This record is BIG. Titans is suitably apropos for Manntra‘s Napalm Records debut. Titanic in size and scope. Billed as “Croatian Folk Metal,” the “folk” element is a much smaller element than, say Tengger Cavalry.  This thing is an  NWOBHM/ Power/Symphonic Metal tour de force (emphasis firmly on “force”.)  Even the cover is huge: Lord of the Rings meets Templar Knights in a pitched battle.

A hint of the “folk” comes as “Teuta” opens to Gogol Bordello-esque growling, accent and all. “Teuta, the Queen of the Sea” is an epic worthy of a Wagnerian hero.  Lyrically, Manntra borrows heavily epic poetry, Iron Maiden, Saxon, and every other fantastic tale you might consider.

“The Heart of the Sea” maybe could have used a bit of sea chanty or pirate fun, but is an otherwise massive tune you will want to holler along with.  The sing-ability of these tunes cannot be overstated.  Half the fun will be investing yourself in the overwhelming sonic eruption Titans will lather you with.

“Skal,” a cover of label-mates Miracle of Sound opens with a bit of the “folk” with a short female ululation (that comes back mid-song) before transitioning to yet another symphonic epic wall of sound that’ll have you looking for a mass of incoming winged horsemen, for this must be their entry music in any fair world.

“Higher” delivers a brute-force anthem that refuses to let up throughout the nearly four-minute run time. The track is very vocal and the lyric-forward sound differentiates it from the rest of the album.  It’s still huge, it has a really nice guitar solo mid-way, but the rest of the album prioritizes the guitars slightly more.  Not a criticism, an observation, because that’s what you’re 

here for.

Founder, vocalist, one of three guitarists, and synth player Marko Matijević Sekul sings lustily, forcefully, and with very little nuance and all the volume.  Manntra’s songwriting goes hand in hand with the sound.  Production is insanely clean, the songs are written and performed to within a nanometer of perfection. Every performer operates at peak harmony and teamwork. 

Think Dragonforce – slowed down to a reasonable pace for the long haul. This is the eighth Manntra album. I need to find to other seven.

Buy the album here:
https://napalmrecordsamerica.com/manntra

8 / 10
LARRY ROGERS
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