Ten strong metal tracks.  That’s what we have with the new release titled Future Shock by American west coast thrash act and former Wacken Metal Battle US champions Monarch.  This is their second full-length release, the sequel to 2017’s Go Forth… Slaughter.  We’ve been talking thrash recently on the podcast, and so I wanted to highlight another promising release in that genre.  Plus, I got to see one of their guitarists play with another band a couple of years ago and was impressed with his performance.  Overall, with Future Shock Monarch delivers a quality album – ten strong metal tracks - that will be welcomed by fans of thrash, speed, and power.

First a word of caution – according to our friends at Metal Archives there are ten different metal bands that go by the name Monarch – and amazingly three of them are US thrash acts.  This particular variety of Monarch is from southern California, and stylistically they dole out a variety of thrash metal that is more in line with speed and power approach rather than a cross-over, groove type.  Put another way – Monarch’s approach owes everything to the metal that arose pre-Pantera and the multitude of terrible bands that later poorly emulated a single good one.  The musicianship is impressive, but if you are looking for a highly technical or progressive output along the lines of Vektor, or maybe early Cynic, this might not be for you.

Getting any the album, many songs are firmly rooted in the standard bay-area template.  The most traditional numbers are tracks like “Fatal Vector,” “Future Shock,” and “Shred Or Die.”  All these songs have their moments of rabid velocity and snappy, galloping vibe.  Exactly what you’d expect and want.  “Blast The Seed” is also in that vein, with its bawdy intro and immediate creshendo of guitar notes.

Other tracks continue with the breakneck thrashing while also splashing in additional variety and color.  “Swarm of the Whorenet” (yes, that is really the song title!) has echoes of John Bush era Anthrax; great riffing and effective tempo changes.  “Khaos Warrior” pushes the thrash back a bit providing more of a solid power metal number.  I love the guitar melody in this one – nuanced and flows well into the bridge.  That track is followed by another of my choice highlights, the aforementioned and adrenaline-fueled title track “Future Shock”.  “Collision of Bones” starts with expected fenzy and shouting, but then somewhere midway transitions to a more mid-range tempo and harsh vocals.  I didn’t see that coming, and it was a welcome twist!

Did I mention all the songs?  There’s ten strong metal track here!  “Multiverse” is a bit different track as an instrumental that gives a generally slower cadence and includes some very melodic and touching guitarwork.  A pleasant change-up and atmosphere.  Album closer “Metal Soul” alternates between power-metal banger and thrash ripper, with singer Matt Smith continuing with a superb feral voice.

If you are a fan of uptempo metal that isn’t overly melody reliant, this album will scratch the itch.  I’m not even a big fan of thrash, but I find myself really enjoying Future Shock and going back for more.  It’s sneaky good!  For those familiar with the debut Go Forth… Slaughter, Future Shock in my opinion is a clear improvement and exhibits real songwriting growth.  The songs just are a lot more varied and developed, and have additional space to breath within.  The compositions provide just enough room for the guitarists to celebrate their skills and they do so without showing any signs of repetition.  The tempos are fast, and the riffs thoughout are very reminiscent of vintage metal without sounding overly dated.  Also - the production is a huge improvement.  Really the production quality on this album is superb. Everything is mixed well and quite simply crushing in its delivery!  

I’m giving Future Shock an 8 1/2 out of ten rating.  Ten strong metal tracks – I’ll take that every day!

The Great Metal Debate

Album Review - Future Shock

Podcast where Brian and Gomthog engage in a lively debate of heavy metal music as well as interviewing artists and talking to fans.  Occasional explicit language.