Mono's heaviest work? This very well could be. Requiem For Hell is the Tokyo-based band's 9th full length and takes their already dark and moody brand of orchestral post-rock to dramatic levels of epicness. Here the group looks to one of the most epic works in all of human history, Dante's Divine Comedy for inspiration, lending to an incredibly gripping listening experience. "Death In Rebirth" sets the tone with those soaring strings that rise and fall with the crashing drums like waves of emotions. Similar feels can be found on the title track and the brilliant "Ely's Heartbeat." The somber ambient mood of "Stellar" gives us a break (maybe referencing Paradiso), while "The Last Scene" gently closes it out. Legendary rock producer Steve Albini (Pixies, Nirvana, PJ Harvey, etc) is tapped on mixing and production duties. Comes pressed on beautiful pale gold and silver vinyl (with etched D-side) housed in a visually stunning slipcase pic sleeve complete with die cut hole and printed inners. Limited edition.

• limited edition of 1000
• pale gold + silver colored vinyl pressing
• special slipcase cover w/ die cut hole
• printed inner sleeves
• engraved D-side
• music label: Pelagic Records 2016

reviewed by 9th Circle 10/2016