The Dark Monarchy, with four complete studio albums and as many E.P.s, has seen a steady progression of their music. ‘Weight Of The World,’ the latest release from the band consisting of Prog-Metal multi-instrumentalist Mark Anthony K and Joe Bailey, continues the band’s upward progression. The five-song album continues with the adventurous bass runs by Bailey and the orchestrated guitar parts by K. The vocals, handled by both principles, continue to evolve, and the double bass drumming has been elevated to a new level. 

“Your Dead Sea,” the album opener, starts with a dazzling synthesizer intro followed by slashing guitars and equally dynamic drumming. Bailey, who handles the lead vocals on the song, tells a tale of a hostile and pessimistic world that pulls people down and an effort to turn that around. The tricky time signatures and multiple guitar parts complement the theme, and at just over seven minutes, the song seems too short. 

“The Changes We Make” opens with soaring guitars and dynamic drumming before Mark Anthony K breaks the spell with his clear and forceful lead vocal. Combining personal and global visions, the song makes a strong case for progression and redemption. The mid-song breakdown is equally effective, with K delivering one of his best guitar sections on the album. Joe Bailey’s orchestration becomes more prominent during the song’s turnaround, adding to the song’s epic feel before K’s guitars take us on another flight of fantasy. They are uplifting and inspiring—the song ties in the album’s lyrical themes into just seven minutes of potent Prog-Metal. 

“On Trial With The World”  developed from a lyrical seed from  Bailey, focusing on the scrutiny people feel from supervisors, social media, and others. The lyrics are accessible yet biting. Musically, the song starts with a guitar figure similar to Steve Lukather’s playing of the Toto song “Alone.” Bailey’s keyboard prowess is evident as he sprinkles in piano touches before delivering a powerful vocal. Bailey’s orchestration helps propel the music, and K’s vocals on the bridge offer tasty contrast. 

“Two Months To Live” grabs the listener by the scruff of the neck and never lets them go. Lyrically, the subject matter of the death of a loved one is identifiable. Musically, the drumming is propulsive, and the chorus effect of K’s guitar is staggering. The song has an immediate presence, and K’s vocals and Bailey’s piano add bite to the music, which already has an undeniable presence. The song is so musically captivating that, upon initial listening, one might not focus on the lyrics. That would be unfortunate as the story is equally fascinating as K’s epic guitar work on the song. 

Upon reaching the final track, “Solitaire,” one can’t help but be amazed about how Bailey and K produced and arranged these songs. The track features a powerfully fluid lead guitar by K, soaring vocals, and melodic bass touches by Bailey. Lyrically, their band continues to paint vividly with their words:

“Metastasizing panic in these veins, I’ve bastardized uneasiness within.

Anesthetized and paralyzed, demoralized.

At home, shut the door, draw the blinds, and draw a blank.

Forget me, I’m lost at sea, I’m anywhere I need to be.”

Before you know if ‘Weight Of The World” is over, you’ve hit the remote control to play the album again. This is good stuff. 

The album is available on The Dark Monarchy Bandcamp Page. 

Fania All Stars – Latin–Soul–Rock – Reissue

On Fanta Records, the 1973 recording of the August 24, 1973 Yankee Stadium concert by the Fan All Stars is a treat from start to finish. The all too brief recording, long out of print, is released in 180-gram vinyl to celebrate the original release’s 50th anniversary. Remastered by Kevin Gray, the large and impressive all start group are on fire from the opening track, “ Viva Tirado” until the album’s final track, the percussion work out, “Congo Bongo”. While the recording includes just eight songs from the concert, what is included in the album is epic. Guest musician Billy Cobham handles the drumming for the concerts, and musical director and percussionist Johnny Paado leads the five other core all-starts through a riveting workout.

Additionally, Vaya Records guest stars such as Bobby Cruz and Ismael Quintana contributed vocals while invited All-Stars like Jorge “Malo” Santana on guitar and Manu Dibango, who played tenor sax on “Viva Tirado,” made significant contributions. “Viva Tirado” and “Mama Guiela” also feature calling Hammond B-3 work by guest All-STar Jan Hammer. The album is a joy from start to finish and is available on 192/24 hi-res digital audio. That is, if you are one of the 300 lucky souls, you can get a deluxe Fuego vinyl-colored limited edition vinyl copy.