Starmonger Premiere “Page of Swords” Video; New Album to Be Recorded
Paris-based heavy psychedelic rockers Starmonger are working their way toward recording their second full-length later this year. Perhaps, then, one might think of their new single “Page of Swords” as a proof-of-concept for the current incarnation of the band, which since their first LP, 2020’s Revelations (review here), has seen the departure of vocalist/bassist Steve Faussier and the move of guitarist Arthur Desbois to the singer role while Mathias Friedman steps in on bass and backing vocals alongside Desbois and drummer Seb Antoine.
In short, concept proven.
The first Starmonger track in two and a half years, “Page of Swords” offers a gallop worthy of the vintage sci-fi gladiatorism that features in the accompanying video (by Antoine), and Desbois‘ lead vocals are enough to make one ask first why he wasn’t singing before and second when the battle is set to begin. Beginning with a riff that’s as clear a Kyuss reference as you could get, the track unfolds with medieval grandiosity, and Desbois‘ voice is suited to that kind of triumphal storytelling in both delivery and range.
Moreover, both impress. If you heard their prior material, yes, “Page of Swords” is coming from a different point of view, and the feeling in the track itself is refreshed. The backing vocals from Friedman — and later also Antoine — emphasize the play toward the epic, but the song itself isn’t overblown, even as it moves through the break in its second half, which is put to use as a means of deepening the melody and building up to a big-riff finish that would fit neatly in the pantheon of Fuzzorama Records.
Touching on psychedelia and proggier construction, “Page of Swords” is nonetheless catchy and rousing to the listener, and it moves in a way that seeks to leave no one behind. I have no details on when they’re really setting to work on the next record, but to me this song reads like a precursor to a second debut rather than a sophomore LP, and it will be interesting to hear when the time comes if and how this sort of grandiose take — which feels like it’s born out of proto-NWOBHM as much as modern fuzz — manifests throughout the rest of their new material. Something to look forward to perhaps in 2024, depending on when they’re in the studio, label plans, and so on.
But to bottom-line it and again, try to keep it short, what you get here is a burgeoning perspective on the part of the band. It’s nascent, but it’s right there for you to hear. The clip below has the prior-alluded grainy B-movie footage, but also some studio footage of the band recording the song, which is welcome. It’s a positive way for Starmonger to step forward, and hopefully they continue to charge with such gusto down their path, wherever it takes them next.
Video premieres below. Please enjoy:
Starmonger, “Page of Swords” video premiere
STARMONGER is a French fuzzy power-trio hailing from Paris. Their sonic divinations, bewitching grooves and extravagant stories were first distilled in their debut LP “Revelations” released at the end of 2020, drawing from the raw rock of the 70’s and the energy of the modern stoner-rock and alternative metal scene. With unforgettable melodies and fuzz-laden hooks, Starmonger brings fresh air to the long tradition of the rock power-trio.
Through their songs and their visual universe, they evoke B-movies and pulp stories, post-apocalyptic deserts and eldritchian monsters from the abyss. The year 2023 marks a new staple for the band, ready to make you discover another dimension of fuzz with their new single Page of Swords, a prelude to an uncanny interdimensional voyage…
“Page of Swords” is a fuzzy voyage across mountain peaks, about delusions of grandeur and ambition, and backing away from the rat race. This marks some big changes for the band, as it is the first release since 2020 (and the troubled times of lockdown and all the changes, introspection & reconsideration it brought), and most importantly the first release with our new line up, with Mathias on bass guitar and backing vocals, and Arthur as lead singer.
Page of Swords was written & performed by Starmonger.
Recorded & mixed by Vincent Liard at Studio de la Vimondière, nov.-dec. 2022.
Mastered by Jérôme Richelme, jan. 2023.
Music video by Seb Antoine
Footage from “The Giant of Metropolis” (1961) / Studio de la Vimondière (2022)
Artwork by Starmonger
Starmonger is:
Arthur Desbois (guitar, lead vocals)
Mathias Friedman (bass, backing vocals)
Seb Antoine (drums, backing vocals)
