Check out our feature in the October '99 issue of Dallas' HARDER BEAT magazine
The Millennial Death of God Reviews
MONUMENT - The Millennial Death of God
Knowing nothing about Monument I do realize the group hails from Oklahoma, which is not a common breeding ground of metal talent. While I often times complain about not enough originality amongst the demo bands I review that doesn't appear to be the case with Monument. Expecting something majestic, whether in the realm of power or progressive metal, solely based on the name I can't say that's necessarily what I'm hearing on this ten song effort. At first the band's sound went by fairly unnoticed but song after song I found myself getting further and further drawn in. Monument sound like no one but I can't help but think of several Eighties bands like Tyrant or Cirith Ungol yet they have no immediate sonic similarities because while the songwriting may be similar the production, tempos and vocals are more up to date (they even cover Over Kill's "Spiritual Void". It's an interesting mix and you can hear that the band spent a lot of time envisioning this audio journey. Another outstanding selling point for the demo is that Travis Smith has done the artwork and layout. By Marco Barbieri of Ill Literature
Monument - The Millennial Death of God
Oklahoma noise merchants Monument are back with another slab of metal that will warm the cockles of your heart. What I particularly like about the album is the emotion that pervades it. This is due not only to the atmospheric production but also to Kirk Callaway's distinctive vocals. He manages to growl and scream, yet always at one with the music, even if he is singing a melody at odds with the backing. Add to that a hearty rhythm section and guitars that switch and move at some pace, then this is an album that is guaranteed to make the noggin bounce a tad.
If I had to pick one fault then it would have to be that at times the production does manage to let the music down, albeit very slightly, but that would be easily remedied if they were picked up by a label. This is rock with power and enthusiasm that would be enjoyed by all those who prefer their metal extreme, yet with enough variety so that it is at more than one level. By Kev Rowland of Feedback Magazine, 199 Chart Downs, DORKING, Surrey, RH5 4DD, UK kev_rowland@safeway.co.uk.
Monument -The Millennial Death of God (2001)
If Monument singer Kirk Callaway had to round up the troops to pick a certain style of metal music to play and stick with it, I don't think he and his band could do it. I don't think I would want them to do it. Why ruin something good when it all seems to be headed in the right direction? Monument's third release _The Millennial Death of God_ is a wonderful array of song vocal styles, prog/power metal musicianship and an old school thrash element that just seems to shape this into a stellar release from all angles. Right from the in-your-face assault of opener "Guilt Is Your Sin", the guys have you by the throat, dragging your ass right into the thick of things. And while the power metal aspect of their sound is obviously one of the draws of this band, their metallic heaviness and doom-like groove at times adds a real treat for the listener with _TMDoG_. With the success of such bands as Iced Earth and Nevermore in the past few years, I can definitely see fans of those two acts latching onto Monument and being excited about what they are provided here with. While Monument are still on an independent level, they could easily pass for a signed act on the Century Media or Metal Blade roster. I can only imagine what better production would do to this already impressive sounding disc. Monument are indeed a talented independent act that know the importance of honing your skills with years of practice and taking the time to let the buzz build. Good things are surely coming their way. (8 out of 10)
by: Adrian Bromley of Chronicles of Chaos
Monument - "The Millennial Death of God"(Indie)
In the interest of full-disclosure, I knew before I put this CD in that I would like it. Not only did I review the band's previous release, Resting Place, I have their demo tape from before that. You might say Monument is one of my 'pet' bands, like TN's Disarray and New Zealand's Nadir, that I have been in contact with, off and on, over the last four years. These three bands have all matured immensely over the time that I've been familiar with them. Monument's maturity is immediately evident on this release. Guitarist Sean Kelly and drummer Kevin Courtney have found a way to interlock their instruments. Vocalist Kirk Callaway takes a step closer to a death metal vocal style by darkening both the lyrics and intensifying his performance. In my review of Resting Place, I remember writing that the success of the band depended upon guitarist Sean Kelly. However, on this release, and you can blame this on whatever you want, the material sounds more like a "band" wrote it. I have no intimate knowledge as to whether the songwriting process for this release was different than the process for Resting Place. I can tell you, though, that the music this Oklahoma City band is producing is inspirational. Along with Diecast, Zanister, Diesel Machine, and Zero Hour, metal is alive and well. by Paul Hanson of Blistering Online Magazine
