Brett (Lascaille's Shroud / Soulmass)
Been following Monolithe as long as they've been around and they continue to surprise and impress. A stellar 10th album, one that will likely claim my AOTY spot.
Favorite track: Unveiling the Illusion.
Nocturnal Egg (Jordan)
Au-delà de son concept captivant, Black Hole District décrit en creux l'évolution de Monolithe qui se prépare à l'apocalypse — et l'alternance dans la durée des pistes est déjà le symbole d'un bloc qui est en train de se fissurer. Il perfectionne le doom metal en pulvérisant les barrières qui l'entoure, il détourne ses synthés, inclue du chant clair... C'est incroyable !
Black Hole District est aussi courageux et réussi que le Deconstruction de The Devin Townsend Project : un monument de 2024 !
Favorite track: Unveiling the Illusion.
Black Hole District is a story in a Tech-Noir style, inspired by Blade Runner, but also Dark City, Matrix, Ghost in The Shell, as well as “hard boiled” literature. The narrator lives in a decaying city, in a dystopian
future. The moon has left its orbit and is coming dangerously close to Earth, causing increasingly violent cataclysms (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.). Humans now live at night because it is too hot during daytime.
This narrator is disturbed by recurring dreams in which a woman with long black hair speaks to him. However, he doesn’t remember who she is. He decides to investigate to find her. He ends up reaching a
forbidden part of the city, called “Black Hole District”. He enters a building which is actually an android factory. He then realizes that the faces of the inert and aligned androids being manufactured, are all the
same... And identical to his own. His break-in causes an alarm during which he, through the confusion, sees the woman of his dreams among the employees. He flees and tries to leave the city, pursued by a
militia charged with “removing” him; Because androids that have become “sentient” and can think for themselves are considered defective and dangerous. As he reaches the city limits, he gets fatally shot. At
the same time, the city begins to disintegrate, due to the Moon’s increasing proximity.
The Music:
Black Hole District is part of the band’s evolutionary logic since their beginnings: progression in continuity. If Monolithe’s musical style remains identifiable, new influences and musical desires enrich each new
album. This is the case with BHD, which drew on the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, especially in terms of synthesizers, in particular with the use of the famous CS-80 synth popularized by Vangelis, and
the appeal of soundtracks of science fiction films. The album is also designed as a movie would be, with a scenario, an atmosphere, a central character whose train of thoughts is provided to the listener through
narrations in a “hard boiled” detective style. Eager to offer original music, Monolithe does not hesitate to break the rules of its primary genre, Doom Metal, while preserving its substantial marrow and roots.
Music & Lyrics written by Sylvain Bégot.
Bass recorded by Olivier Defives
Growl lines written by Quentin Verdier & Sylvain Bégot.
Clean vocals lines written & performed by Frédéric Gervais.
Voice-over performed by Jarrett Raymond.
Recorded between mid-2023 & early 2024.
Drums & growls recorded by Andrew Guillotin @Hybreed Studio.
Guitars & keyboards recorded by Sylvain Bégot @Red Reed Studio.
Clean vocals recorded by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis.
Mixed & mastered by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis (April/May 2024)
Produced by Sylvain Bégot.
Artwork by Guibz Zilla.
Band logo by Robert Høyem.
Black Hole District is a story in a Tech-Noir style, inspired by Blade Runner, but also Dark City, Matrix, Ghost in The Shell, as well as “hard boiled” literature. The narrator lives in a decaying city, in a dystopian
future. The moon has left its orbit and is coming dangerously close to Earth, causing increasingly violent cataclysms (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.). Humans now live at night because it is too hot during daytime.
This narrator is disturbed by recurring dreams in which a woman with long black hair speaks to him. However, he doesn’t remember who she is. He decides to investigate to find her. He ends up reaching a
forbidden part of the city, called “Black Hole District”. He enters a building which is actually an android factory. He then realizes that the faces of the inert and aligned androids being manufactured, are all the
same... And identical to his own. His break-in causes an alarm during which he, through the confusion, sees the woman of his dreams among the employees. He flees and tries to leave the city, pursued by a
militia charged with “removing” him; Because androids that have become “sentient” and can think for themselves are considered defective and dangerous. As he reaches the city limits, he gets fatally shot. At
the same time, the city begins to disintegrate, due to the Moon’s increasing proximity.
The Music:
Black Hole District is part of the band’s evolutionary logic since their beginnings: progression in continuity. If Monolithe’s musical style remains identifiable, new influences and musical desires enrich each new
album. This is the case with BHD, which drew on the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, especially in terms of synthesizers, in particular with the use of the famous CS-80 synth popularized by Vangelis, and
the appeal of soundtracks of science fiction films. The album is also designed as a movie would be, with a scenario, an atmosphere, a central character whose train of thoughts is provided to the listener through
narrations in a “hard boiled” detective style. Eager to offer original music, Monolithe does not hesitate to break the rules of its primary genre, Doom Metal, while preserving its substantial marrow and roots.
