Some believe that bands that are comprised of only two members will never make enjoyable music. Fortunate for us, Mantar from Hamburg, Germany would like to have a word with those folks. They have now released their fifth full-length album entitled Pain Is Forever And This Is The End (Metal Blade). Taking the sludge foundations of their earlier works and sprinkling in some black metal influences makes for ten tracks to keep your attention and release that, yes, a two-person musical group can make some kick-ass music!

‘Grim Reaping’ was the first track that really let the black metal shine through in the guitar work. The overall feel certainly has the punk-y vibes expected from the sludge side of the house, but the hooks in the chorus and the interlude really give off that second-generation Norwegian sound. Keeping with the catchy yet frostbitten guitar hooks is the track ‘Piss Ritual’. In a twist though, there are some drum lines with blast beats to further push the argument that Mantar is becoming a blackened sludge metal duo.

Pain Is Forever And This Is The End seems to be lacking tremolo picking, however. Just kidding, ‘Horder’ is the track Hamburg natives used to experiment with the picking technique. In fact, it worked quite well for a group that does not typically incorporate the style into their work.

Mantar continues to evolve in their latest release, Pain Is Forever And This Is The End, moving on from their crusty sludge roots and experimenting with black metal influences. I do feel split on the topic, however, as I fell in love with the group from the older material and this is certainly a slight pivot in direction for them. Having said that, I am happy to be on this ride as they are truly carving up an interesting sound.

It is one thing to experiment with new songs and playing techniques, but it is another to absolutely crush it, and these guys did both.

Buy the album here: https://metalblade.com/mantar/

7 / 10

TIM LEDIN