Monument (U.S.)- "The Millennial Death of God" (2001 self)
Returning is this machine from Oklahoma who are as intense as the events surrounding the city a few years ago. 10 new tracks including an Overkill cover of "Spiritual Void" that put them at a higher level than their previous effort, which was an impressive release. The aggression of Nevermore with the odd sound like Reverend had (David Wayne's band after Metal Church) making this a truly solid listen from cover to cover. I nod my head to these midwestern bands from OK, MO, KS and surrounding areas since they aren't like Florida, NY, Illinois or Calif. at any rate and deserved to be recognized more. Some seriously good metal from these parts and Monument's both releases have my utmost respect. by Wayne Klinger of Quintessence Magazine
MONUMENT - The Millennial Death Of God (Independent)
The Millennial Death Of God is a strange beast, as it doesn’t sit comfortably in any one category. It’s way too raw for straight Power/Progressive Metal fans and too traditional for the Nu Metal crowd. There’s an old Thrash Metal vibe (ala Angkor Wat) underlining the whole project, giving The Millennial Death Of God a darker underground edge. Vocalist Kirk Callaway may put off some listeners, but his tortured tirades give ‘Guilt is Your Sin’, ‘Truth’ or ‘Lift The Veil’ an extremely disturbed tone (check out his performance on their version of Overkill’s ‘Spiritual Void’ as well). Far more impressive than the debut Resting Place, The Millennial Death Of God is an uncompromising release in many ways. by Simon Lukic of SIMON SEZ
Monument - The Millennial Death Of God, 2001 Independent
Monument's third release "The Millennial Death of God" proves some thing's are just bigger out west. Hailing from the Midwest of the U.S. these gunslingers have released a CD that is pure Hard Rock. Up and in your face with an attitude that would make Doc Holiday proud. Monument will leave your speakers to the undertaker, as The Millennial Death of God demands the volume be turned up. If you have a need to rattle the walls, and wake up the neighborhood, Monument's The Millennial Death of God is what you have been looking for. by Craig Walters of Zwarp Hard Rock Radio
Monument - The Millennial Death Of God, First Street Audio
Oklahoma City’s bad boys are back with their third release, and it’s guaranteed to make the hair on your neck stand up. These guys might be three hours away, but D/FW needs to adopt this band as a local act, since they regularly play and record here. Monument has gotten angrier over the last few years, which shows on tunes like "Guilt Is Your Sin", "Hollow", "No Peace" and "Lift The Veil". Sean Kelly’s galloping guitar riffs bring each song to life, while drummer Kevin Courtney and bassist Chad Callaway add muscle to the already powerful grooves. Vocalist Kirk Callaway spews insanity from the barbed lyrics. Although this disc is much heavier than past efforts, it still has a few doom-encrusted tunes such as "Truth" and "Spiritual Void". If you like it hard, fast and rough (I’m talking about music), you’ll love this bone-crushing release. Maybe National college football champs, Oklahoma, were listening to this CD in their helmets while they were kicking everyone’s ass this year... just a rumor! by Jeff Dennis of Dallas' HARDER BEAT magazine
Various Artists - The First Street Sessions, First Street Audio
This record is intended to showcase the quality and professionalism available for bands wishing to record at Bart Rose's First Street Audio in Fort Worth. While the quality of the recordings is indeed top-notch, what the CD ends up proving is the amazing wealth of diverse talent lurking among us in Dallas/Fort Worth.
We have the ultra-heavy, like Monument's "Lift The Veil," PHD's "Latched," Dissention's "Running At You" and the highlight track, Diturminashen's outstanding "Real." Then there's the alternative movement, with Thyme's "Mother's Finest" and "All Star Falling" by Soviet Space. In addition there's the rap-core of Fireal's "More For The Mainstream," Rezn's "In The Beginning" and Mechanism 13's "Trucking Jet Fuel." Also included is good-time hard rock like Dead Sexy's "Dead Sexy Girl," Mr. Ed's Psychedelic Fun Shack's "Pompous Train" and the inimitable Sexy Trash with "Mean Motivator."