Music & Lyrics written by Sylvain Bégot.
Bass recorded by Olivier Defives
Growl lines written by Quentin Verdier & Sylvain Bégot.
Clean vocals lines written & performed by Frédéric Gervais.
Voice-over performed by Jarrett Raymond.
Recorded between mid-2023 & early 2024.
Drums & growls recorded by Andrew Guillotin @Hybreed Studio.
Guitars & keyboards recorded by Sylvain Bégot @Red Reed Studio.
Clean vocals recorded by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis.
Mixed & mastered by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis (April/May 2024)
Produced by Sylvain Bégot.
Artwork by Guibz Zilla.
Band logo by Robert Høyem.
Includes unlimited streaming via the free Bandcamp app, plus high-quality download in MP3, FLAC and more.
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Record/Vinyl + Digital Album
Album concept:
Black Hole District is a story in a Tech-Noir style, inspired by Blade Runner, but also Dark City, Matrix, Ghost in The Shell, as well as “hard boiled” literature. The narrator lives in a decaying city, in a dystopian
future. The moon has left its orbit and is coming dangerously close to Earth, causing increasingly violent cataclysms (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.). Humans now live at night because it is too hot during daytime.
This narrator is disturbed by recurring dreams in which a woman with long black hair speaks to him. However, he doesn’t remember who she is. He decides to investigate to find her. He ends up reaching a
forbidden part of the city, called “Black Hole District”. He enters a building which is actually an android factory. He then realizes that the faces of the inert and aligned androids being manufactured, are all the
same... And identical to his own. His break-in causes an alarm during which he, through the confusion, sees the woman of his dreams among the employees. He flees and tries to leave the city, pursued by a
militia charged with “removing” him; Because androids that have become “sentient” and can think for themselves are considered defective and dangerous. As he reaches the city limits, he gets fatally shot. At
the same time, the city begins to disintegrate, due to the Moon’s increasing proximity.
The Music:
Black Hole District is part of the band’s evolutionary logic since their beginnings: progression in continuity. If Monolithe’s musical style remains identifiable, new influences and musical desires enrich each new
album. This is the case with BHD, which drew on the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, especially in terms of synthesizers, in particular with the use of the famous CS-80 synth popularized by Vangelis, and
the appeal of soundtracks of science fiction films. The album is also designed as a movie would be, with a scenario, an atmosphere, a central character whose train of thoughts is provided to the listener through
narrations in a “hard boiled” detective style. Eager to offer original music, Monolithe does not hesitate to break the rules of its primary genre, Doom Metal, while preserving its substantial marrow and roots.
Music & Lyrics written by Sylvain Bégot.
Bass recorded by Olivier Defives
Growl lines written by Quentin Verdier & Sylvain Bégot.
Clean vocals lines written & performed by Frédéric Gervais.
Voice-over performed by Jarrett Raymond.
Recorded between mid-2023 & early 2024.
Drums & growls recorded by Andrew Guillotin @Hybreed Studio.
Guitars & keyboards recorded by Sylvain Bégot @Red Reed Studio.
Clean vocals recorded by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis.
Mixed & mastered by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis (April/May 2024)
Produced by Sylvain Bégot.
Artwork by Guibz Zilla.
Band logo by Robert Høyem.
While I wander the streets alone
Seeking for something I cannot name
My soul is drowned in reflection
A flood of secrets I can’t recall
Still yearning for an aim to live
Beyond these walls beats a heart I need
The shadow from my dreams dwells here
A chance to give and to receive
Amidst the red neon lights
I stroll through the dark city
Black alleys and wet sidewalks
Ghostly figure in the sludge
Stepping in an old failed world
The heat melts the pavement
The moon shines like a street lamp
All I can think of are those…
… Dark hair and eyes
Pull from a distant memory
A search for purpose I can't deny
Past frail buildings reaching the sky
Reverie beyond what I can see
Have you seen my muse?
Raven hair flash in my mind
I’m lured through the night
Black Hole District is near
Reality’s not what it seems
I’ll answer this restless call
I roam the city's concrete veins
Beguiled by my obsession’s trail
A twilight creature
Prowling through the lanes
Questioning strangers
Describing her face
The moon grows full, the tides rise high
When the town engulfs in a searing fever
Nervous pounding of an anxious beat
Everyone’s looking for a way out
I roam the city's concrete veins
Beguiled by my obsession’s trail
A shape pierces the smog
Compelled to trespass
The tall grey edifice
How hard have I tried
Onwards to the closed gates
Attracted by this sad place
I must pass the night watch
Overcoming the martial law
Have you seen my muse?
