New Jersey band Monument of A Memory persistently balances metalcore's nuanced brilliance with modern, intense bliss in their new single, "Long Lost," from their forthcoming EP release this year.
Adapting to change can be difficult, particularly for individuals used to established routines. Yet, in the world of rock music, change is frequently essential for the genre's growth and innovation Monument Of A Memory have embraced this concept of change as they embark on this new adventure in their lives, despite facing uncertainties along the way. Working with a new producer during a pivotal shift in their artistic path can be thrilling and intimidating. However, for this metalcore band from New Jersey, it offered a chance to explore uncharted territories.
Their debut album, Harmony of Absolution, showcased how they embraced the romanticized era of metalcore, incorporating breakdowns and melodic elements as a nuanced backdrop to their modern, agitated sound. Now, with their sophomore effort, Monument Of A Memory continues to expand their sound while moving on from past struggles.
Their latest single, "Long Lost," is a testament to this evolution, serving as a listening experience designed to help listeners overcome feelings of isolation and self-doubt. This track marks the next step in their upcoming album, aiming to rise above the depths of a challenging past and discovering the joy that lies within the bright horizon ahead. For Monument Of A Memory, reflecting on the past has never been their focus, and "Long Lost" offers a sweet glimpse of what lies ahead for this promising band.
When you guys first came onto the scene a few years ago, I don't think you guys had the slightest idea that your debut release, 'Harmony of Absolution' would have the positive reaction that it did. You guys have spent some time away from that release now and are now coming into your sophomore release. What does that mean to you as you approach this new chapter for the band?
Dylan: “I think there were a lot of changes that we made as a band to confidently be able to embrace this new era. We switched producers which is always a scary thing at first when you’ve gotten so used to working with a certain person for a long period of time. But Jonathan Dolese was incredible in that he let us do our thing and be as weird as we wanted to be within our songwriting. We tried things we’d never gotten the chance to try before. I don’t think anyone in the band was trying to compare this body of work to what we did with “Harmony In Absolution”. We are still very proud of that record. Things are just different now and our ability as songwriters has really grown over the years. We tend not to look back but just keep pushing forward into a bright and hopefully successful future.
Instrumentally, your sound very much blends the intricacies of modern metalcore but has these beautiful nods to its nostalgic past within its breakdowns and use of melody. I think the last album, "Black Gold" was my favorite example of showing that kind of balance. Coming into these first few tracks, and into this new release, what inspired you musically this time around?
Dylan: We have always been inspired by that classic metalcore sound. We all grew up on bands like Bullet For My Valentine, All That Remains, Trivium, etc. so we always at some level have tried to maintain some of those elements. In some songs, it’s more apparent, but it will always be a part of us. I think on this new release we became inspired by some other things outside of metal. A handful of our members are really big into pop music and alternative myself included. I think we really tried to make that an element vocally with the melodies. Instrumentally we just try to make sure whatever we are going for fits the song because the song is the most important thing before anything else.
Lyrically, just speaking on the first few singles that have come to pass so far, "Devil in The Details," to "Long Lost," We are talking about a lot of different things here. Not being comfortable with who we see within ourselves, whether that is internally or externally. Those inner struggles of never feeling good enough. While everyone's story of struggle is different, I think what matters is how we deal with those toxic spaces and how we come out from the other side. I don't think that answer is ever straightforward, or clear-cut, but we all have to start somewhere. For you guys, you are talking about everything from love to substance abuse and how music has helped with that journey. Can we talk about that?
Dylan: Yeah, so it’s not really something I’ve ever talked about in interviews. But between these album cycles, I really struggled with a drug and alcohol problem that was consuming my life and made me a version of myself I didn’t even recognize anymore. During that time, I had begun writing the lyrics for this newest record so you definitely can see some of those vulnerabilities coming to the surface. It was a long road but I had a lot of great people and loved ones along with my bandmates who really supported me through it and got me out of it. I feel better now than I ever have and I only have all of those people to thank for that because I don’t know where I would be if it wasn’t for them. I struggled with letting go of past relationships, as well as personal problems I didn’t know how to deal with and I used substances as a means to numb that out instead of dealing with it head-on. It’s not something I’m proud of but it’s the truth. I have since taken the steps needed to get myself out of that place and I feel a lot healthier and better about myself and my head is in a place that is clear and motivated. Music has just always been there and that’s my one way to really be able to express myself.
For this process, it seems to have been a cathartic one. Seeing someone who has seen what they believe to be the worst parts of themselves and has climbed out of that and is looking to something brighter. What is something you learned about yourself within that journey that helped conquer that beast?
Dylan: I learned that you can’t change the past but you CAN change today and you can mold a better future. Because I promise, that staying in that dark hole will never improve anything. At the end of the day, it was up to me to fix the problem. People can help and support you, but ultimately it’s on ME to be the person I want to be. Change is super difficult but it’s often necessary if you really want to be happy. My relationships have drastically improved because of it.
In my view, your upcoming release signifies a great deal of growth for you as a group of artists as you move into your sophomore release. In some ways, you are writing the story about your future direction over the next few years. Does this bring a sense of relief, knowing the initial first phase is finished and you're moving on to another release, or does it feel daunting, considering it introduces a new set of challenges?
Dylan: I’m honestly not afraid at all. I’m embracing absolutely everything that comes my way with the release of this record and I’ve never been so proud of my own body of work before. I’m relieved that I can let the past be the past and make sure my future is everything I want it to be.
What is next for you guys? Any tours or anything you want your fans (me included haha) to know about for the new year?
Dylan: We are releasing our new EP this year (more announcements are coming on that VERY soon.) We will have an album release tour happening as well around the springtime of this year. We are headed back to the studio in March as well to go and record another record. We are in full work mode.
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