Review MANTAR “Post Apocalyptic Depression”

Mantar have a new record in the starting blocks called “Post Apocalyptic Depression”. The German metal duo has recorded twelve new songs that shape the tracklist of their sixth full-length album.

“Post Apocalyptic Depression” features songs that are 100% Mantar from start to finish, but still contain some surprises. What unites all Mantar releases is the immense power that Hanno and Erinc generate by basing their music only on guitar, drums and vocals. This applies to the records and is even more present during their live shows.

With such a stripped down approach to music, the two guys still manage to create a versatile sound that differs from album to album. While the aggression remains, it was the 2022 longplayer “Pain Is Forever and This Is the End” that brought a certain musical richness to the plate. The new album, however, is different and refers more to the earlier days. Hanno and Erinc recorded the album without much planning and preparation. The guys went to the studio, used the equipment they had at hand and started a very lean working process. You can hear this approach when you listen to the album. What comes out of the speakers is raw and untamed music that brings Mantar’s punk roots more into the spotlight. Nothing on the album is polished and shiny. It is music that captures the spirit of the moment in a real and straightforward way, and that is one of the factors that makes Mantar’s music so special. Unexpected turns and unpredictable twists are the trademark of the German metal duo and the new album is yet another proof of the formula.

The lead single of the album is “Halsgericht”, a song that clocks in at four minutes and is the “epic” moment on “Post Apocalylptic Depression” as most of the other tracks barely reach the three minute mark. “Halsgericht”, on the other hand, is a hard-hitting song without any unnecessary frills. The track hits the nail on the head and reflects the basic approach to music on this album.

“Rex Perverso” was the next song the band revealed and the video is already fun to watch. Dressed in colorful shirts, the guys look like they are on a vacation trip while the music is a contrast to the visuals. “Rex Perverso” is a smashing song with a very solid punk vibe being the fuel for this blast. The song follows the opener “Absolute Power” which is a massive punk’n’roll start. It’s a raging start to an album that takes its energy from the momentum.

“Post Apocalyptic Depression” is a brutal album that includes songs like the raging “Church of Suck” and the massive “Axe Death Scenario” with its captivating chorus and extreme tempo changes along the way.

Mantar’s sixth album exhales anarchic punk spirit. It is a musical antithesis to overproduced mainstream music. Every note on this release grew out of the momentum and that’s what makes “Post Apocalyptic Depression” a very authentic release that reflects reality. It is an antipole to conformity.