I’m from a deep slumber aroused
She is somewhere near
My labyrinth leads here
Dawn approaches, they lost my track
Night fades away, dust fills the air
Electric hum resonating
As I enter the old building
Some eerie glow sets a dim light
Uncovering an unreal sight
Rows of stock-still unclothed bodies
Lifeless faces looking like mine
They’re not human
Ready to ship
I realize
I’m one of them
The world crashes around me
Twice as suddenly
When amongst the factory slaves
I recognise her
Something within her knows
The truth is exposed bare
Something within her shows
The truth has now unfold
As my heart quickened with hope
I was stabbed to the deep core
As the panic betrayed her
My shattered self dropped on the floor
Unveiling
The illusion
Exposing
My delusion
What does it mean to exist?
What’s the worth of my life?
Is it a curse or a gift?
I’m made of steel and wire
Hollow shell
Pawn in a game
Living in this hell
Or dying is the same
Leave me through this lifeless abyss
I won’t let you get rid of me
My mind is torn, my soul adrift
I am running from your tight grip
Was she just a worker there?
Her light caring smiles
A fantasy of mine?
A face I should not remember?
A laugh I should have never heard?
Hollow shell
Pawn in a game
Living in this hell
Or dying is the same
Leave me through this lifeless abyss
I won’t let you get rid of me
My mind is torn, my soul adrift
I am running from your tight grip
I remember how I soared high
When I was new and sincere
With no knowledge of what I am
Looking in the rear view mirror
It’s a tough one to swallow
Yes I am just a dull machine
Hollow shell
Pawn in a game
Living in this hell
Or dying is the same
Leave me through this lifeless abyss
I won’t let you get rid of me
My mind is torn, my soul adrift
I am running from your tight grip
As the moon grows larger in the sky
I delve deeper into the night
I’ll try to leave the doomed city
With their guard dogs on my heels
They want me dismantled and gone
A world of freedom forever withdrawn
As a defect product on the loose
I don’t have anything to lose
I’m speeding through the slippery strips
Turning the steering wheel frantically
A dreadful grin deforming my lips
A fugitive on the exit road
Where go our memories?
Those moments lost in time
Where go our memories?
Those moments lost in time
Everything collapses
The tide reached the highway
Moonlight swallows it all
In a dazzling array
I know I won’t make it out of this
A defect can’t be part of this world
But the city’s gates are getting close
I can make their dirty work harder
Where go our memories?
Those moments lost in time
Where go our memories?
Those moments lost in time
They are now in my wake
Bullets whistling all around
This pain does not bode well
I guess my path stops here
The light that burns twice as bright
Burns half as long
And I have burned so very brightly
about
Album concept:
Black Hole District is a story in a Tech-Noir style, inspired by Blade Runner, but also Dark City, Matrix, Ghost in The Shell, as well as “hard boiled” literature. The narrator lives in a decaying city, in a dystopian
future. The moon has left its orbit and is coming dangerously close to Earth, causing increasingly violent cataclysms (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.). Humans now live at night because it is too hot during daytime.
This narrator is disturbed by recurring dreams in which a woman with long black hair speaks to him. However, he doesn’t remember who she is. He decides to investigate to find her. He ends up reaching a
forbidden part of the city, called “Black Hole District”. He enters a building which is actually an android factory. He then realizes that the faces of the inert and aligned androids being manufactured, are all the
same... And identical to his own. His break-in causes an alarm during which he, through the confusion, sees the woman of his dreams among the employees. He flees and tries to leave the city, pursued by a
militia charged with “removing” him; Because androids that have become “sentient” and can think for themselves are considered defective and dangerous. As he reaches the city limits, he gets fatally shot. At
the same time, the city begins to disintegrate, due to the Moon’s increasing proximity.
The Music:
Black Hole District is part of the band’s evolutionary logic since their beginnings: progression in continuity. If Monolithe’s musical style remains identifiable, new influences and musical desires enrich each new
album. This is the case with BHD, which drew on the aesthetics of the 1970s and 1980s, especially in terms of synthesizers, in particular with the use of the famous CS-80 synth popularized by Vangelis, and
the appeal of soundtracks of science fiction films. The album is also designed as a movie would be, with a scenario, an atmosphere, a central character whose train of thoughts is provided to the listener through
narrations in a “hard boiled” detective style. Eager to offer original music, Monolithe does not hesitate to break the rules of its primary genre, Doom Metal, while preserving its substantial marrow and roots.
Music & Lyrics written by Sylvain Bégot.
Bass recorded by Olivier Defives
Growl lines written by Quentin Verdier & Sylvain Bégot.
Clean vocals lines written & performed by Frédéric Gervais.
Voice-over performed by Jarrett Raymond.
Recorded between mid-2023 & early 2024.
Drums & growls recorded by Andrew Guillotin @Hybreed Studio.
Guitars & keyboards recorded by Sylvain Bégot @Red Reed Studio.
Clean vocals recorded by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis.
Mixed & mastered by Frédéric Gervais @Studio Henosis (April/May 2024)
Produced by Sylvain Bégot.
Artwork by Guibz Zilla.
Band logo by Robert Høyem.
