SAFE

Following on from their two-part epic "Black Circus", Manticora have undergone a bit of a change in sound.

Firslty, they've tuned-down their guitars to get a crunchier gruntier feel. Secondly, they've dropped the fantasy vibe that was present on the "Black Circus" concept album and thirdly they've written some really good lyrics!!!

So what does this mean? Well, they've lost a bit of their progressiveness but gained a whole lot more accessibility. They still retain their thrashy edge and melodic sensibilities but everything is a bit more stripped back. Keyboards are minimal and there is less going on in the background but they're still happy to compose lengthy instrumental sections and come up with a few twists and turns.

Good for metal fans but not essential for proggers.

"Safe" is the 7th full-length studio album by Danish power metal act Manticora. The album was released in October 2010 by Nightmare Records. Manticora has long been one of the most prolific Danish power metal acts on the scene consistently releasing quality power metal albums.

The music on "Safe" pretty much follow the usual formula for Manticora. That means power metal rooted in the neo-classical euro power metal tradition but with a much heavier and at times even thrashy edge to it compared to the more whimsical style many of their collegues practice. Lead vocalist Lars F. Larsen can hit some pretty high notes but predominantly sings in a hoarse vocal style (think a heavy metal version of Rod Stewart). But ultimately it´s the powerful and memorable riffs that make all the difference to me. While the music features keyboards this is predominatly guitar driven power metal. The tracks are generally structurally complex and it wouldn´t be wrong to call the music progressive power metal. Especially the 14:10 minutes long title track. The tracks are memorable with anthemic choruses but I never feel that Manticora fall into the cheese trap. Their music is simply too intricate, tasteful and challenging for that. At the same time it can kick some serious ass which the opening track "In The Abyss Of Desperation" is a good example of.

With a professional and powerful sound production, clever songwriting and excellent musicianship "Safe" is in my book one great power metal album that I can highly recommend to fans of the more progressive and heavy part of the power metal genre. I guess Lars F. Larsen hoarse voice might pose and issue to some, but personally I enjoy his vocal style and sound. A 3.5 - 4 star rating is fully deserved.

MMA Reviewer's Challenge: Album selected by DippoMagoo.

Manticora's Safe is perhaps the heaviest, scariest thing I've ever heard which can still call itself power metal, with excellent opener In the Abyss of Desperation introducing the listener both to the band's crushing, galloping riffs, mild symphonic touches to spice things up, and the unique vocal style of lead vocalist Lars Larsen, which manages to sound simultaneously powerfully operatic and weirdly fragile, like it could give out at any moment.

I particularly like the fact that the band really show an appreciation of the speed metal roots of power metal and bring that influence out to play in their work. Looking at the track lengths you may - not incorrectly - expect the band to indulge in some prog-influenced long-form song structures. (There's a sort of Wagnerian chant bit partway into the title track that really gets the goosebumps rising.) But don't be fooled; this is a rough, tough album which will smash you over the head with the band's wild compositions.

Though I think the album slumps in a little, overall this is a solid release which prompts me to look deeper into Manticora's discograpy. If this is 'Safe', I'd tremble to hear what Manticora think constitutes 'Danger'!