Album Review: Ignea – Monumental (Napalm Records)

Nostalgia, we are all susceptible to it in some form or another, and that is what Ignea explore on their brand-new album. Called ‘Monumental’, it is set for release on October 23rd, 2026, via Napalm Records.

An album enriched with a longing for different, yet familiar times, Ignea’s sophomore album is a more focused effort. One that showcases growth, better balances melody and metal, and delivers experimental touches that add even more expression. It is a brilliant album, and by homing in on the nostalgia aspects, Ignea give it a thread that anyone can grasp and be pulled by.

Nostalgia can be celebrated, and Ignea certainly do that here, but there’s also a darkness to it as it’s far too easy to get lost in the longing of what was. Ignea approach this delicately, lamenting loss while celebrating the beauty of it all, in particular, the concept of retrofuturism, and encouraging listeners to take what it offers and use it to shape the future. A future that is less certain than ever, especially for Ignea. Let it never be forgotten that they live in the shadow of war. In their country, Ukraine, having been illegally invaded by Russia in 2022, they are subjected to daily attacks that has killed tens of thousands.

Imagine living a life like this. Where at any stage of the day, bombs could drop wiping out houses, shops, factories, and so on. Tomorrow their neighbourhood could be gone, so can you blame Ignea for getting nostalgic and taking inspiration from architecture?

The album features nine tracks and begins in heartfelt, infectious, and dramatic fashion with Darkness. The sound of shimmering synth, bubbling melody, heavier rock flair, and Helle’s immense vocals, harmonised with others impressively. It is a bar setting track, even if some may want a bit more bite. Happily, that comes with Dreams of Lands Unseen as the melodic metal side of Ignea is on full display here. Before a simple, but infectious, showcase of epic intensity that has a fairytale feel arrives in the form of Presence of the Past, theremin and all. Each sees Ignea effortlessly balance melody and metal that draws from different parts of the musical world.

Experimentation that results in the band teaming up with industrial heavyweights, Combichrist on Prefab. Proof of Igena’s ambition, the thumping industrial-tinged track goes hard, in particular, the chorus. Although, not to be outdone, Britta Görtz of Hiraes makes a guest appearance on Harmony Manufactured and helps deliver one of the album’s meanest sounding tracks. Both are undeniable bangers.

However, if we’re talking bangers then What Buildings Dream of is one of my favourites. It’s a little weird, but a great showcase of the album’s retrofuturism feel, especially as it’s a bit more direct with its architectural inspirations. I think it is one of their most creative tracks to date.

Elsewhere, there is the captivating I Am in Hell, a meaningful showcase of emotion and authenticity. There is the extravagant and expressive Between No Longer and Not Yet, and there is Nadir, a symphonic outro that feels very cinematic. It, alongside all the others, adds weight to what Ignea are trying to portray here, and as far as I’m concerned, they’ve nailed it. This is a smart album, but it’s also an album that everyone can connect to one way or another. That is what makes it so special.

Ignea – Monumental Full Track Listing:

1. Darkness
2. Dreams of Lands Unseen
3. Presence of the Past
4. Prefab (feat. Combichrist)
5. What Buildings Dream of
6. I am in Hell
7. Between No Longer and Not Yet
8. Harmony Manufactured (feat. Hiraes)
9. Nadir

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