Single Review: Monogod

“Holy riff, Darklight Corporation are back??” were the first words I uttered aloud when this new single metaphorically landed in my lap. A dozen years back, when I was neck deep in the works of Sepultura and Soulfly, the ever-watchful algorithms of YouTube put me onto this Kiwi band that had meaty guitar hooks, beautiful synth lines, and a vocalist that sounded unbelievably like Max Cavalera himself. And that day, I became a converted Darklight Corporation fan.

Thus, picture my surprise when the brand new single Monogod showed up. Fronted by Brazilian vocalist Fabio Santos, Chris Prenter on guitars, Tim Mekalick as drummer, and Elliot Chao on bass guitar, the group had released two full-length LPs, gained considerable attention and airplay both here in Aotearoa as well as the US. Clearly the proponents of the band decided it was high time to awaken the beast after a decade’s hiatus.

Immediately after hitting the play button, the listener is treated to an immense barrage of drums, deep bass, and densely-distorted guitars. Like some biomechanical behemoth striding through the air, its gargantuan weight is felt with every step that it takes. Monogod lunges and lurches, the sheer power and muscle is this monster’s primary feature.

To evoke a sense of modernity, there are electronic skitterings throughout Monogod, a common signature in cyberpunk themes. The grinding, industrial main riffs, appropriately balanced with robotic touches is simply brilliant.

Now, as a fan and follower of Darklight Corporation’s earlier works, it was hard not to draw comparisons between Monogod and hits like Down in a Hole or Ramrod 69. The band’s groove metal influences appear to have taken a back seat in this newly-revived sound, and a greater focus is placed on industrial aspects. And that is in no way a bad thing! The group’s aggression and passion can still be heard. The band has previously stated “Influences and genres have changed but the core of Darklight Corporation remained intact”, and this slamming and roaring new single showcases just that.

Again, I’m indescribably excited that Darklight Corporation have finally returned. The team should be very proud of this beastly powerhouse of a revival-single. And if this single is anything to go by, there should be plenty of epic new music from these gents on the horizon.