Mantic Ritual from Pennsylvania originally formed in 2005 under the name of Meltdown; they recorded demos in ’05 & ’06, and finally a debut full length in 2007. A year later they signed with Nuclear Blast Records and changed their name to Mantic Ritual and completely re-recorded this album from 2007 and released it under the Mantic Ritual moniker.
Mantic Ritual plays fast relentless thrash metal the same way Testament, Exodus and other bay area thrashers were doing it twenty years ago. Of course the production is very clear and modern sounding so it doesn’t sound like a true 80’s thrash band.
The band for the most part plays fast and keeps the mood optimistic and as such the album has the ability to really grip your senses and energize you. They really exemplify this on the song ‘Panic,’ which frankly I wouldn’t hesitate to say is one of the best thrash songs I’ve heard in recent memory. Other songs that really stand out are ‘One by one’ & ‘Double the Blood,’ but generally speaking the whole album is consistent and catchy making it an excellent modern day thrash record. The lead guitar work shows great skill throughout this entire record and the solos are utterly catchy and keep me coming back for more while the vocals are clearly sung with some snarly shouts and the rest of the band also provides plenty of backing vocal yelling.
Vocalist and guitarist Dan Wetmore did recently depart from the group so it should be interesting to see if the band can produce an equally exciting sophomore release. I shall hold the horns high for them.
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