If you witnessed LO!’s blood splattered music video for ‘Bastion’ lifted from the 2011 debut Look And Behold you know what’s to be expected from the group.
A conglomerate of noise, Monstrorum Historia not only improves upon LO!’s solid debut but firmly plants the band on the international stage.
Boasting a stellar production the Sydneysiders have managed to create a crushing chapter of sludge doom metal with all its darkness but still allow themselves to continue to experiment with their sound by introducing elements of hardcore and technical invention.
Monstrorum Historia eases the listener into the slaughter with a haunting piano-based introduction simply titled ‘As Above’.
Slowly building to an all out head crusher crescendo, it’s a perfect way to blend into ‘Bloody Vultures’ where vocalist Jamie-Leigh Smith unleashes a vicious vocal attack that never waivers until the final notes.
‘Ghost Promenade’ continues the meaty tirade of bludgeoning doom and with some impeccable guitar work throughout the track, LO! almost emulate early Mastodon tracks in the process.
Perhaps the best example of LO!’s varying tempos and unique style is captured on ‘Lichtenburg Figures’, an aggressive almost hardcore metal track that should translate well to being played to a live audience.
The intriguing interludes, ‘Haven, Beneath Weeping Willows’ and ‘Crooked Path, The Strangers Ritual’ supply the audience with breathing space, albeit briefly.
‘Palisades Of Fire’ continues the tirade between doom and hardcore and engulfs all in its path. Dueling vocals, boundless guitar riffs and pounding drumming ensues.
A well constructed dark album that improves upon each listen, the first class production on Monstrorum Historia leaves no doubt that LO! are more than ready for expansion into the upper echelon of the Australian metal scene.
