Under The Influence #39: Sertraline on “The Amanuensis” by Monuments!

Taking the title from “Cloud Atlas“, a novel by David Mitchell and with lyrics that are loosely based on the concept of the Samsara Cycle of Death and rebirth, Progressive Metallers Monuments recorded their sophomore album “The Amanuensis” in 2013 for a 2014 release via Century Media. Splitting the recording between a trio of locations in Monnow Valley Studio in Wales, Audiohammer Studios in Florida and Bear Noize Studio in England, Monuments blended DJent with groove, swagger and Progressive overtones to raise the bar for the genre. Never shy of a line up change, original vocalist Matt Rose was replaced by Chris Barretto who was already well known to fans having been in both Periphery and The HAARP Machine. His vocals were done with Eyal Levi (Motionless In White, Whitechapel, The Black Dahlia Murder) while drummer Mike Malyan recorded in Wales with Romesh Dodangoda (Motorhead, Sylosis, Bring Me The Horizon).

Sertraline guitarist Mike comments: “For some of us, the second album by Monuments was the first of theirs we’d listened to, and since its release in 2014, it’s been on fairly regular rotation for all of us. For me, I’d never heard such crushingly heavy music blended with (at times) poppy, Michael Jackson-esque vocals before or since. Along with its pretty unique sounding and characterful production style, the guitar and bass lines throughout the album are completely fascinating to listen to. There isn’t one part of the album which I’d easily compare to other albums; each element is gripping and engaging to listen to in its own right, with some of the most intricate and well thought out guitar and vocal work I’ve ever heard. This level of complexity yet catchiness is achieved without managing to sound over-indulgent or with needlessly lengthy songs (most remain below the five minute mark), and is still an inspiring treat to listen to six years after its release (and counting). In short, I think it’s one of the best metal albums in the world, and is one of the most influential in shaping how Sertraline have grown.”

Sertraline are currently crowd funding their third EP “Clouded Minds & Silver Lines” upon which single “Inside Out” appears. You can participate in that and check out the perks here.