MONSTERUS: Zealots in the Land of Nod
Full disclosure: Ron Campbell, drummer for Monsterus, and I are long time friends going back to high school art class in the mid-1980s. We were the obnoxious one’s who sat in the back of class discussing all things music while the other students were trying to concentrate on whatever art project was set before us. Coincidently, we both ended up going into design work and are at it to this day – Ron runs his own creative agency and I make movies for the United States Air Force. Through the years, Ron and I have stayed in touch, always geeking out to the latest in heavy music and seeing each other at area concerts and festivals.
20 years ago, Ron and the rest of the guys in Monsterus sat with me in my office. He wanted to show me his latest project and I wanted to show him storyboards for the animated film I was trying to get funded. My film did not get made (anyone interested, give me a call!) but the Monsterus album did get released. And 20 years later we are seeing a remaster and release of Zealots in the Land of Nod.
Girder Records have developed a cottage industry in acquiring the release rights to older albums, remastering them, giving them new or updated packaging, including bonus tracks, and letting us music fanatics get our grubby hands on these pristine recordings. The packaging is deluxe with new liner notes (I made the “special thanks to” section), never before seen photos, and a trading card. The audio has been remastered and the disc has been remanufactured for an unspoiled listening experience.
I love good packaging and artwork, heck, I used to buy albums based on artwork alone (Grand Illusion anyone?) But if the songs and production are not good, no amount of great design and graphics can save an album.
Lucky for us, the Monsterus album, Zealots in the Land of Nod, is a fresh, original take on early 2000s metal. Monsterus is not easily categorized with everyone from Rob Zombie, Ozzy, and U2 being used to describe their sound. While I can hear elements of those bands and many more, Monsterus is wholly unique with driving songs that sometimes even slip into something akin to symphonic metal.
Zealots is a concept album that was also being developed into a comic book. In fact most key art was done and a screenplay was written for both the graphic novel and a later pitch for an animated film. Internal politics and misfortune caused the group to disband the night after booking a full summer tour. The comic book was never published and Monsterus ended after releasing one full length record. But what a record it is!
The album is a ten song journey through an industrial soundscape that constantly surprises the listener with its many twists. The vocal attack ranges from haunting to an almost Disturbed style staccato delivery. Mars Alan, who also plays guitar, has a unique baritone sliding from smooth to raspy. Mike Varney, of Shrapnel Records, discovered Mars and recommended him to Ron to fill the Monsterus guitar slot. Having the ability to sing as well kept the lineup streamlined to a trio.
Don Williams lays down a heavy and thumpy bottom end. He plays bass like a rhythm guitar making Zealots sound much fuller when Mars is soloing. Don also sings background, adding depth to the vocal attack.
Ron plays percussion but is also the driving force behind the group. Monsterus was his brainchild and his pursuit of original sounding hard rock resulted in this project.
The production is a great mix of big analog and smooth digital. The drums are way forward in the mix, driving the songs forward with sometimes jackhammer intensity. The guitar tone is crunchy and slightly digitally processed, akin to Ty Tabor from King’s X. The bass has a classic rock tone, not distorted but very bottom heavy. The added keys and samples really fill out the sound. Monsterus samples everything from orchestra strings to funky horns. This album is best listened to through headphones or a very loud car stereo. Zealots is pure ear candy. Highlights include the huge sounding title track, the modern rock sensibilities of The Watchers, and the Pink Floyd sounding The Way Home.
When talking to Ron about the rise and fall of Monsterus he said the best validation he ever received was standing in line to see Disciple. The guys from Disciple drove into the parking lot of the venue with their windows down, and Zealots was blasting from their stereo. That left Ron speechless. Ron said that was even better than hearing it on the radio. That about sums it up, Zealots was not a huge commercial success, but those who have heard it, “get it”.
The re-issue is available from the Girder Music site and includes the entire Zealots album plus six bonus tracks.