Album Review: Iron Monkey – Spleen & Goad

🎵 Tracklist:
Track 1: Twarze melancholii
Track 2: Spleen I
Track 3: Atlantydo!
Track 4: Spleen II
Track 5: Smutek pamięci
Track 6: Spleen III
Track 7: Jak to wyrazić

🎸 Album Review:
Iron Monkey’s latest offering, ‘Spleen & Goad’, is a raw and intense exploration of melancholy and introspection, delivered with their signature sludge metal sound. This album, comprising seven tracks filled with relentless energy and emotional depth, showcases the band’s ability to craft heavy, atmospheric music that resonates on a primal level.

From the opening track, “Twarze melancholii,” Iron Monkey sets the tone for the album with thunderous riffs, pounding drums, and guttural vocals that convey a sense of despair and longing. The band’s sound on ‘Spleen & Goad’ is characterized by a blend of doom-laden sludge metal and elements of post-metal, creating a sonic landscape that is both punishing and cathartic.

Standout tracks on the album include “Spleen I,” a brooding and atmospheric piece that builds tension with its slow, crushing riffs and haunting melodies. The track showcases Iron Monkey’s ability to create a sense of unease and emotional weight through their music, drawing the listener into a dark and introspective world.

Another highlight is “Atlantydo!,” a track that delves into themes of loss and isolation with its haunting guitar lines and haunting vocals. The song’s dynamic shifts and atmospheric textures create a sense of unease and longing, capturing the listener’s attention and drawing them deeper into the band’s emotional landscape.

The three “Spleen” interlude tracks on the album serve as poignant moments of reflection, providing a brief respite from the heaviness of the surrounding tracks while still maintaining a sense of emotional intensity. These tracks showcase Iron Monkey’s ability to create mood and atmosphere with minimal instrumentation, highlighting the band’s versatility and emotional depth.

In comparison to their previous albums, ‘Spleen & Goad’ sees Iron Monkey delving even further into the realms of introspection and emotional intensity. While their earlier works were characterized by a more straightforward, aggressive approach, this album shows a maturation in their songwriting and a willingness to explore darker, more complex themes.

Overall, ‘Spleen & Goad’ is a powerful and emotionally resonant album that showcases Iron Monkey’s evolution as a band. The raw energy and intensity of their music are still present, but there is a newfound depth and maturity that elevates their sound to new heights. This album is a testament to the band’s ability to create music that is both heavy and emotionally affecting, making it a standout release in the sludge metal genre.

In conclusion, ‘Spleen & Goad’ is a must-listen for fans of heavy, atmospheric music that delves into the depths of human emotion. Iron Monkey has crafted a powerful and immersive listening experience that is sure to leave a lasting impact on anyone who dares to venture into its dark and introspective world.