Metalcore, born from the fusion of hardcore punk and melodic metal, has evolved tremendously since the 1990s. Bands like Killswitch Engage and Bleeding Through helped define the genre, but the search for innovation and unique identity remains ongoing. Exoneration, a transatlantic duo featuring American guitarist Corey Stiles and Dutch vocalist Arnaud Zijp, enters the scene with their debut album Monuments To Nothing, an ambitious statement that pushes boundaries while honoring metalcore’s core intensity.
In today's globalized music landscape, collaboration across borders is increasingly common, but rarely does it achieve such seamless cohesion as in Exoneration. Corey Stiles and Arnaud Zijp bring together distinct cultural backgrounds and musical influences, weaving them into a unified, powerful sound. Their combined experience in songwriting, programming, and performance results in an album that is both modern and deeply rooted in metalcore tradition.
The album’s title, Monuments To Nothing, serves as a critique of hollow gestures and meaningless grandeur in society. As they describe, humanity often surrounds itself with towering but empty structures—physical or metaphorical—built to assert dominance or worth, yet devoid of real substance. This concept permeates the music and lyrics, creating a cohesive narrative of resistance against superficiality.
The opening track immediately asserts Exoneration’s intent with aggressive, snarling riffs and a vocal assault that is both visceral and layered. The song develops over its runtime, adding melodic threads and atmospheric depth, showcasing the duo’s ability to craft complex, evolving compositions that hold the listener’s attention.
Featuring choral elements that lend a sacred, almost liturgical atmosphere, this track juxtaposes the spiritual with the raw power of metalcore. It elevates the album’s mood, emphasizing its thematic weight.
One of the album’s most intense moments, “Basilisk” benefits greatly from Candlebearer’s guest vocals. The song is an immediate, fierce barrage of riffs and pounding rhythms interspersed with slower crushing sections that build dramatic tension.
This instrumental track is a standout for its dynamic range and emotional storytelling without words. Deep bass underpins soaring solos and tranquil melodic passages, creating a textured soundscape that contrasts with the more aggressive parts of the album, adding emotional complexity.
“Thorn” delivers raw aggression with visceral screams and pounding intensity, while “Martyr” leans into melody with rich riffs and a sweeping chorus, highlighting the band’s versatility and depth.
The album’s cover art by Barnaby Oakley captures the ominous and monumental themes, providing a visual extension of the album’s concept. His previous work with bands like Reaper and Underking aligns perfectly with Exoneration’s vision, making the artwork an integral part of the album experience.
Scheduled for release on August 29, 2025, Monuments To Nothing is poised to become a significant entry in the metalcore scene. Fans of Killswitch Engage, Times Of Grace, Bleeding Through, and Refiner will find much to admire in Exoneration’s blend of diversity, power, and uncompromising spirit.
With Monuments To Nothing, Exoneration not only delivers a potent collection of songs but also an artistic manifesto that challenges and reinvigorates the metalcore genre. Their international partnership and fearless experimentation create an album that stands out for its intensity, emotion, and innovation.
Further Information:
official website of the band
https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563351883433
https://www.rottweilerrecords.com/