Interview by: Robert Cavuoto
Monolith is a powerhouse and genre-defying trio comprised of Hernán “Motley” Rodríguez [bass/vocals], Andy Barrow [guitar/vocals], and Mike Mangini [drums] that brings together a unique blend of rock, metal, and Latin rhythms. Together, they offer high-energy, bone-crushing riffs with cinematic from-the-gut songwriting.
Monolith burst onto the music scene in March when they surprised the world with the announcement of their first single, “Oligarchs,” and acclaimed drummer Mike Mangini has joined the band after his tenure in Dream Theater.
From their first two singles releases, “Oligarchs” and “Mother Martyr,” Andy’s guitar work is a revelation, his dizzying riffs and searing leads weaving a tapestry of controlled chaos. Hernán’s bass playing is equally impressive; his intricate lines provide a rock-solid foundation and a melodic counterpoint to the guitar maelstrom. Holding it all together, Mike’s drumming provides a rock-solid foundation while also dazzling with his trademark technical wizardry and inventive polyrhythms. But perhaps the most potent weapon in Monolith’s arsenal is Hernán’s voice – his anguished vocals channel a lifetime’s worth of pain and fury, lending an almost unbearable emotional weight to the band’s already crushing compositions.
Monolith is more than the sum of its parts – the band has a singular chemistry that allows them to seamlessly shift from all-out sonic assaults to nuanced, dynamic compositions. They are a band that demands attention to prepare for the release of more music. Get ready for this trio as they reshape the musical landscape as we know it.
It was a pleasure to interview Mike and Hernán, who provide a fascinating glimpse into the band’s origins and the genesis of their hard-hitting new singles. Hernán shared how he and Andy were developing song ideas before bringing Mike into the fold to apply his eclectic percussive background and Latin rhythmic elements. They explained how the band’s sound evolved through discussion more than rehearsal, and when Mike stepped in, they truly took shape. They discussed that their songs are message-driven, focusing on empowerment, as they take great care to align the musical structure with lyrical intent. Mike explains how he had been looking for the right band since leaving Dream Theater to blend his rhythmic expertise into a heavy metal context and why all the signs pointed to joining Hernán and Andy. Though they were both coy about the timing of the release of a full-length album or tour, Monolith remains committed to adapting to the modern digital landscape by unveiling their anthems one single at a time. Check all the fun and laughs during this interview, follow My Global Mind on Facebook, Twitter, and Spotify, and subscribe to their YouTube channel.
About Author
