The Dark Monarchy has released four complete studio albums and as many EPs, crafting a steady progression with their music. Weight of the World, the latest release from prog-metal multi-instrumentalist Mark Anthony K and Joe Bailey, continues that upward progression.
This five-song album boasts more adventurous bass runs by Bailey and the orchestrated guitar parts by K. The vocals, handled by both, continue to evolve and the double bass drumming has been elevated to a new level.
The album-opening “Your Dead Sea” starts with a dazzling synthesizer intro followed by slashing guitars and equally dynamic drumming. Bailey handles the lead vocals on the song, telling 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. Even 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 redemption. The mid-song breakdown is equally effective, with K delivering one of his best guitar sections on Weight of the World. Joe Bailey’s orchestration becomes more prominent during the song’s turnaround, adding to its epic feel before K’s guitars take us on another flight of fantasy. Uplifting and inspiring, “The Changes We Make” ties in the album’s lyrical themes into just seven minutes of potent prog-metal.
“On Trial With the World” was developed from a lyrical seed of Bailey’s, and focuses 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 on 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 one might not focus on the lyrics upon initial listening. That would be unfortunate, however, 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. 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.
