I'm fairly new to ETHEREAL ARCHITECT but I did read favorable reviews of their 2007 release "Dissension". Now after listening to the new record "Monolith" I'm hoping the album will move the band forward in the progressive music scene. The opening track "Kalinago" starts with mystical sounds of pleasure as David Glass's guitar work has massive appeal with his amazing chops. Vocalist Adam Contreras portrays an aura of greatness as he hits different ranges of octaves during the track and it blows me away.

ETHEREAL ARCHITECT projects pure class with the structure of the songs, the instrumental breaks and the all around top-quality musicianship. Listening to track two, "Mercury", you can hear these guys are the full package with drummer Jake Koenig and bassist Thad Stevens being prominent figures and bringing amazing thunder to the music. For some reason Adam Contreras's vocals remind me of early Ian Anderson (JETHRO TULL) and midway through the track ETHEREAL ARCHITECT switches gears and hit the acoustics.

The beginning of "Obsidian" could be mislead as the eerie sound of KING DIAMOND but once guitarist David Glass hits the chords an amazing progression enters the music.  Even though ETHEREAL ARCHITECT falls on the progressive metal level they can reach a multitude of genres from Viking metal to the pure rock sounds of a cult act like ZEBRA. Just check out the track "Oceans" and you will see what I mean.

All I can say about the track "Final Escape" is put the headphones on and sit back and enjoy; it's a masterpiece! Just when I thought it couldn't get any better I might have reached the promise land with "Submission". Going from a babies lullaby to a pummeling orchestra wreaking havoc on your senses this is just one KILLER TUNE! Be sure to check out the piano parts on this one.

Looking back in time would you ever think a song that hit the charts in1968 written by Jimmy Webb and recorded by the late Richard Harris would end up on a progressive metal bands release? Well, ETHEREAL ARCHITECT does just that with "MacArthur Park", which is a bonus track and they do such an amazing job with it. Ending the disc is "Oceanos", which is available as a digital-only bonus track.

This really is an adventure to listen to and a brilliant release by ETHEREAL ARCHITECT. A band that has a great future with soon-to-be acclaimed musicians so if you are looking for a quality product this is one to pick up and check out.