It’s been almost three and a half years since Manticora released their last album. Time for a new chapter in the parchments of this Danish power metal ensemble, still led by comrades Lars Larsen and Kristian Larsen.
Mycelium is their tenth album and was released on January 26th. Once again, it’s a concept album, but this time it’s only one album long just over three-quarters of an hour. Musically, the album sounds more varied, less symphonic, heavier and rougher than their previous work. We can’t really speak of pure power metal either. Although that still remains the common thread, elements of thrash, speed, death, prog, heavy and even a bit of black metal can be detected.
The first single released immediately shows that they can thrashi with vigor. Some death metal influences make themselves heard in Beast of the Fall.
The fact that they know how to bring a bit of calm into this record, Manticora show with the semi-ballad Angel of the Spring and the short, instrumental Equinox. The second single Necropolitans – after intro Winter Solstice, the real opener of the record – however pulls no punches.
Other must-hears from the album include Golem Sapiens, Mycelium and Mementopolis.
Manticora has done all the work on the album themselves, with the exception of the mastering, which was done by Jacob Hansen of Hansen Studios. Music, lyrics, compositions, concept, production, artwork, you name it. A true do-it-yourself album.
For fans of Manticora, listening to the new songs will be a delight. If you are less or not familiar with this group but are a fan of power metal with no fear of experimentation, I would definitely recommend giving the album a good listen. There’s a lot in it and every time you discover new aspects in the songs.
Score:
91/100
Label:
Mighty Music, 2024
Tracklisting:
- Winter Solstice
- Necropolitans
- Demonday
- Angel of the Spring
- Golem Sapiens
- Mycelium
- Beast of the Fall
- Equinox
- Mementopolis
- Dia de los Muertos
Line-up:
- Lars F. Larsen – Zang
- Kristian H. Larsen – Gitaar
- Stefan Johansson – Gitaar
- Kasper Gram – Basgitaar
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