Norwegian band Atrox has been around since 1990 and, after exploring diverse music styles, has embraced an intriguing sonic evolution leading to the current groovy blackened industrial sound that characterizes the latest full length “Monocle”.
“Mass” certainly feels dark and dramatic with minimalist melodies enriched by well-structured electro arrangements. When guitars begin to craft a crunchy rhythmic backbone aided by confident rocking vocals the atmospheric layers continue to evoke a mysterious futuristic industrial style sonic realm with sophisticated modern tonalities.
“Vacuum” features intriguing progressive rhythmic passages that at times gain extra speed and strength while the overall atmosphere keeps on channeling a gloomy mood enhanced by loads of eccentric eerie synths and smooth melodic guitars.
“Suicide Days” is a particularly interesting track with a diversified structure that effortlessly mixes the cold nature of dark guitar riffs & melodies with the acidic groovy vibes of industrial metal while fervent vocals contribute to create an absolutely memorable chorus .
“For We Are Many” revolves around elegant darkened melodies that soon acquire an avant-garde inner strength due to an intricate series of atmospheric arrangements that eventually give way to unexpected crispy polished guitar & keyboards progressions. Then the song literally goes through a metamorphosis centered on softer cinematic haunting melodies and clean emotive vocals.
“Target” offers a cyber-industrial approach with groovy electro vibes and super catchy chorus balanced by steady powerful vocals and a charismatic prog oriented guitar solo.
After nine years of silence, with “Monocle” Atrox demonstrates to own a renewed energetic music approach creating thrilling and absolutely catchy songs which ultimately celebrates an exciting new music chapter for such longstanding band.