Overall, a great showing for First Street Audio's abilities, and an even better showing for our local scene. It would be great to see other studios promoting themselves by promoting their bands like this. Great idea! by Kevin White of Dallas' HARDER BEAT magazine
Resting Place Reviews
Monument(U.S.)- "Resting Place" (1999 self)Oklahoma not a true breeding ground for bands but we have had some good ones from there like Oliver Magnum,Living Sacrifice and Oversoul to name a few.Monument has been a hardworking band for 7 years and do somewhat of an early 90's Solitude Aeturnus with some 80's influences of Cities,Defiance,Testament and Flotsam and Jetsam. Very good 10-track CD and they've just released another one which will be reviewed for the update down the road(around mid-March or April). This is another one of those bands sticking it out all these years unnoticed and still having the guts and glory to do what they love most and damn it,they are label material!!! by Wayne Klinger of Quintessence Magazine
MONUMENT-RESTING PLACE-IND.RELEASE-
Hailing from Oklahoma City, these dudes crank it up with their brand of power metal and thrown in some HEAVY doom metal influences as well! A great debut full length(they had an demo prior to this) and full of great potential to make a quality effort that pleased me without question. What more is there to say? Power/doom metal fanatics now have another band to cherish and enjoy! by "Metal Mark" Parry of
Monument
Resting place
Another quite promising US-Underground band presents it's debut and proves that US-Power
Metal isn't dead at all as everybody says. Self-initiative is the best way to make other people
pay attention to oneself. Monument realized that and on the self-production (available only through mailorder), go ahead right away. Modern US-Power Metal combined with discreet late-
eighties influences shape "Resting place". The 10 songs are focused on heavy riffs and aggressive vocals as one positively notices already after the first two tracks "In the name" and "Hopeless". No useless playing around. Kirk Callaway's vocals are heavy and perfectly fit to the brutal riffing. Through songs like the fast "Mortal divinity", or the calmly starting "Lies", the heavyness of his vocals become especially clear. A major start of Monument that will satisfy every Power Thrasher with a more modern orientation. by Jürgen
Tschamler - 09/99 from the EMP Mailorder website
MONUMENT - Resting Place
"Resting Place" is the debut CD from this Oklahoma based band. They choose the right moniker for their band because their music is also monumental. This quartet plays power / true metal and they have managed to lay down some heavy tunes. The music is built on a solid concrete rhythm section that consists out of Kevin Courtney (drums) & Chad Callaway (bass). Guitarist Sean Kelly is playing throughout the whole CD chunky riffs and some blistering solo's. Vocalist Kirk Callaway completes the line up with an intense melodic voice. It's hard to compare these guys with another band as they have pretty much their own sound. So if you are into beefy heavy metal with some doomy influences than get this one. (8) by Bruno Van de Velde of Undertow Magazine
Monument
Resting Place
(Self-Released)
Oklahoma City will never live down the bombing that shook our nation. But on
the heels of both Terry Nichols and Timothy McVeigh using the legal system
to overrule their convictions, comes the powerful metal band Monument and
their follow-up "Resting Place," the follow-up to their stellar tape "Dust."
This time around, the songwriting is more sophisticated and the overall
result is a sharper focus. Instead of releasing a disc of neat and tidy
thrash metal workouts, Monument comes out with longer epics with run times
of half of the 10 tracks hovering right at or above the six minute mark.
That raises the stakes on guitarist Sean Kelly's ability to craft songs to
maintain the listener's interest. The upshot of the band's success and
further exposure falls upon the only melodic instrument in the band. If
Kelly's melodies become boring or his solos unable to balance into the
overall song structure, the band falls. Luckily, Kelly is up for the task
and Monument constructs one of the best underground metal releases to come
out in a long time. With impressive credentials like opening for Fates
Warning and Flotsam & Jetsam, the sky is the limit for this band. I hope
Pavement or Metal Blade picks up the band on their label so they get an even
wider audience. by Paul Hanson of Icon, Iowa City's Independent Weekly Newspaper
MONUMENT
"Resting Place"
Damn, another 80's kinda metal band, this is just too cool all these metal bands coming out, but Monument definitely has the 90's technical edge. The first song shows this right off. This is heavy metal like METAL CHURCH and OVERKILL to give you some sort of idea, the lead guitars are very melodic and the riffs and rhythms are pure metal with an extreme range of diversity. I think Metal Blade should sign this band. It's amazing that this very professional band doesn't have label support.by Russ Sauer of Static Zine
Monument-Resting Place-Independent
It is always interesting to receive CDs from bands for the first time, and when they come with good press packs the quality of the CD can often be taken for granted even before it hits the player (although there have been some obvious exceptions to this rule). Monument hail from Oklahoma and this is their first full length CD, but as this is from 1998 I hope that a follow-up will soon be available. The reason I hope that is because this is a fine album indeed. Pursuing a more traditional Heavy Metal path this band manage to combine elements of doom with the heaviness and power of Metallica to come up with a sound that is certainly more acceptable to these battered lugs of mine.
