Murmur Of Monks – Artista Non Grata (Album – Murmur Of Monks)
Genre/Influences: Gothic, Dark-Cabaret, Cinematic.
Format: Digital.
Background/Info: Belgian solo-project Murmur Of Monks released by the end of 2023 its third full length album. “Artista Non Grata” features eleven songs written by ‘Humwawa’.
Content: The least I can say is that this work sounds rather different from previous releases. There’s a more explicit Gothic touch emerging which even reminds me of legendary formations like Sopor Aeternus and Das Ich. The songs are characterized by symphonic sounds and arrangements while Humwawa’s deep, timbre of voice accentuates the obscure and desperate atmosphere hanging over the work. The work also features several instrumental songs which have a more Cinematic appeal.
+ + + : This work took me by surprise for its delicacy. The songs have been meticulously built up with poignant, intimate atmospheres and the magic of symphonic arrangements -which reminds me of Sopor Aeternus. There also is a kind of dark poetry running through the lyrical part. This work sounds desperate and yet it also has a strong intimate exposure. Some of the songs have a strong visual appeal getting the listener to face the darker corners of his inner self. Last but not least I also want to say a word about the front cover featuring an obscure and enigmatic painting by Léon Spilliaert. The painting in a way fits the dark, misty, atmosphere of the album.
– – – : If this album could have been played with real instruments it would simply become a true masterpiece.
Conclusion: “Artista Non Grata” is an interesting and challenging title for an album that has the potential to reach a wider Gothic-minded audience.
Best songs: “Wolf Amongst The Kettle”, “The Fragile Existence Of Courtesan Lovers”, “Rebel And The Goat”, “Slavedrums And Sunset”, “Coffin Break”.
Rate: 8.
Artist: www.facebook.com/murmurofmonks
Since you’re here …
… we have a small favour to ask. More people are reading Side-Line Magazine than ever but advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations, we haven’t put up a paywall – we want to keep our journalism as open as we can - and we refuse to add annoying advertising. So you can see why we need to ask for your help.
Side-Line’s independent journalism takes a lot of time, money and hard work to produce. But we do it because we want to push the artists we like and who are equally fighting to survive.
If everyone who reads our reporting, who likes it, helps fund it, our future would be much more secure. For as little as 5 US$, you can support Side-Line Magazine – and it only takes a minute. Thank you.
The donations are safely powered by Paypal.
