Monumentum Ad Nauseam
Tatra Records TATCD 060 October 2002
By Russell Garwood
Ad Nauseam is Momentums sophomore full length, following 1995 debut In Abstentia Christi. The only remaining original band member is principal songwriter Roberto Mammarella, and along with the numerous line-up changes have come distinct changes in direction. These are so apparent that Ad Nauseam is to be released through Tatra Records, not its partner label, Moonfog, as was planned. The band fit Tatras roster (Apoptygma Bezerk, Icon Of Coil etc.) well, having distinct electronic elements and a darkwave feel. Musically Ad Nauseum is a dark release - despite the prominent EBM influences, the wailing guitars, haunting sung and whispered vocals, occasional female singing and largely minor pieces create a downcast, eerie feel. The songs are well structured, building up layer by layer, and generally have melancholic yet catchy melodies and multi-textured instrumentation, which all makes the music more accessible. Numerous electronics fit well with Monumentums sound, and help make Ad Nauseam quite an original album.
Standouts include the dirge-like and melancholy Last Call For Life which has mournful male singing, with wailing guitars and subtle electronics behind. Angor Vacal is one of the more dance-influenced tracks on the album, with well placed samples used to good effect, and Numana is a more reflective piece with bass and electronics brought to the fore.
There are some negative points I should make, however. The songs lack variation and until you know them well can all sound very similar, and at times monotonous. The pace and dynamics remain largely constant as well, which doesnt help differentiate tracks. Some songs have relatively little instrumentation, which rather than creating a stripped-down, minimalistic feel, just makes it sound like something is missing. All in all this is a good release if you are looking for dark, atmospheric non-metal music it is a necessity. If youre after eclecticism or something to hold your interest rather than create feeling, perhaps this should be avoided.
Tatra Records TATCD 060 October 2002
By Russell Garwood
Ad Nauseam is Momentums sophomore full length, following 1995 debut In Abstentia Christi. The only remaining original band member is principal songwriter Roberto Mammarella, and along with the numerous line-up changes have come distinct changes in direction. These are so apparent that Ad Nauseam is to be released through Tatra Records, not its partner label, Moonfog, as was planned. The band fit Tatras roster (Apoptygma Bezerk, Icon Of Coil etc.) well, having distinct electronic elements and a darkwave feel. Musically Ad Nauseum is a dark release - despite the prominent EBM influences, the wailing guitars, haunting sung and whispered vocals, occasional female singing and largely minor pieces create a downcast, eerie feel. The songs are well structured, building up layer by layer, and generally have melancholic yet catchy melodies and multi-textured instrumentation, which all makes the music more accessible. Numerous electronics fit well with Monumentums sound, and help make Ad Nauseam quite an original album.
Standouts include the dirge-like and melancholy Last Call For Life which has mournful male singing, with wailing guitars and subtle electronics behind. Angor Vacal is one of the more dance-influenced tracks on the album, with well placed samples used to good effect, and Numana is a more reflective piece with bass and electronics brought to the fore.
There are some negative points I should make, however. The songs lack variation and until you know them well can all sound very similar, and at times monotonous. The pace and dynamics remain largely constant as well, which doesnt help differentiate tracks. Some songs have relatively little instrumentation, which rather than creating a stripped-down, minimalistic feel, just makes it sound like something is missing. All in all this is a good release if you are looking for dark, atmospheric non-metal music it is a necessity. If youre after eclecticism or something to hold your interest rather than create feeling, perhaps this should be avoided.
