Monolord: The Epic Comeback of Sweden's Doom Metal Titans!
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The Resurgence of Monolord: A New Era in Doom Metal
From 2014 to 2021, the Swedish band Monolord, hailing from Gothenburg, released five powerful albums, establishing themselves as a prominent force in the modern doom metal scene alongside contemporaries like Pallbearer, Yob, and Windhand. However, they decided to take a pause.
During this hiatus, frontman Thomas Jäger sought to expand his musical palette beyond the heavy guitar-driven sound that defined Monolord. He ventured into solo projects, producing two ambient and drone rock albums, Music for Imaginary Movies 1 and 2, as well as an introspective acoustic collection titled Foliage. This exploration not only broadened Jäger’s artistic vision but also rejuvenated his approach upon returning to Monolord.
“Creating solo albums has significantly improved my songwriting skills and allowed me to explore a wider range of emotions,” Jäger reflects. “I can still bring the heaviness, but now it comes in different forms.”
New Musical Landscapes in Neverending
Monolord’s latest offering,Neverending,showcases Jäger’s evolution through eight haunting and dynamic tracks that traverse the depths of classic rock,grunge,and alt-rock. The band’s signature heavy tones are now infused with a psychedelic essence reminiscent of emotionally charged bands like Mastodon and Baroness.
“Melodies and hooks have always been my passion, and while we’ve incorporated that into Monolord, it was frequently enough challenging to break free from the doom mold,” Jäger explains.”playing a single riff for several minutes in rehearsal is exhilarating,but translating that to a recording doesn’t always resonate with listeners in the same way.”
Neverending is poised to captivate not only die-hard doom enthusiasts but also those who appreciate a darker sound with nuanced layers.
Among the standout tracks, You Bastard features a jagged, unpredictable riff paired with a slow, simmering rhythm that culminates in a catchy, bittersweet chorus. Meanwhile, Crystal Bridge delivers a gritty, industrial sound reminiscent of Corrosion of Conformity, before transitioning into a serene, meditative ballad.
Invisible flows with a winding guitar melody and lush vocal harmonies. Jäger identifies the opening track, iodine, as the album’s highlight, blending drone rock elements with infectious hooks.
“I believe it’s our best work to date,” he asserts.”It diverges from our previous sound while still feeling like a natural progression.”
For the solos, Jäger drew inspiration from classic rock legends, reinterpreting their iconic leads. “I spent a lot of time listening to the dual-guitar harmonies in Hotel California and Freebird, then I’d pick up my guitar and put my own spin on it,” he shares.
(Image credit: james Rexroad)
Personal Themes and Evolving Sound
Along with diversifying his musical style, Jäger shifted his lyrical focus.Moving away from abstract themes, he now addresses personal experiences, including romantic disillusionment, mortality, and mental health struggles.
“While I’ve explored belief and superstition in the past,this album feels much more intimate. I wanted to share real stories, reflecting my own life changes and the challenges manny face,” he explains. “Life can be tough, but there’s always a way through.”
Many of the riffs on Neverending were developed over time, with the foundation for Inside the Collider written back in 2020. Other tracks have been in various stages of completion for years, with final demos wrapped up in April 2025.
“When revisiting older songs, I often have to relearn them, re-record, and make adjustments,” Jäger notes. “I tend to panic if I feel there’s not enough variation, so I keep refining them even after they seem finished.”
monolord has also experimented with tuning,initially adopting C standard tuning in 2014 before dropping to B standard for a heavier sound.
“The moment I switched to drop A tuning, a flood of new riffs emerged,” Jäger recalls.
While they enjoyed the deeper tones, using traditional gauge strings posed challenges in maintaining tuning stability. “The strings would become loose and wobbly, making setup a lengthy process,” he admits.
For their third album, Rust, released in 2017, they addressed this by using lower gauge strings (.12 to .58). Recently,Jäger has been using Love Joy .12 to .64 strings on his gold top Gibson Les Paul custom and his favorite SG. For three tracks on Neverending, he tuned down to drop A.
“The moment I switched to drop A tuning, a flood of new riffs emerged,” he shares. “It felt fresh and invigorating. Even without distortion,the vibrations alone create a rich sound.”
