Mono create a sound that envelops you in its entirety; an atmospheric whirlwind that encircles you and triggers emotion. Their sound is epic and elegant.

A four-piece from Japan, they're set to release their fifth studio album in 10 years. And what sets them apart from others is that they are purely an instrumental band, there are no lyrics here. An interesting concept and one which requires a lot of work; there is nothing to distract from musical imperfections, this has to be spot-on.

They sit on a fine line that teeters on the edges of classical and rock, a very experimental genre. They are in a class of their own and there are no comparisons to be made here.

This concept album plays with the idea of romanticism, with its vast heart-melting melodies and eclectic sound.

First track 'Ashes In The Snow' is a magnificent 11-minute musical journey that creates an amalgamation of classical melody and rock. The track begins with chimes, a frosty sound that feels quite festive and sets a spine-tingling scene which develops into a piano based melody. The song subtly builds and acquires layers of sound that peak to incorporate cymbals. The title of the song suits the sound perfectly; it is beautiful, calming and intricately formed. Guitars strike up and bring the essence of rock to create the original sound that Mono are renowned for, such a statement making contrast. Layer upon layer of sound builds, partnered with the introduction of drums that build and then break down to a more simplistic concept. The track draws to an impactful and dramatic close.

'Burial At Sea' is like a tidal wave of sound that echoes soft guitar melodies teamed with light crashing waves and a pirate ship marching beat. The only thing that ruins this track is the start which sounds slightly like a lorry in reverse. Once you notice this it is hard to not hear it over everything else.  Mono use their winning recipe of gradually building the sound, this time with strings and light drumming. It is harmonious and sparks a deep feeling of relaxation. This track reflects its title in so many ways. The strings are a representation of the wave motion and cymbals like the crashing of waves. The song breaks down returning to simple guitars before the seventh minute when we rebuild for a dramatic and a warlike final three minutes.

'Silent Flight, Sleeping Dawn' adds a woodwind section and flutes fused with melancholic piano tones. It sounds like a tragic love story, elegant and graceful. The sound is captivating. This concept is further lived through 'Follow The Map' which sounds like it could chart the tragic love story from a Jane Austen novel, like an epic movie soundtrack. You can almost feel yourself partaking in a journey up over mountains and trailing through fields. Mono create an experience, not just music.

'Pure As Snow (Trails Of The Winter Storm)' shows the most thunderous sound thus far, but feels like they almost lose their way half way through. We lose the timing and the melody as we hit a wall of rock, which works as it feels like it has been building over the last few tracks, but it almost ruins its own beauty.

Arguably, the best track on Hymn To The Immortal Wind is 'Everlasting Light' which begins with a beautiful piano melody;it is certainly a stand out track and restores the equilibrium of the album tempo. The listener has no choice but to let them self go and fall into the hidden depths of the music, it becomes almost a state of being. Mono show great ability and pure talent to achieve an effect like this.

They have an incredible ability to make one self feel insignificant in comparison to these huge ambient riffs and vast natural images that it conjures up.

It feels like every song on the album is so considered. Its name reflects the exact sound that it creates, almost like you could match the names to the songs without ever having previously heard them.

Mono may be celebrating their ten years of music so far but it would certainly not be surprising to hear them still making fine music in another ten years.

The above is a review of Mono-Hymn To The Immortal Wind. Why not take a listen to the album before you read this, so you can decide if you think we are giving a fair review. The one thing that can be said about it straight off is that it is a really pure sound, that deserves having your hearing aid from Miracle Aid (www.miracle-ear.com) at the perfect setting, so you can get the full effect of it. Get yourself comfortable, turn off any other distractions and feel the music.