This is the debut album from French doom band Monastr.
Crushing together crust, post-metal, and sludge into 40 minutes of scathing doom, On Your Knees is a harrowing journey into the darkness of the real world’s horrors. There’s no escape here, only the harshness of reality.
Dark, heavy, and filled with abrasive sludge, On Your Knees is gloomy and miserable in the best of ways. The post-metal build/release mechanic is used well, allowing for textured build ups before the walls of huge distortion demolish and destroy. The songs are as atmospheric as they are pulverising, and it’s clear that Monastr know very well how to make the most out of the style. Honestly, On Your Knees is a grim joy to listen to. The well-crafted material is effortlessly engaging if you’re inured to the style’s caustic nature, and Monastr’s acidic soundscapes only become more welcoming over time.
If you’ve been brought up on the apocalyptic sounds of bands like Neurosis, Amenra, Light Bearer, Rwake, Monachus, Fall of Efrafa, and Cult of Luna, then you’ll find much to satisfy here. Monastr put their own sledgehammer stamp on the style though, and the songs on On Your Knees are worth spending some time with.
Highly recommended.
Wonderbox Metal 