One thing that makes this stand out is that although the riffs can be at times fairly pedestrian, they are invariably broken by concentrated guitar solos, with Sean Kelly showing that he knows when to play at the speed of light or when to use sustain. With a very solid rhythm section (including very effective double bass drum pedals), along with a coarser vocal style from Kirk Callaway this is a band that should have a bright future ahead of them. The production of the album is not always top notch, but I am sure that when the band are signed to a major label (note 'when' not 'if') then this will be easily remedied. By Kev Rowland of Feedback Magazine (issue #59), 199
Chart Downs, DORKING, Surrey, RH5 4DD, UK kev_rowland@safeway.co.uk.
MONUMENT
"Resting Place"
Self-financed
4 pts.(of 6) (Reviewed in Scream Magazine #46 by; Frode Øien)
A very good debut from this Oklahoma-based power metal outfit. The music is basically heavy as hell, and the guitars has some of the old Pantera sound, although it's by no means fair to compare this band to Pantera.
MONUMENT - "Resting Place"
One problem I sometimes find with Power/True, or Traditional, Metal is that it can be a little effete, lacking by its very nature the aggression and, well, power of more extreme Metal fashionings. Especially when Traditional Metal does lean towards the Progressive side - that's when proceedings can become a little too self-important and anal for me. That's why I find MONUMENT and their "Resting Place" demo such a pleasant surprise, at no point on this long and value-for-money CD do these American Traditional Metal practitioners lapse into mindless Progressive noodlings or precious ego-stroking displays of instrumental virtuosity. Although the musicians in MONUMENT know how to handle their instruments - I find the economical guitar breaks of Sean Kelly especially precise and proficient - they keep things down-to-earth, in the groove and very tight. Plus MONUMENT have one ballsy guitar sound - far, far removed from the crystalline voicings of a Traditional band like IRON MAIDEN - with a good dollop of distortion and a fair bit of downtuning ... a texture that can border on Death Metal heaviness. There is bite and chug to their well-rounded, well-constructed riffs. Also, the vocals of Kirk Callaway (as on the strong "Lost in Paradise") can soar, but they are equally capable of being raspy and pissed-off in a Thrash or even Hardcore manner. In fact, it's their inherent aggression - the influence of some low-down Thrash bands, in my opinion - that makes MONUMENT such a compelling listen. At their best MONUMENT can be reminiscent of those inimitable Canadian avant-Thrashers VOIVOD, there is the same willingness to stretch out a little and experiment, yet all the while retaining the riff-wall and Thrashing beat - a good example of this being "The Game". The first section of "Reflections" sees us in Doom country, but of course MONUMENT shake off the torpor and get down to some hard, mid-paced Thrash riffing further into the track. They roll their sleeves up and get down with the Thrash again on "Mortal Divinity". The rhythm section of drummer Kevin Courtney and bassist Chad Callaway keeps the energy flowing. To my mind MONUMENT prove that Traditional Metal doesn't have to be without balls if you mix in some fury (take "Lies", for instance) and Thrash-power. Not to say that they don't have a little bit of Metal history in their sound, as on the epic, apocalyptic "Judgement" and the ambitious "Eyes of Sorrow". This band builds some monumental Metal structures that glow with the benefit of their experience and hard work. Maybe we should simply describe their music as MONU-METAL. Rating 9 out of 10-by Paul Drosdzol of Nightshade Magazine
Monument-Resting Place,Premier Studios,OK
Oklahoma's finest, Monument is back with their first full length, Resting Place. This disc is so heavy, I had to use a two wheeler to bring it home. It's not over-bearingly heavy, just good, well-missed metal. These guys must have eaten their Wheaties before entering the studio. New vocalist Kirk Callaway's intense, but melodic voice, shines on "Judgement", Eyes of Sorrow" and "Lost in Paradise". Original members Sean Kelly (guitar), Chad Callaway (bass) and Kevin Courtney (drums) have outdone themselves with some of the best riffs and thunder beats heard in awhile. Top ear rapers are "Hopeless", "In the Name" and the illustrious "Resting Place". The radio pick of the month has got to be "Reflections", with it's Sabbathy sound. Those who think there are only cows in Oklahoma, need to wake up and realize that musically - you can get your ass kicked there (or wherever Monument is playing). 5 out of 6 stars-by Jeff Dennis from Dallas zine Harder Beat
