Murmur Of Monks – Laibachesque (EP – Murmur Of Monks)

Genre/Influences: Cinematic, Industrial, Experimental.
Format: Digital.
Background/Info: Murmur Of Monks is a Belgian solo-project driven by ‘Humwawa’. The title of this new work reveals what it’s all about. Laibach seems to have been a famous source of inspiration for Murmur Of Monks so the work is meant as an ode to the great Slovenian project.
Content: The EP features 5 songs, which have been composed and adapted by the sound and style of Laibach. I can’t say that it sounds like a copy-paste of Laibach, but the cavernous production of the vocals and some symphonic arrangements are clearly reminding me of this band.
+ + + : Murmur Of Monks doesn’t hide its influences, but clearly claims what has been the main source of inspiration in its own work and writing. But the main strength is that it doesn’t sound like an emulation of Laibach, but just an adaptation and transformation into its own sound. I like the obscure sphere supporting the work, the slow cadence and the deeply, reverberating timbre of voice.
– – – : I personally prefer previous work of this project. I’m missing a true climax.
Conclusion: Murmur Of Monks remains a project with a true potential and a different approach than the average Industrial project.
Best songs: “Jesus Christ Moviestar”, “Opus Diaboli”.
Rate: 7.
Artist: www.facebook.com/murmurofmonks
About Murmur Of Monks
Murmur Of Monks is a Belgian solo-project based in Torhout, driven by the artist known as Humwawa. The project draws on influences including Dead Can Dance, Morbid Angel and Laibach, and records at a home studio referred to as “Torture Tomb”. Releases include the albums “Artista Non Grata” and “Sol Oriens”.
The EP “Laibachesque”, reviewed here, is presented as a direct tribute to Laibach.
Support Side-Line
More people read Side-Line than ever, and there is still no paywall and no advertising. Readers pay for it instead - from $5 a month.
Why we ask
Advertising revenues across the media are falling fast. Unlike many news organisations we have not put up a paywall, and we refuse to add annoying advertising, so we need to ask for your help. Side-Line’s independent journalism takes time, money and hard work to produce, and we do it to push the artists we like, who are equally fighting to survive.
Handled by PayPal.

I have been working for over 30 years with Side-line as the main reviewer. My taste is eclectic, uncoventional and I prefer to look for the pearls, even if the bands are completely unknown, thus staying loyal to the Side-Line philosophy of nurturing new talents.

