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Manticora

Mycelium

Written by: PP on 28/02/2024 23:46:36

Get this: I always presumed Danish heavy metal veterans Manticora were a generic cliché within their genre (which in itself doesn't do itself any favours given it is where innovation goes to die given how nothing has changed for thirty years or so), so I never gave them a proper chance. In comes "Mycelium", their tenth album overall, which suggests that I probably made a mistake somewhere along the line. It's a melting pot of metal genres that might primarily utilize the vibrato-style heavy metal vocals of Lars F. Larsen - brilliant pipes, I might add - but introduces so much variety into the mix that it widens its appeal considerably.

Throughout the album, Manticora explores various other types of metal outside of Heavy Metal ranging from depth-laden progressive metal to AOR-style epics (see: "Angel Of The Spring") and even a few metalcore-esque riffs here and there. There are growls and screams to supplement the higher-pitch cleans, and plenty of virtuoso fretwork to keep their soundscapes interesting. "Golem Sapiens" even kicks off with a thrash metal riff, before transitioning into a dramatically theatrical, and incredibly catchy and lofty clean vocal chorus halfway through.

This variety keeps the listener on their toes at all times, subsequently ensuring a rewarding listening experience. The title track, for instance, throws in death metal style pummeling to balance out its expansive progressive metal expression, plus lots and lots of saucy guitar. It's a majestic sound where the instrumentals aren't just engaged in technical wankery for the sake of it, but rather as a deliberate part of building a complex, rich soundscape that's complemented by Lars F. Larsen's great singing.

It's been a while since I was a heavy/power metal regular, but it's also not that many years ago should you explore our archives. "Mycelium" has all the hallmarks of a record in international class in its genre. Songs like "Beast Of The Fall" are incredible. And while it is not innovative in its sound per se - think Nevermore, Symphony X, Pyramaze, Anubis Gate et cetera - it delivers its style in exceptionally solid fashion throughout. Let's put it this way: I can't think of many records that'd be a better match at festivals like Wacken and Sweden Rock than this one.

Download: Golem Sapiens, Mycelium, Beast Of The Fall, Angel Of The Spring
For the fans of: Nevermore, Anubis Gate, Pyramaze, Evergrey, Symphony X
Listen: Facebook

Release date 26.01.2024
Mighty Music