Dead Monarchs – Titan
Dead Monarchs – Titan
Self Released
Release Date: 05/07/2024
Running Time: 58:34
Review by Gaz Bates
9/10
My home town has a reputation. I won’t go into what people say about it, but I am sure you can all Google it – Bradford, in West Yorkshire. Of all the things people say about it, nobody ever mentions the music that comes out of Bradford. Bands like Wolves In Winter, Ironrat, Psychlona, the newly formed High Parasite, My Dying Bride, hell even Paradise Lost are only from down the road, other bands like the infamous Smokie, New Model Army, The Cult, Terrorvision and obviously Kiki Dee! We can now add Dead Monarchs to this list!
“Titan” is a mega-sonic riff-heavy 58 minute monster of an album. 12 tracks spanning across issues such as depression, grief and socio-political issues. Lead single ‘Galactic Blast’ is themed around escapism through science fiction (something I know about all too well), it’s a hard-hitting no-nonsense Rock song, catchy vocal hooks and heavy rock riffs throughout, the second single from this album is ‘Doubt Self’, where frontman Al Mancrief delves into his view of reality and self-perception, a fast paced Punk ear-worm of a song that will have you singing along if you ever catch them live! Which I suggest you do!
This album has a Garage Rock, Punk, Sludge and 80’s influence throughout, but i think it is best described as no nonsense Rock ‘n’ Roll. There are lots of albums out there that utilise other instruments, Saxophones, Synths, Violins and so on, I’m not putting that down, I like that stuff, but sometimes it is nice to just listen to a band that cut the bullshit and play some good old Rock ‘n’ Roll, and that’s what Dead Monarchs are doing.
But under the attitude and Rock, DM tackle the Human Condition and the state of our world, ‘Monte Rosa’, ‘Immaculate Deception’, ‘Return To The Ocean’ all bring something different to the table, addressing issues like racism, misinformation, and self-entitled politicians. ‘Veins’ had me singing along at my desk as I wrote this, the chorus lyrics “Poison in my veins, this is all i have to feel sane, hopeless moments echo through my brain, rule me with these shackles of my pain” giving an insight into Mancrief’s past life, that I feel most people will be able to relate to in some way or fashion. ’Cursed Dagger’ and ‘Not Your World’ cover power struggles and greedy billionaires, but ‘The End’ is a perceptive look at life and death and the afterlife.
One thing is for certain, ‘Titan’ is a very apt name for this release. Each track is as huge as the last, hooks, riffs and attitude by the ton. Vocally, Mancrief has a voice like he is commanding an army into battle, ‘Not Your World’ is a great example of this, will you follow them? ‘Titan’ is out on the 5th of July and DM will be playing a show in Bradford on the 20th of July, if you love no nonsense rock and roll, then be there.
TRACKLISTING:
01. The Beginning
02. Memory Of Lies
03. Galactic Quest
04. Monte Rosa
05. Immaculate Deception
06. Return To The Ocean
07. Veins
08. Fool Brittania
09. Doubt-Self
10. Cursed Dagger
11. Not Your World
12. The End
LINE-UP:
Al Mancrief – Vocals & Bass
Kevin McGonnell – Drums
Adam Marshall – Guitar
Will Grinder – Guitar
LINKS:
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