“I still enjoy tuning to B standard, as it allows for clean guitar overdubs with a capo on the seventh fret, creating a beautiful sound. I’ve done this with both acoustic and electric guitars for some unique layers. Though, I’m eager to explore more with drop A in the future.”
Monolord’s Evolution: Crafting Their Latest Masterpiece
While Monolord initially took the reins of their first five albums, they decided to elevate their sound by collaborating with a renowned producer for their latest project, Neverending. Bassist Mika Häkki, a devoted fan of Tool, was thrilled when frontman Thomas Jäger proposed working with Sylvia Massy, known for her work on Tool’s Opiate and undertow.
Even though Jäger shares a fondness for Tool, his admiration for Massy stems from her production of the first Bigelf EP, Closer to Doom, which he considers a personal favorite. “I was just 16 when it was released, and her name has always resonated with me. It wasn’t until later that I discovered her extraordinary portfolio, which includes collaborations with legends like Johnny Cash, Prince, and System of a Down,” he explains.
Recording Journey with Sylvia Massy
Massy requested Jäger to send her all his compositions, regardless of their development stage. By April 2025, after reviewing approximately 60 tracks, Monolord traveled to her studio, Sylvia’s Oddio Shop, located in Ashland, Oregon. Initially anxious about meeting Massy, Jäger quickly found common ground as they discussed music and production, easing his nerves and igniting his enthusiasm.
“She was incredibly engaged yet relaxed, making the recording process feel effortless, almost as if we were working alone,” Jäger recalls.
Monolord live | freak Valley Festival 2024 | Rockpalast - YouTube
Innovative Soundscapes and Techniques
Massy played a pivotal role in shaping 11 complete tracks by merging Jäger’s shorter ideas with more developed pieces. To achieve a diverse array of warm, fuzzy, and overdriven sounds, she assembled an impressive rig featuring various amplifiers and pedals.
Jäger recorded multiple takes using an Orange OR80 vintage amp, an OR120 modern amp, a laney Klipp, and a Mesa/Mark VII set to deliver a “Malcolm Young kind of crunch.” Additional tracks and overdubs were captured with a Wizard Modern classic, a 5150 combo, a small Valo, and ZT Lunchbox amps.
For added distortion, Jäger combined a Boss FZ2 with a Lichtlärm Audio Medusa and utilized a Pepers Pedals Humongous Fuzz on Mode III for the drop A tracks. He enhanced some lead parts with the FZ2 and a dunlop Cry baby Mini-Wah in an open position. “It creates a delightful chaos, which I find exhilarating,” he shares. “I love that explosive sound filled with mids.”
“In my mind, I envisioned the album sounding more like contemporary metal, so when I first heard the mix, I was a bit taken aback,” Jäger admits.
as the recording sessions drew to a close, Monolord had amassed numerous takes with various setups, leaving them uncertain about the final sound of the album. Given the array of high-gain amps and pedals used, Jäger anticipated a sharp, aggressive sound.
“I had pictured the record as more modern metal,so when I first listened to the mix,I was somewhat confused.it didn’t have the edge I expected; rather, it felt reminiscent of a metal album from the ’70s. I wasn’t sure how I felt about that,” he reflects.
MONOLORD – You Bastard (Official Music Video) – YouTube
Unveiling the Depths of Neverending: Monolord’s Sonic Journey
Upon repeated listens, guitarist Thomas Jäger began to appreciate the intricate tonal nuances and production techniques that distinguish Neverending from typical heavy music recordings. He noticed how the layers of sound intertwined to create a rich atmosphere, with the intensity of the guitars ebbing and flowing as producer Sylvia Massy skillfully manipulated the layers.
“We ensured we were thoroughly prepared before entering the studio, but we also aimed to incorporate additional arrangements, not anticipating the number of takes we would ultimately record,” Jäger reflects.
“It was an unbelievable experience,” he continues. “Once I stepped back and listened with fresh ears,I could hear how all the tracks blended together,along with the various overdubs. It became clear that Sylvia had a precise vision for the sound. Now I understand why she insisted on recording so many guitar parts.”
