The Amanuensis
Monuments · 2014
64 min · 14 tracks · progressive metal
Progressive metal intricacies intertwine with atmospheric soundscapes, creating an immersive experience that challenges the boundaries of the genre.
Top tracks — play these first
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I, the Creator — This opening track sets the tone for the album with intricate guitar work and dynamic shifts that showcase the band's technical prowess and thematic depth.
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Atlas — A standout for its melodic yet heavy composition, this track exemplifies Monuments' blend of progressive elements with accessible hooks, making it a fan favorite.
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Jinn — This track features an engaging interplay between aggressive rhythms and ethereal melodies, highlighting the band's ability to balance complexity with emotive songwriting.
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Garden of Sankhara — With its rich layers and thought-provoking lyrics, this song illustrates Monuments' growth as songwriters while exploring deeper philosophical themes.
Elevation
Our rating, out of 100 — and why.
AI-generated from five scored dimensions. An opinion, not a measurement.
The album showcases strong musicianship with varied vocal styles but has some cohesion issues due to live tracks included.
What we noticed
- Vocals alternate between clean singing and harsh growls, creating a dynamic contrast throughout the tracks.
- Several tracks incorporate extended instrumental sections that build tension before resolving into melodic choruses.
- Composition 25% of the score
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7/10
- Craft 20% of the score
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8/10
- Durability 25% of the score
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6/10
- Distinctiveness 18% of the score
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7/10
- Sequencing 12% of the score
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5/10
the writing — melody, harmony, structure, lyrics
production, performance, arrangement
whether it rewards returning to it
whether it sounds like itself
running order, pacing, length
Known within its scene. Reported but not counted — how far a record travelled describes its reception rather than the record, and a newer release has had less time to travel than an older one.
Is this for you?
Good fit if you like
- immersive soundscapes for deep focus
- dynamic pacing with intricate shifts
- cathartic energy release during crescendos
- thought-provoking themes for introspection
Maybe skip if you
- prefer straightforward, catchy tunes
- seek instant gratification in music
Where this album fits
- Career context
- The Amanuensis is Monuments' second studio album, following their 2012 debut Gnosis. By this time, the band was solidifying their presence in the progressive metal scene while also showcasing a lineup change that introduced new vocalist Andy Aveyard, marking a significant evolution in their sound and artistic direction.
- Stylistic neighbors
- Periphery· Tesseract· Animals as Leaders
Tracklist
Best experienced from track one — press play and let it unfold.
- 1 I, the Creator 3:54
- 2 Origin of Escape 4:03
- 3 Atlas 3:22
- 4 Horcrux 4:46
- 5 Garden of Sankhara 4:48
- 6 The Alchemist 4:35
- 7 Quasimodo 5:02
- 8 Saga City 4:44
- 9 Jinn 4:08
- 10 I, the Destroyer 5:46
- 11 Samsara 5:11
- 12 Degenerate (live at Euroblast Festival 2013) 4:17
- 13 The Uncollective (live at Euroblast Festival 2013) 4:01
- 14 Regenerate (live at Euroblast Festival 2013) 5:53
Reference: Wikipedia · MusicBrainz · Wikidata
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