Monument - "Resting Place"
Progressive Metal
CD - 10 Tracks
Monument has gone through a few changes they have a new vocalist and guitar player for whatever reasons, and this new incarnation is a winner. The last lineup wasn't bad, and it was noted that I gave their demo "Dust" a so-so review a few issues back. That's ok, their demo was good, but this is better and that's what counts. To grow and progress in the music business is what makes you good and if you don't you will be left behind. This is heavier, much better produced and just sounds more alive than the demo. I've given this CD a lot of listens and am confident to say it is a winner. I can't make any comparisons to other bands right off the top of my head, I can't honestly say they sound like anyone, but, Monument, but they aren't a Queensryche progressive type band. This is heavier progressive metal that stands out. This CD was recorded at Premiere Studios in Oklahoma City, OK. (405)794-0193. CD - $10. Baxters Anti - Zine
Monument Resting Place
Chad Callaway: Bass
Kevin Courtney: Drums
Kirk Callaway: Vocals
Sean Kelly: Guitar
It's been over a year since I first reviewed them with there wicked
demo entitled Dust. But finally this long awaited album, or at least
long awaited by me has come. There are a few differences with this
album. First the more noticeable it is heavier. But also they got a
new vocalist. Jim Davis was good, but Kirk Callaway suits them more. And
it seems Jim left on good term's cause he's on the thanks list.
On Resting Place there is a total of 10 songs, with most of them over 4
minutes. The CDs running time is about an hour. When listening to the cd
I enjoyed the whole thing. But the highlights of it would be " In the
Name" and "Lies". On the song "Lies" it does this little acoustic riff.
Then the electric guitars come in. And in "In the Name" it starts off
with a little light riff then the bass and drums come in. Then when Kirk
yells it gets all heavy.
The cd is hard to point at where its influences come from, which is
good. But I see in some songs old Metallica and Deftones(only some of
singing style). This CD has a darker feel to it and shows how much
Monument progressed musically and lyrically in last few years. I think
they deserve another 10 which is perfect. John Redmon of Darkblood Zine
MONUMENT Resting Place (self-released)
For those who still mourn the heyday of thrash metal should be pleased by this Oklahoma four-piece, as they kick out some excellent, riff-laden thrash like it was still 1989. Coming across like a mixture of the Bay Area and New York sound, Monument also blend in some modern elements ala Nevermore. The vocals are angry but controlled and fit the music very well. The guitars are nice and crunchy and the band are adept at developing a groove when they want (and I'm talking a Leeway-kind of groove, not that modern crap). If I had to make any criticism, it would be the somewhat bloated arrangements on a couple tracks. The mid-paced "Reflections," for example, just gets worn out well before its 7+ minutes are up. The production is nothing fancy, but it is quite good for a self-financed release and the mix is good. Monument have defined a sound for themselves that, while not terribly original, is reasonably distinctive and well-played. They also know how to mix up the tempos, too, which is a nice change of pace from some of the monotonous discs I've heard recently.
Daniel Hinds of The Plague
Comments
"Heavy, aggressive, in your face metal. These guys don't waste time on
kicking your ass...they kick you in the balls!!" Tim "The Mac" McMillin of KYYI, BEAR 104 - Wichita Falls Texas
"I dug the track "Reflections" a lot (dooooommm). Keep it heavy." John Perez of Solitude Aeturnus and Brainticket Records
"Hi guys, killer show friday night!!!! Also, thanks for the CD, it's
very cool and I'm very impressed with both the playing and production."-Brent Wheatley of Manifest Destiny
"This CD is a great one, I would recommend it to all metal music listeners."-Austin Waidelich,musician/artist
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