Monhell is no stranger to the Spanish Black Metal scene. Since 1998, he has been playing bass in the Pagan/Black Metal band Beserk (under the name Lord Monk) and is also the bassist for the Black Metal band Kult Et Morte. Together with his bandmate from both bands, Penumbre, he is now releasing a new album under the name Monhell. It’s a bit complicated, but well worth it.
On the album, which will be released on CD and cassette in April by the German label Fetzner Death Records, Monhell (the man) handles all the instrumentation and clean vocals, while Penumbre screams, shrieks, and growls his lungs out.
With a total runtime of 42 minutes and ten tracks, it has become a well-rounded and compact album—slow to mid-tempo melodic Black Metal with great attention to detail and some excellent compositions.
The only thing that took some getting used to for me personally was Penumbre’s vocal style. It sits somewhat oddly in the mix, almost as if it’s attached separately. The instrumentation has a very open and expansive sound, while the vocals feel rather thin and narrow. It takes some getting used to.
The opener, “Fade to Dust”, which also serves as the current single, immediately defines Monhell’s sound. The production, with its pleasantly deep reverb, gives everything a highly atmospheric feel.
Footsteps echo through the night, moving towards the old abbey, rustling through the leaves. In the distance, a church bell tolls as shadows appear within the ruins. “Shadows of the Abbey” carries a distinct wave-like vibe—always a welcome touch when different influences are incorporated to keep the music interesting. The overall atmosphere also has a resemblance to early Moonspell.
After the short instrumental interlude “Paths and Betrayal”, we move on to “The Last Seal”, which features a brief Spanish dialogue that I couldn’t understand due to my complete lack of Spanish proficiency. The mid-tempo flow continues, and the track ends with a slight Pagan Metal touch.
Next is “The Lotus and the Endless Grey”, which can be considered one of the album’s highlights. Monhell’s clean vocals blend beautifully with Penumbre’s, creating a compelling contrast.
Another standout track is undoubtedly “Bright Falls”, also the longest song on the album. A highly dynamic and well-crafted atmospheric piece, it leans into a more epic sound, especially when Monhell raises his voice again, briefly bringing back that Moonspell reference.
With “A Last Sigh of Pain”, Monhell delivers a well-executed, almost soothing atmospheric and melodic Black Metal album that holds a lot of potential.
85/100
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