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MANTIC RITUAL
Heart Set Stone EP

M-Theory Audio (2022)
Rating: 7/10

While I appreciate the cover versions of G.B.H.’s ‘Race Against Time’, Mercyful Fate’s ‘Black Funeral’ and Razor’s ‘Cross Me Fool’, I’d much prefer to concentrate on the punky thrash delivered via the trio of original tracks; ‘Life As Usual’, ‘Crusader’ and ‘Heart Set Stone’.

This is some solid metal from the re-united American combo that has been rather quiet since their debut full-length outing in 2009. It’s crazy to think that back then these guys were signed to Nuclear Blast. That debut outing Executioner was a very solid release, but I much prefer the heavier, angrier tone of this EP. Maybe it was just a poor mix first time round but with these three new tracks they offer up extra crunch, mostly in the chugging guitar tone.

Heart Set Stone very much pays homage to the thrash that was around at the tail-end of the 80s, as original members Dan Wetmore (vocals and guitar), Jeff Potts (guitar) and Ben Mottsman (bass) are joined by new face on the block Carlos Cruz (drums).

Opening cut ‘Life As Usual’ is an absolute ripper streaked with a dazzling melody, but also has a hardcore snarl. It really is a pure, authentic sounding 80s vibe with infectious riffs mashed with blazing speed and clinical lead work. Wetmore’s vocals remain on-point; youthful, energetic and choppy in their raps.

It’s somewhat obvious that thrash titans such as Metallica (early stuff), Slayer and Dark Angel provide obvious inspiration, but there’s just such a pissed off energy about this release. ‘Crusader’ boasts a powerful vocal performance and excellent scything riffage, and the title track kicks off with some flashy lead work before the combo embarks on a Slayer-esque assault with a crossover vocal slant.

There’s a lot of meat here to chomp on and for me it suggests a band that is better off not being dictated to by a big label. This is very good thrash metal that has an independent feel and I really hope the guys have luck in getting a second album out soon.

Neil Arnold

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