MONARCHY - Feeding the Beast

I discovered Monarchy back in 2009, with joy and hope for the rather feeble Romanian melodic metal scene. During the three years that have passed since, the band has undergone a few line-up changes (for a while they even tried a formula with 2 main vocals) and many shows that have earned them a reputation in the underground. Feeding the Beast is the first Monarchy album and, while it is released four years after the reunion (and more than ten after the creation), it seems to me that Monarchy rushed it and made a few questionable choices.

Four of the songs have already appeared on the EP Jamming (Earthquake, Endless Journey, Soul Insanity, Tribute) and two of them (Soul Capture, Rise and Fall) have been played in shows for about two years, only three are absolutely new, at least for me. I get the feeling that they just crammed every available song on the album, even Tribute, which I’ve always found below the band’s overall level.

I had pretty high expectations for this album, and I can’t say I’m disappointed. Monarchy write and play well their progressive metal - energetic, melodic, balanced, varied and flowing - Monarchy evolve and try new things. More recent songs (Hysteria, Feeding the Beast and At the World's End) are more adventurous and more surprising (especially as regards keyboards), while at the same time more consistent and more convincing. Plus, influences are not as obvious. What I’m hearing is a band that is sure of its abilities and determined to showcase them. But I also hear other things, that curb my enthusiasm a bit.

I don’t like the guitar tone, it’s too muddy, too "grunge" for what is being made. The mix seems too crowded, even suffocating at times. There are times when I prefer the raw but clear sound of the rehearsal room recording on the EP Jamming. Also I don’t like the effects on the voice, I don’t think they are beneficial, on the contrary; I would have liked to hear it more clearly and loudly.

I have a few problems with the song-writing structure, too. New versions of old songs make a few changes in the arrangement that I’m rather underwhelmed by: pointlessly repeated parts, needless new parts, breaks that, well, break the flow and cut the energy. It is true that in places they add bits of finesse that I deem appropriate, but overall I feel that the songs could have been clearer, more concise and more dynamic.

It could have been better, but all in all Feeding the Beast is an album I listen to with pleasure, confirming some of my expectations and preserving my interest for the future of Monarchy.

Klawz Nota: 8.5