Monograf: Occultation |

The Mystery of the Indecipherable

(2025 – Nordic Mission)

We talked about them at some point. Among other things, we said that we shouldn’t lose sight of them, and that it was serious. Well, we still maintain the same opinion, and even more so. Sorry for insisting on them, but Monograf is no longer a band to watch out for, it’s a reality, as is their new album entitled “Occultation,” their most recent release.
Monograf’s music falls under the so-called “post-rock” genre, where the experimental and instrumental have an unprecedented preponderance, somehow breaking down the structures that generally characterize all styles from simple rock to the most extreme metal. This can be perfectly understood by listening to “Occultation,” a work that fits that label but builds bridges to Nordic folk and ambient music, with a nod to extreme Scandinavian music.
Monograf is not new. The project began in 2009 with Erik Normann Sannes-Aanonsen at the helm (bassist for Antestor). At first, they were called “Tiny Bits Of Heart,” but the original project evolved into a band that was renamed Monograf, and in 2016 they released their first EP, which marked their recording debut. They would later release their first album, “Nadir,” in 2019. This current work would therefore be their third recording venture.

In fact, I don’t know whether to call “Occultation” an album. It only contains five songs, which could be considered an EP, but given the length of each track, the total running time of the album exceeds 40 minutes, which clearly makes it an album.
Technical issues aside, Monograf’s new album is truly captivating and exciting. Added to this is the aura of mystery that their music manages to introduce. A dark, dense, and melancholic atmosphere resonates throughout, and the different sounds that intermingle in each song fit perfectly into this separate world that Monograf has created.
The use of different sound and instrumental resources adds to the complexity of the plot of each song on “Occultation,” giving the band an aura unlike anything that has been heard before. Monograf does not shy away from anything. It is well known that their sources of inspiration are diverse and scattered, but their focal point is Nordic folk and the oppressive, dark atmosphere that part of the Black Metal universe has brought to Metal.
We had already heard “The Prophet,” thanks to the advance single that Monograf had released. It is also the first step in Occultation. Density, heaviness, torn voices, and an instrumental section led by violin sounds take us to unusual places and show us where the band is headed. Lots of music, lots of instrumentation, few lyrics, and at some point you could even talk about something progressive, if the comparison works.
“Cripplegate” is what follows. A piece that follows a line related to Nordic folk, and which has a connection in a certain way with that current of Norwegian Black Metal that makes that genre its north. Diverse and melancholic guitar riffs orchestrate a beautiful song that makes us reflect on the ideal of eternal life. At this point, it is worth clarifying that what stands out most about Monograf is their little or no tendency towards lyrics. Their strength lies in the music, without so much emphasis on the lyrics. This is not a minor detail, but it helps to understand where the band stands.
The calmness conveyed by “Ashes” is incredible, and in fact, it is the closest thing to the classic song structure as we know it. Not only is it the shortest track, but it is also practically an acoustic piece with clean vocals.
“Carrion Seller” is a different world, and perhaps the most experimental and progressive track on “Occultation.” It is the track in which Monograf is most daring in moving through several places at the same time. With a tempo that brings it closer to doom metal, the track in question is a riot of diverse feelings and dark sounds. Its guitar riffs are accompanied by different sounds, with a firm base and an instrumental part in which Monograf shows off his style, which is not attached to classic formulas.
In any case, “Occultation,” the last track and the one that gives this production its title, is not far behind. It seems to be the main motive and necessary participant in this musical crime that blows our minds. Here, the band experiments with sound in a rather dense and sacred piece that takes us through the best that Monograf has to offer: their virtuosity and unconventional structures. It could be something of a summary of what the band proposes and perhaps their self-referential song.
Monograf’s work may be difficult to digest for those accustomed to the classic structures of “rock songs.” The proposal itself challenges those limits and takes us to unusual places, expanding musical and compositional horizons, combining elements of progressive, dark ambient, extreme, doom, and perhaps gothic music in a fine mixture that elevates the musical above the lyrical.
“Occultation” is that fresh water drawn from the well in the midst of drought and general apathy, offering us a journey into the unknown and indecipherable.

But this album is not just about the music; the artwork is also meticulous and mysterious. That’s what its cover conveys, and it’s unbeatable. Its aura adds even more mystery to the whole thing. The design of the entire edition follows the same line. Simple but sober.
And what can be said about the sound of “Occultation”? Thrilling, forceful, well done. The mix has chosen to emphasize the percussion, work on the distortion of the guitars, vocals, and bass lines, and the introduction of the instrumentation used by Monograf, including violins, harps, synthesizers, etc., enriches the final sound, achieving an excellent combination. There is a sonic finesse that truly enriches this material in a masterful way. You can even enjoy the stereo sound, old-school style.
It is worth remembering that in addition to this compact disc edition, “Occultation” is also available on vinyl, undoubtedly a good decision for those of us who love physical formats over digital editions.
Monograf means business. If their previous work, “Nadir,” was just a warning, “Occultation” is the confirmation.
Here’s the lyric video for the song “The Prophet,” and as always, the coordinates to follow the band on social media…

https://www.facebook.com/monografband

https://www.instagram.com/monografband