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Mantra - Into the Light - 8 Track Album - Finisterian Dead End - Released 8th July 2013
Mantra
Into the Light
8 Track Album
Finisterian Dead End
Released 8th July 2013
Mantra – Rennes, France
Links:
https://www.facebook.com/Mantramusik
Listen here:
http://mantramusik.bandcamp.com/album/into-the-light
Genre: Progressive/Psychedelia
Biography:
“Mantra finds itself at the crossroads of multiple influences and proposes a rich music with sharp rhythms, powerful riffs and bewitching atmospheres. The four Frenchies invite you to enter their own universe, mixing strong emotions you won't ever forget.
In 2013, after two demos and an E.P, Mantra released their debut album "Into the Light" on the Finisterian Dead End label. Critically acclaimed in France and abroad, the work is now presented in a show on stage where sounds, colours and emotions blend together!”
Toward The Light
Wow was not expecting this tirade of malevolence to come hurriedly at me from all angles. The frenetic speed just savages and propels leaving behind it a cloud of black smoke that in turn leaves an apocalyptic charred remain in its wake. However the tempos are brought under control and turned into what I was expecting at the beginning.
Call My Name (free)
Quite a versatile track that has attitude and edgy slabs of rhythm. Flourishing with a vibrant smack of strings the harsh evil growling pervades and here on in a brooding, almost aboriginal flavor emerges. This is not all progressive and psychedelic – but it is difficult to pin down as it hosts plenty of variety.
Reborn
A simplistic array of strings to a backdrop of Tropicana - bird and animal wise hangs in the foray. It is an unblemished track that holds a dreamy landscape of melancholic ambiance. The riffs are repetitive at times but it all adds to the enjoyable ensemble of the track. However add in the humongous growls and my ears perk up almost instantaneously.
Elevate
Creates an emotion of spellbinding magic as it twists and turns, slowly and surely into a meandering of sorts that shows off without exceeding its boundaries. The proggy element prevails but it is welcomed with open arms to this setting.
Tribal Warming
The odd spots of noise sound like rain drops at the beginning of a heavy storm and turn from fragile to a heavier bait. Ladled with a sadistic streak that hits its stride and runs off with a melodic temperance. The harshness of the vocal adds in a powerfully strong blend of punchy malice.
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“Not heard a growling tone blended with Psychedelic Progressive before but anything goes these days and what an amazing sound Mantra have come up with – it is quite astounding!”
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One
This an intoxicating track that savours a splendid melody and uplifting rhythms be them none too harsh but pleasant and easy on the ears. The dreamy side of the track reminds me of 60’s hippy rock with chill out ambiance.
The Voice of Creation
Flavor-some and rich in fantastic vocals that guide the track to a rewarding conclusion. It bristles with a capturing sense that obliterates as it ignites with a full on towering shot of gnarly melodies and perfectly blended rhythms.
Third Mind
Back to a slow ambient plod with a droning vocal although it is in the right setting to be pleasing. However there is a surprise lurking further on as it suddenly changes direction although short lived and not sure why this burst of energy happens as it then returns back to its ambient nature.
Summary
A very diverse album that boasts plenty to keep the mind fully occupied and engaged in its rapturous affairs.
Vocally enthralling holding a harsh breath while the music molds itself around the ears and delivers a sometimes chaotic and mesmeric array of expansive riffs and rhythms.
It is well constructed and produced offering more than advertised on the label, which is always a good thing.
It is the vocals that surprise more so than the music – (although that can be surprising at times the way it changes direction) the harsh vocal tones suddenly change to a slower ambient hue and are all encompassing – really hypnotic!
The album as a whole could be described as weird and wacky and that is what is most enjoyable about the album – it is most definitely different!
Not heard a growling tone blended with Psychedelic Progressive before but anything goes these days and what an amazing sound Mantra have come up with – it is astounding!
9/10
Track List:
Toward The Light 04:44
Call My Name (free) 06:10
Reborn 08:10
Elevate 03:00
Tribal Warming 07:41
One 06:49
The Voice of Creation 06:51
Third Mind 08:28
Members:
Pierre - Vocals
Simon - Guitar/Vocals
Matthieu - Bass
Gabriel - Drums
Posted by Pagan Tordengrav Reviews.
