Madness
Timeless Should Cure
She