Manticora
Roots Of Eternity

In that nation bordering Germany to the north, Denmark, in recent years the power metal genre has found new vitality: Wuthering Heights, Pyramaze and most recently Manticora have reinvigorated the genre. This last band, from the town of Hvidovre, founded in 1996, has made a name for themselves. The various lineup changes discouraged record labels, which only took notice of the newborn group after the EP "Dead End Solution". Reaching an agreement with the label Black Lotus, the six members of the band, led by the singer Lars Larsen, entered the recording studios to work on what became Manticora's first full-length.

"Roots of Eternity" represents the roots of Manticora's sound, still closely linked to Teutonic bands like Brainstorm and Gamma Ray but also influenced by Iced Earth, a band that has set the standard in the genre, for better or worse. The album presents itself as compact and well-played, with all elements well-positioned. The two guitars of Kristian Larsen and Flemming Schultz intertwine to create melodies with a sure impact and precisely sharp riffs, although they are sometimes overshadowed by the intrusive drums of Mads Volf. However, the singer's voice is not entirely convincing, being rather inexpressive and still unable to fully adapt to the band's artistic solutions.

Still very melodic compared to now and less refined both in lyrics and arrangements, Roots of Eternity is nonetheless appreciated for its quality, considering it as a debut album. "When Forever Ends" surprises with its musical freshness. A melodic and powerful power metal at the same time, which knows how to entertain the listener. "The Vision" is another appreciable power metal track, followed by "Intoxicated" with a thrash and progressive rhythm, somewhat reminiscent of Symphony X from afar. And like any respectable power album, there's the inevitable ballad titled "Beyond the Walls of Sleep", well-played and also pleasant regarding the vocal lines. Nothing original, but music that is easy to listen to without any anxiety and finds more experimentation even in the two mini-suites "The Flood" and "Roots of Eternity" that confirm the validity of this Manticora debut.

Nothing new under the sun: stylistic choices already seen and heard in the past but arranged with quality, ensuring over 55 minutes of appreciable music. Once again, it is the future that will change the cards on the table...

1. "From Far Beyond" (0:31)
2. "When Forever Ends" (6:49)
3. "The Vision" (4:58)
4. "Intoxicated" (6:37)
5. "Beyond The Walls Of Sleep" (3:32)
6. "Nowhere Land" (5:01)
7. "The Flood" (9:25)
8. "Pale Faces" (4:32)
9. "Private Hell" (3:45)
10. "Roots Of Eternity" (11:44)