Ignea – Monumental

Ukrainian metal band Ignea return with their second album. “Monumental” was written and recorded in their war-torn country and features nine new tracks that balance atmosphere with grandeur. Since releasing their debut, ‘Dreams of Lands Unseen’, the band have remained active, appearing at several festivals and preparing to tour with Evergrey. These are opportunities that have raised and should continue to raise their profile. I have not yet seen them live but hope to have the chance to do so before too long.

Unlike the first album, this one doesn’t have a concept but more of a theme running through it. That theme is nostalgia, sort of an ode to the past, which draws inspiration from retrofuturism, modernist, and monumental architecture. It is described as a meditation on lost and unrealized futures, and a celebration of the enduring beauty hidden within forgotten places.

The opening track, ‘Darkness’, may sound familiar to fans of their debut. Its dreamy atmosphere and singer Helle Bohdanova’s vocals signal that it’s business as usual. Catchy melodies, heavy riffs and choral harmonies combine to capture Ignea’s signature sound which makes a perfect start. The song concerns the urge to look back to times that seemed happier than the current situation.

This album doesn’t have a title track but does have a track with the title of their debut album. ‘Dreams of Lands Unseen’ features Helle’s harsher vocals in parts and concerns the Cold War and the era of space exploration. This is portrayed somewhat fantastically in the video that accompanies the song. The fast-paced riffs are propelled by an unnamed drummer (the band appears to be a quartet currently) with retro sounding keyboards. Watch out for Helle playing a theremin just after the three-minute mark.

‘Presence of the Past’ continues the run of strong songs, with Helle showcasing her full vocal range in this ode to urban decadence. It opens with a simple “Da Da Dar” repeated in a carefree manner and closes with what sounds like an old Ukrainian radio clip. In-between, the track retains its melody even in its heavier passages.

The industrial-tinged ‘Prefab’ features guest vocals from Andy LaPlegua of Combichrist. The track stomps along relentlessly with chanted choruses of “Prefab, Prefab, Prefab”.  I have to say this is not among my favourite tracks on this otherwise very enjoyable album.

The pace eases with “What Buildings Dream of,” a metal ballad with a stirring, uplifting chorus. Understated electronic beats provide an industrial pulse that echoes the nostalgic raw textures of architecture. Throughout the song, these elements blend naturally with heavy staccato riffs and clean vocals.

Going against the grain, ‘I am in Hell’ is the softest track on the album. It’s short (and sweet) and you may think that Helle’s delivery is oddly happy considering the song’s title. It feels to me that there is some irony going on here. Apparently, it is intended as a short interlude designed like a retro-futuristic – nostalgic -TV advertisement from the 1960s.

‘Between No Longer and Not Yet’ blends doom metal with dark jazz. The band say this is to evoke the experience of listening to vinyl: time unfolding through sound and memories surfacing with each turn. It reflects both the beauty and sorrow of nostalgia. I sense a vague middle eastern tinge to the music which adds to its mystique. All these elements and the variety across its 7 ½ minutes place it among the front runners for my favourite track.

The penultimate track ‘Harmony Manufactured’ features Britta Görtz of Hiraes on guest vocals. It strikes hard and fast from the outset, easing between heavier passages to make room for cleaner harmonies. There are also some lines spoken in Ukrainian midway through the song.

Seeing things out to the end, ‘Nadir (Outro)’ is a short Orchestral instrumental that feels like a film score. The intention is to leave listeners with a lingering sense of nostalgia, hope, and quiet melancholy. It is an uplifting track free from growls and instils a sense of calm. I sincerely hope that the situation in their country allows them to continue to make great music. I for one will be watching out for any future releases and/or news.

Track list:

1. Darkness
2. Dreams of Lands Unseen
3. Presence of the Past
4. What Building Dream of
5. Prefab (feat Combichrist)
6. I am in Hell
7. Between No Longer and Not Yet
8. Harmony Manufactured (feat Britta Görtz)
9. Nadir (Outro)