ANTIMONUMENT

I don t think this is experimental post metal,it seems to be more experimental post rock with space rock influences.

Is not as heavy as the EPM(let us think in Cynic,Messhugah and even Tool for ex..)

You can find a combination of K Crimson,Hawkwind,Mogway,Kayo Dot,Mammatus etc..and similars.

the fault here may be that the musician play all the instruments and that i think affects in the conviction and power of the project.

3 stars

The solo project of guitarist Andrew Arnold, 'Antimonument' is a piece of heavy post-rock that has been released over the internet, free of charge. While some of my favourite artists and musicians are part of the post-rock scene, it does feel as if many artists attempt to emulate the grandeur and subtle complexity of the legends. While Arnold certainly appears to be a talented multi-instrumentalist and self-producer however, the album lacks a personal identity, and feels very much like an amateur production.

From the painfully slow buildup of the first track 'Sunrise And Delusion', one can tell that this album will be a very mixed bag. While the guitar work and use of the more atmospheric electronics is admirable, Arnold tends to do alot of experimentation with noise in his work, which may work in a few sparse occasions, but for the most part, it really starts the album off on a poor note. Luckily however, the opener develops into a more typical piece of post-rock that begins to really work for its favour. Unfortunately however, the arrangement of the music never gets too complex or emotive in nature, and the highlights of the compositions are still rather basic and easily digestible.

While there is the feeling throughout that this is the work of an unprofessional, Andrew Arnold does manage to make the tools at his disposal work for him, to varying extents. The prevalent use of samples (from films or radio) often makes for some interesting atmospheric and thematic layers. Ironically where Deterior shines most however, is in the soundscapes Arnold crafts, as opposed to the post-rock that makes up the majority of this album.

Overall, the compositions are decent enough, but they do not feel as if they have the life to them to really be worth revisiting. There is some great use of electronic ambiance in both parts of the soundscape 'A Thin, Nameless Noise' but some generally lack luster songwriting and performance makes the album something of a bore.