East Anglian eviscerators Fen return with their seventh album Monuments To Absence.
Opener “Scouring Ignorance” reflects the album art’s colour scheme as, psychologically, red is an energetic colour often associated with anger or warnings. There are waves upon waves of desolation embedded in a level of fury not heard on a Fen release for quite a while.
The real gem of this album comes next in the form of nine and half minute title track “Monuments o Absence”. It elegantly combines traditional black metal at its core with an undeniably heart-breaking amount of atmospheric tones.
This is perfectly followed up with the melodic tones that lead into “Thrall”. The musicianship is hard to tear yourself away from as every element holds your attention, and its interchangeable riffs have something for everyone.
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Halfway point “To Silence and Abyss we Reach” shows no sign of the album slowing down, and paired with “Truth is Futility” with its cold, stark atmospheric twists makes up my favourite section of the album.
The track lengths on the this album have been something that I have personally enjoyed as it really allows Fen to showcase Fen their very best. “Eschaton’s Gift” is another example of this, using tempo switches and styles with a real purpose.
“Wracked” again demonstrates the band’s ability to effortlessly experiment, another track that fully surrounds you and has your foot tapping throughout. With final offering “All is Lost” encapsulating everything previously mentioned, Fen (in my opinion) have constructed their very own collective masterpiece.
A flawless expression of anger, hopelessness and despair.
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Monuments To Absence is out now
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