Fans of American hard/rock heavy metal band Edge of Paradise are about to be given another reason to celebrate with the soon to be released “Hologram And Slaves To Forever” – a stunning new graphic novel written and illustrated by the multi-talented lead singer Margarita Monet. The signed pre-order copies are due to ship out this week, and the new novel does a truly excellent job of visually bringing to life the intricate sci-fi narrative of last year’s phenomenal “Hologram” studio album (which also earned our award for “Best Hard Rock Album of 2023”).
The genuinely original and thought-provoking story is presented across 36 gorgeous pages; broken up into 10 chapters corresponding to each of the songs. And to say this book is a veritable feast for the eyes would be a major understatement. If you have any familiarity with Monet’s original artwork, you will already have an appreciation of what I mean by this comment. Futuristic dark fantasy illustrations that stimulate your imaginative senses and curiosity, with a strong recognisable art style and vibrancy of colour which together leaves a lasting and impactful impression. And for anyone who is wanting to own several of her artistic masterpieces, especially those based on “Hologram“, the collection included within this hardcover novel certainly makes for an economical way to achieve that. Each of them are presented in colour, and while some serve as backgrounds to the text, others have a full page just to themselves. But even then there is usually a few small details and annotations which you will not be able to find anywhere else. Some pages feature QR codes too, which provide links to the relevant music (including alternate versions), and which have the effect of unifying the two mediums and creating a fully immersive experience for the reader.
Without spoiling any specific details, many of my favourite pieces of this era of Monet’s art are present in this volume. With quite a few new ones that I had not seen before. And if you were not aware, some of these artworks may even include cryptograph symbols which can actually be translated with Edge of Paradise’s very own cipher. Once again adding another layer of mystery and engagement to the proceedings. As if the beautifully rendered art was not already enough to warrant the price of admission, Monet also backs it up with a unique and thrilling adventure, which casts her in the role of the leading protagonist Psyla.
In the story, her character is tasked with commanding a crew (portrayed by other members of Edge of Paradise) on an important mission through space in order to save humanity, which is already on the brink of its existence. The adoption of “HolloTravel” technology has allowed humans to project their consciousness into holographic vessels. But at great cost. Emphasising the lengths that we’ll go to in order to obtain freedom and immortality. So much so that we risk putting ourselves at the mercy of AI, and losing the one thing which makes us all human in the first place: our soul.
It’s a highly prescient and topical storyline given recent developments in this area. And fills in many of the questions and gaps that before were left to interpretation (when all we had were the song lyrics as reference). Indeed, it has given me a whole new understanding than what I had at the time of writing the album review. And quite honestly, it’s rewarding to be able to experience this shift in perception, and see the material from a different viewpoint now that it’s possible to have a better conceptualisation of the specifics. If you truly wish to comprehend “Hologram” – the novel is definitely a necessity. It answers almost everything, including the previously ambiguous nature of the alien artifact. And for that reason, and the many others listed above, it receives my highest recommendation.
Verdict: The must-have companion to an equally essential studio album. “Hologram And Slaves To Forever” means fans can now enjoy this experience in its totality, and as it was intended, on both an auditory and visual level. While also gaining a deeper understanding of the intriguing universe that Monet has constructed. I look forward to the next chapter!
