Going back to where I initially started, I'm here again with another K-POP physical album release, and a bit too late to some standard, but hey! At least I was able put it out before the year ends right? 

For this post, we have Monsta X's 5th Mini Album [The Code] where I'll be showing you both the PROTOCOL TERMINAL and De:CODE version.





Monsta X came back with a time-related concept (moving on from their THE CLAN series) for [THE CODE] as shown heavily with its title track's MV, "DRAMARAMA".

Both the PROTOCOL TERMINAL and DE:CODE versions include: 64-page main booklet, a 20-page random personal booklet of a member, a random member CD, photo cards, and  #SCENE photo as a pre-order benefit. (Since I'm a broke-ass bish, I didn't get the special poster since shipping posters is a pain.) 

And can I just say that I'm relieved they only put out two versions of this mini album, as I tend to have completionist tendencies and putting out three or more, or even worse seven could severely make me go bankrupt.

Going back to the albums, let talk about the PROTOCOL TERMINAL version first!



This was the one I unboxed, as my sister unwrapped the DE:CODE one. I got Changkyun's Personal booklet along with Minhyuk's CD.

The layout for the photobook is pretty straightforward - simple, clean and breathtaking. Whenever he has his model mode on, I swear Changkyun is always on point. His shoots, in my opinion, is always the easiest one since he knows how to work with his angles and his personal booklet shows that.



Moving on to the main photobook, the main cover alone strengthens its spot as my favorite out of the two versions, for sleeping Monsta X is always appreciated.



I like the comfortable approach toward the style and colors on this one. Not to mention the fact that the boys look so damn good (as expected.).


Moving on to the DE:CODE version where I feel especially the luckiest, I present to you this gem:


I wasn't really expecting this to come my way, in all honesty. If you don't know - Hyungwon is the one I really like within the group. So to get a gem like this makes me a happy girl. I feel immensely blessed, ya'll have no idea.




The main photobook of the DE:CODE version decodes the scenes from the MV. I especially loved these photos from the Kendo scenes the most.


Spoiling me a little bit more, I also got a Hyungwon photo card along with Shownu's and Minhyuk's scene card.


Moving on from the physical album, let's discuss it as what it should be an album. THE CODE is a decent. Not entirely life-changing, but I appreciate another attempt for growth. You could tell their world tour somehow influenced this release as a whole - as each song sounded so diverse yet still retains that Monsta X signature.


Okay... I'm not gonna deny it anymore, the main reason why I'm so hyped up about this release is the fact that it includes FROM ZERO(If you have not listened to the original duet by Wonho and Hyungwon, what are you doing with your life? GO LISTEN TO IT NOW!). I had been obsessed with that song since it was unveiled during their concert. And to witness it be performed as seven, sure did gave me the high. 


I'm happy to have come in an age in this fandom where I don't really care who I get in terms of treats and freebies as I love the boys equally, with a little bias toward Hyungwon.

As expected from Monsta X - the photos looked really great. They all look so good. I have no complaints, and given that this is Starship, the layouts and the overall product is clean and well designed.

I like the packaging for this one better than Shine Forever, but if given more time to improve - they could've provided an acrylic cover for the album. Since it has no magnet for it to be fully closed and since it has a matte coating, it could be ruined if held by the wrong and not careful hands. But that's me being nitpicky. 

I really feel extra lucky this time around, and I'm really thankful for that. I really liked the album as a whole, and I want to end this post applauding those people who worked (apart from the boys!) to make this release possible.