Esben Willems, the drummer/force of nature of the long-time fuzz-drenched doom band Monolord, has branched out and released a solo record, Glowing Darkness. Choosing a different path from either his main band or his Monolord bandmates’ solo efforts, Esben ventures into more of an alternative rock/post-punk rock sound. This DIY effort sees him taking on all the instrumentation alongside production and recording, showcasing his multifaceted musical talents.
The opening tracks, ‘Cabaret Street’ and ‘Dear Demon’ set the tone with their upbeat, rocky vibes. Esben’s voice, slightly unusual and potentially divisive, adds a unique flavor to these tracks. ‘Carte Blanche’ features a quirky, slightly disjointed riff that gives the song a desert rock feel, with layered vocals and guitars adding depth to the mix. ‘Embrace the Fall’ follows with a similar bouncy, slightly quirky flow, maintaining the album’s energetic momentum.
The album takes a darker turn with ‘Slow Rain’ characterised by low-key, breathy, half-spoken/half-sung vocals and intriguing double tracks that add depth. It’s notable that, for a musician predominantly known as a drummer, the tracks are light on percussion, or at least the drums are low in the mix. The album’s title track, ‘Glowing Darkness’ features chant-like vocals that suit Esben’s vocal timbre well and picks up pace as the track progresses. ‘Space Bob’ is more riff-driven, building with layered guitars that create a rich, textured soundscape.
Given Esben’s experience running Studio Berserk in Gothenburg, it’s no surprise that the album is well-produced. The production is clear and airy, though in some places, the guitars could benefit from a bit more heft to thicken the sound. However, this is a matter of personal preference. The album’s direction is somewhat eclectic, likely a result of being a collection of years of writing, which explains the shifts in sound throughout.
‘Fortune Teller’ is a very stripped-back track featuring just guitar and vocals, providing a stark contrast to the fuller, more layered ‘Across Everything’ which incorporates more depth and keyboards, adding melody to the proceedings. This variety showcases Esben’s ability to traverse different musical landscapes, albeit in a somewhat disjointed manner.
In conclusion, Glowing Darkness is a good effort by Esben Willems. It features some quirky elements and an eclectic mix of styles, but also includes some solid, upbeat rock songs and demonstrates significant creativity. While it might not have the heavy, fuzz-drenched doom fans of Monolord might expect, it stands out as an interesting and varied solo project that highlights Esben’s versatility as a musician.
