Search - Atrox :: Contentum

Utterly unique -for extreme music lovers

Steve Young | Sydney, nsw Australia | 07/10/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Am i really hearing what i think im hearing ? The vocalist Monika on this album has a voice both demonic(never low) and angelic ,schizo and experimental .Never has a vocalist literally used her voice as a lead 'instrument' so much -as on this masterpiece.Definetly not for everyone , but i find her vocal gymnastics nothing short of astonishing.Given how off the radar her approach is ,in most hands this effort would be labelled ridiculous and prententious but somehow Monika and the band manage to pull it off. If you love truly great female vocals within the metal /rock context (a la After Forever , Madder Mortem ) give this outstanding and most of all unique album a try -awesome"

Not something for everyone, but everything for someone.

Lord Chimp | Monkey World | 03/31/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Atrox sounds like Kate Bush possessed by an evil, mischievous spirit and dropped into a prog metal band that has gone into a demonic carnival funhouse and been driven insane. Vocalist Monika is simply outstanding, IF you like this sort of thing. Her range is unmatched among female metal vocalists, but her vocals will be way too over-the-top for some people. Her voice flutters, squeeks, pushes melisma to the boundaries of good taste, screams, et cetera et cetera. She can also sing normally, and her voice is quite beautiful (she's a scary lookin' lady, but her voice is enchanting!). Musically, the band is extremely eclectic and has a tendency towards creating epic, dynamic songs with a compelling dramatic flow that belies their intense quirkiness. At once, it seems they don't take things too seriously but the music is very serious. It's a paradox, sure, but it works very well. _Contentum_ touches all the bases, from heavy prog metal to weirdo circus music to atmospheric balladry to Renaissance-influenced stuff. Excellent musicianship and songwriting all around. Personally I love this band and I don't think there is anything else like them, but they definitely aren't for everyone. One might want to check out their latest album (and their last with Monika), _Orgasm_, which leans most heavily towards metal and has the best production by far. It's still weird, but it's not nearly as overtly bizarre as _Contentum_ or _Terrestrials_. I haven't heard any of their other stuff, but I think they have another album or two. One way or another, you should check this band out. they are great."

Hold onto your headphones

David Group | Buffalo, NY | 12/14/2002

(3 out of 5 stars)

"The previous Atrox album was a death metal assault with melancholy vocals by Monika which lent it a Goth air. Nothing to knock yer socks off, but a solid effort nonetheless. Contentum, by comparison, is off the charts. Monika sings like a woman possessed (literally). I wouldn't be surprised if she starts speaking in tongues on the next album. Her shrieks and wails and hiccups evoke memories of Nina Hagen, Lena Lovich, Kate Bush, and what's-er-name from Missing Persons (remember them?). The band is also less metal than the previous album, which I found somewhat of a disappointment. Overall, this is an album that definitely takes some getting used to, if you have the patience."