Infectious Noise
New Zealand isn't exactly the home of rock and roll, I can't ever recall there being a NWONZHM (New Wave Of New Zealand Heavy Metal) in the annals of rock. Little wonder then that Vocalist/Guitarist Jon moved to London to carry on this sonic assault, more commonly known as Monsterworks. After recruiting previous member Ian (who had moved over to England a few years previously.) and two native countrymen, the band bring to the world 'The Precautionary Principle.' An album as infectious and catchy as it is messy, an album that with a little more tender loving care, could have been one of the surprises of contemporary metal.
The band's aim is to fuse a number of different metal styles into something that makes sense. Apparently, no matter if you're into death, speed, thrash, black, ambient on so on, there's something in this album for everyone. I am not sure they've succeeded in producing what they initially intended, because 'The Precautionary Principle' is, in my opinion, just a straight metal album. Musically it's suitably contemporary, it has that fast and furious element that the kids love, coupled with the falsetto vocals of a true/battle metal band. In basic terms, if you love 3 Inches of Blood, then you'll love this.
The album gets off to a killer start, the fifty-second interlude 'Internal Velocity' is a great build up to 'M-Theory'. The flaw in this album is almost instantly exposed however, the production, especially on the drums, is very messy causing them to drown out all of the other instruments. It's a frustrating experience at times, because there are some quality riffs and guitar work on offer, especially on tracks 'Game On' and 'Hypertrophic Me.' Unfortunately the axe work doesn't cut through mix, instead leaving them diluted and unable to deliver the desired effect. It's an album full of 'If's, if only the guitars were crunchier and louder, if only the drums were quieter, if only the mix was slightly better.
Even with a poor production the album if brimming with great and well executed ideas. As well as the already mentioned guitar work, Jon's vocals are stunning, almost all of the album is sang in falsetto, sounding like 3 Inches Blood's Jamie Hooper's little brother. There's not much in the way of familiar structures or sing-a-long choruses, but somehow the songs are catchy, very infectious and totally accessible. 'Triumph' is exactly what it says, the choral opening is well executed and is also their obvious nod to battle metal. The title track and 'Who am I?' are great cuts, containing some superb riffage, and the addition of three bonus tracks makes 'The Precautionary Principle' a well rounded, value for money thrash 'em up.
With half the band from the other side of the world, half from these shores and based in London, does this make Monsterworks a British band? If the album had been the epitome of tedium, then perhaps I'd consider them as a New Zealand four piece. However with 'The Precautionary Principle' being somewhat a flawed gem, I like to think of Monsterworks as an honorary British metal band who are most welcome to join our metal scene and make our ears bleed. More soon please, but sort out the production first. Up the Brits!!