Challenges Faced During Production
The primary challenge Monolord faced while creating Neverending was a self-imposed one. Aware that the album’s production costs would exceed their previous projects, they adhered to a strict schedule that allowed minimal downtime. This looming deadline induced some anxiety but ultimately served to keep the band focused and driven.
“We made sure we were completely prepared when we went in, but we wanted to do some extra arrangements and we didn’t expect to record as many takes as we did,” Jäger recalls. “we were concerned about not having enough time to complete everything. Thankfully, it all came together in the end.”
Monolord: The Epic Comeback of Sweden’s Doom Metal Titans!
Monolord: The Epic Comeback of Sweden’s Doom Metal Titans!
The Rise of monolord in the Doom metal Scene
Formed in Gothenburg, Sweden, Monolord has established itself as a formidable force in the doom metal genre as their inception in 2013. With their heavy riffs, atmospheric soundscapes, and introspective lyrics, they quickly garnered a dedicated fanbase. Their frist five albums, released between 2014 and 2021, showcased their evolution and solidified their status alongside other doom metal heavyweights like Pallbearer and Yob.
The Anticipation for Neverending
After a brief hiatus,Monolord returned to the music scene with their highly anticipated album,Neverending.This release marks a significant milestone in their career, as it not only reflects their growth as musicians but also their willingness to experiment with new sounds and production techniques.
What Makes Neverending Stand Out?
Innovative Production: Collaborating with renowned producer Sylvia Massy, known for her work with iconic bands like Tool and system of a Down, Monolord has crafted a sound that is both fresh and familiar.
Layered Textures: The album features intricate layering of guitar riffs and atmospheric elements, creating a rich sonic experience that invites listeners to delve deeper with each listen.
Personal Themes: Lyrically, neverending explores themes of introspection, existentialism, and emotional struggles, resonating with fans on a personal level.
Track Highlights from Neverending
Track Number
Track Title
Key Features
1
Iodine
Drone rock influences with feverish hooks
2
You Bastard
Jagged riffs and a catchy chorus
3
Crystal Bridge
Dynamic shifts from heavy to serene
4
Invisible
Harmonized guitar lines and vocal layers
Behind the Scenes: The Recording Process
The recording of Neverending was a meticulous process. Jäger and his bandmates entered the studio with a clear vision but were surprised by the number of takes they ended up recording. This dedication to perfection is evident in the final product.
Key Insights from the Recording Experience
Planning is Key: The band ensured they were well-prepared before entering the studio, which allowed for a smoother recording process.
Embracing Versatility: While they had a plan, the band was open to making adjustments and exploring new arrangements during the recording sessions.
Collaboration with Sylvia Massy: Massy’s expertise in production helped shape the album’s sound, allowing the band to experiment with various guitar tones and effects.
Fan Reactions and Critical acclaim
Since its release, Neverending has received widespread acclaim from both fans and critics alike. Many have praised the album for its depth and emotional resonance, highlighting Monolord’s ability to push the boundaries of doom metal.
Notable reviews
Metal Hammer: “Monolord has outdone themselves with Neverending, a masterclass in heavy music that is both haunting and beautiful.”
Decibel Magazine: “This album showcases the band’s growth and willingness to explore new sonic territories.”
Pitchfork: “A bold return that solidifies Monolord’s place in the pantheon of modern doom metal.”
Benefits of Listening to Monolord
Engaging with Monolord’s music offers several benefits for listeners:
Emotional connection: Their lyrics often resonate with personal experiences, allowing listeners to find solace and understanding.
Musical Exploration: The intricate soundscapes encourage listeners to explore the depths of doom metal and its various subgenres.
Community Engagement: Joining the Monolord fanbase connects listeners with a community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for heavy music.
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Conclusion
Monolord’s return with Neverending marks a significant chapter in their journey as doom metal titans. With innovative production,personal themes,and a commitment to musical exploration,they continue to captivate audiences worldwide.
![the Swedish doom/sludge band Monolord [L-R]: Bassist Mika Häkki, drummer Esben Willems, guitarist/vocalist Thomas Jäger](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/hrrJ9TuQLzh7pwJVX4jknZ-1200-80.jpg.webp "Monolord: The Epic Comeback of Sweden's Doom Metal Titans! 7")
