Matte Blvck have outdone themselves with their new single “Monumental”, narrating their very personal struggles breaking free from organized religion. 

The band sets a story of faith in its most shameful and spiritual forms against a dynamic musical backdrop which beautifully mirrors these contrasting themes. They don’t hide their disdain for religious institutions, as the lyric “saint… glass and painted faith” insinuates that it’s the Church’s faith which is painted on and fake, rather than the images on the stained glass. 

However, frontman Alex Gonzales has shared with us that “the song really isn’t bashing religion, but bashing organizations and religious fanatics”, noting that “the song eventually finds its way into spirituality in the chorus.”  Thus, a crisis of faith becomes faith reborn.

The music itself is some of the most captivating content Matte Blvck has released, maintaining their reputation for fusing their own clean sound design with nostalgic elements from different eras. As with their other songs, the feel is reminiscent of the music from 80s and 90s electronic and industrial movements, taking inspiration from artists like Depeche Mode and Nine Inch Nails. 

This song, however, has a different quality as well, one which I can’t quite put my finger on. All I can tell you is that I was blown away, feeling that even though it was familiar, I had never quite heard anything like it.

“Monumental” starts off very dark and moody, which somehow seamlessly flows into a musical and thematic euphoria.The verses’ tense tone blossoms into bliss as Alex’s vocals float high above us in the chorus, taking us on a journey from the deepest depths to the stratosphere, where rays of sunshine illuminate our darkest corners and fill us with rapturous joy. 

It’s no wonder this song gave us chills! It’s truly an incredible piece of work, and we at Second Society Report would expect nothing less from such a seasoned and skilled team of musicians. There is a reason Matte Blvck has over 5,000 monthly listeners on Spotify–they’re riding the line between classic and modern in the best way.