Nothing new in Neverland - A review of Mono Inc.'s The Book of Fire

German gothic pop quartet Mono Inc. has become one of the country's most popular groups of the so-called dark culture. Previous record Welcome to Hell went all the way to the second position in the German album charts. It wouldn't be surprising if the band's eleventh studio record The Book of Fire went all the way for the pole position.

The elements that made the predecessor so successful are still exactly the same on its follow-up. Imaginative lyrics meet smooth vocals, melodic guitar play, harmonious keyboard partitions and stoic rhythm section. Title song ''The Book of Fire'' opens the album on an ambitious note with its numerous changes and intriguing storytelling through seven and a half minutes. Epic, majestic yet tight ''Shining Light'' features Tilo Wolff of Lacrimosa fame on guest vocals which adds some welcome diversity. ''Where the Raven Flies'' is the record's second long tune with dreamy keyboard sounds and inspired sound samples to keep transitions intriguing despite an overall very smooth pace and length almost cracking the eight-minute mark. ''The Last Crusade'' convinces with epic choirs and sound samples of ringing bells. ''Right for the Devil'' features medieval electronic rock band Tanzwut and incorporates bagpipe sounds as well as danceable electronic elements which make for one of this record's most creative tunes.

While The Book of Fire features the band's charismatic stylistic trademarks focusing on smooth pace, marvelous melodies and fluid flow, it is quite obviously very predictable and ends up sounding somewhat redundant, formulaic and boring. Only the longer tunes and tracks with guest musicians and vocalists add something new to the formula. Numerous tracks simply copy and paste melodies and songwriting patterns already used in the past. The most obvious offender is acoustic guitar and piano ballad ''Nemesis'' whose refrain sounds exactly like the one of ''A Vagabond's Life'' on immediate predecessor Welcome to Hell. Another problem throughout the record is the lifeless drum play that could also come from a computer instead of Katha Mia. At least her exchangeable vocal performances are less present on this release than on some previous outputs. Regarding those weaknesses, Mono Inc. should have simply taken a little bit more time to develop its songwriting and add a more dynamic production to prevent the repetition of its smooth stereotypes.

In the end, Mono Inc.'s The Book of Fire isn't a bad record but if you already own, know and appreciate the very similar and clearly superior predecessor Welcome to Hell, you simply don't need this fluid but somewhat uninspired successor. Only avid collectors and fans should pick up this new record while everyone else can refer to previous outputs. Perhaps a greatest hits record would also be a welcome alternative and appropriate idea the band could work on to celebrate its twentieth anniversary this year.

Final rating: 65%