Intense electro-tribal darkwave with pagan overtones and profound lyrics by Monica Richards of Faith and the Muse fame.

14 MP3 Songs
NEW AGE: Progressive Electronic, ROCK: Adult Alternative Pop/Rock

Show all album songs: InfraWarrior Songs


Details:
"Like a true daughter of Lilith, Monica Richards dedicates her first solo work to the Woman from all perspectives: Mother Nature, the oppression of society, the Sensual Female, Mythology, the Slavery of the Ages, and Death." - sonidobscuro.com

InfraWarrior is the new solo album by Monica Richards; U.S. release out May, 2007 on The Mercyground.

This evocative project, composed by Monica Richards alone, is at once hard-hitting and sensual, a revolutionary and seductive culmination evolving from over twenty years as an Independent artist. Her debut solo album ranges from Neo-Classical and World Music to Avant Garde melodies. At times personal and introspective, and at times addressing glaring social issues such as human trafficking and animal rights, she is not afraid to speak her mind.

Monica Richards, who began singing in her early teens fronting bands during the heyday of the Washington D.C. early 80s' hardcore punk scene, is best known through her years in the Darkwave/Classical duo of Faith and the Muse. Highly respected for her strong voice, deep poetic lyrical sense and the ability to take her listeners to another realm, InfraWarrior is the music that fans of Monica Richards have been waiting years to discover.

Monica's InfraWarrior album has a number of special guests, including Matt Howden, Paul Mercer, Lustmord, Fred 'Freak' Smith, Jarboe, kaRIN, and a special spoken word by Monica's father, Lloyd Richards. Produced by William Faith and mixed by Chad Blinman.

Reviews:

"Beauty in her voice, conviction in her words, and blood in her teeth. Monica Richards sheds the escapism that many Faith and The Muse fans expect, and gets down to business. The frequent Afro-Celtic beats suggest that these songs address (tragically) ancient issues. The opening 'Gaia' is, ironically, written and spoken by Monica's father, Lloyd Richards. It's a fitting start, the premise that the earth itself is a Mother entity. The patriarchal crimes Monica Richards denounces will continue beyond her lifetime, but her words will echo into the future as well. Songs such as 'I Am Warrior', like an Amazonian bonfire dance with tribal rhythm, chanted vocals and layered harmonies. 'Into My Own' - Celtic rhythm gives way to hard rock, with some of the best singing on the album; Fred "Freak" Smith brings a clean, hard Tool-ish guitar to the party.'Sedna' - A siren song with a lurching, neo-martial groove; Jarboe has a spoken-word piece in this one.'The Hunt' - An ominous spoken piece with ambient dread courtesy of Lustmord: the calm before the storm, which comes four and a half minutes into the song, 'Death Is The Ultimate Woman' - A hypnotic piece with a Middle Eastern appeal. Layers of speaking and singing entwine like snakes, and 'We Are The One' - The most modern-sounding track. It's a cover, and this version has Depeche Mode appeal. 'Like Animals' - Solemn, gorgeous vocals with no music and lyrics by Leslie Bricusse."

Scott Sweet
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"Fans of Faith and the Muse will no doubt be interested in Monica
Richard's solo project "InfraWarrior", but I feel it's important
to note that this is NOT another Faith and the Muse album. While
Faith and the Muse has used myth, pagan symbolism, and
eco-centric themes in their music, the lyrics always existed outside
these realms. Hints and glimmers but no direct associations, and always a mystery open to a thousand interpretations.

"InfraWarrior" contains its own mystical energy, but it's not veiled.
The myths, symbols, and politics are all there but they are blatant,
raw, and feral. It sounds as if Monica Richards opened her head and
poured out her fears, hopes and angers for the listener to "see". We
are shown her as the Warrior, the Artist and the Woman. We hear her
words and opinions but she makes it clear that these are her thoughts,
and not anthems to rally around."

Calhoun/DJ Kantrip
http://www.darkbohemia.net