On the band’s website, they describe Mantiis as “a single song divided into fourteen tracks which flow
through different genres.” That is a good description of the album, since Mantiis could be considered a concept
album. Mantiis is best experienced by
listening to the album from start to finish in one sitting. With that being
said, it was difficult to pick out key tracks that stand out because they all
sound equally excellent. Unlike a lot of pop albums that has one or two
singles, and a lot of throw aways, Mantiis
is equally enjoyable from start to finish with each song smoothly transitioning
to the next. I’ve tried to pick out songs that highlight some characteristics
and highlights of the album, but the album as a whole should be listened to.
If one track could be used to represent the album, “Last
Of The Light” would be the best song to pick. Starting with the black metal
growling vocal singing of Rider G Omega, the song then transitions into a
mellow instrumental with a jazz-like sound. Californian, Nicholas Dominic
Talvola, is featured on this track as a guest musician providing some amazing
trumpeting playing. The song picks back up at the end with Omega’s singing.
Ojete Mordaza’s drumming at the end is very intense, and absolutely amazing.
The next track I want to mention is “Haunts Of The
Underworld.” This is an instrumental track that bridges the previous song,
“Awake Until Dawn” with the next song, “Endless Wall.” The first half of the
song is mellow sounding but not slow. It has a steady flow, and guitars provide
some nice melodies. About half way through, the song changes gears and the
track starts sounding more heavy metal. Mordaza’s drumming starts becoming faster
and more energetic until it sounds almost chaotic, in a good way. There are
some excellent guitar solos spaced throughout also.
“Through The Glass” is an amazing instrumental track.
This has some of the best guitar playing of the album. Prozoid Zeta JSI’s
guitar solo about half way through is the best of the album. Ojete Mordaza II
has some of the most intense drumming on this song. It is some of the best
drumming I have heard in a long time, and I believe his intenseness could be
comparable to Keith Moon or John Bonham.
Obsidian Kingdom is a great experimental group, and they
have put together a great piece of art with this concept album. Mantiis is a great album, especially
when listened to in one sitting. The different musical influences the band has
used to create an album with an emotional ride, is something that you don’t see
any more. This isn’t an album for everyone; it doesn’t have the sing-along pop
radio choruses, but if you’re looking for a new experimental sound, Mantiis is the album for you.
4.5/5 Stars
Key
Tracks: Last Of The Light, Haunts Of The Underworld, Through The Glass
Craig Kidd - MuzikReviews.com Staff
February 20, 2013
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