Review | Mantric Momentum – Alienized

Frontiers Records S.r.L.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern metal, Mantric Momentum emerged as a compelling new band with their debut album `Trial by Fire’ burning bright with melodic marksmanship and metallic passion. Led by Terje Harøy of Pyramaze fame and his cousin Christer Harøy, the band crafts a sound that defies simple categorization, weaving together intricate melodic threads with the raw power of contemporary metal. Continuing their melodic metal streak with the release of this brand-new album `Alienized’, HBLS turned up the volume for a rundown of the new tracks.

A DELIATE BALANCE

`Alienized’ is more than just a next album. This is a musical journey that challenges genre boundaries. The record blends aggressive instrumental work with soaring, emotionally charged vocals, creating a listening experience that is as intense as it is accessible. The Harøys manage to strike a delicate balance between technical prowess and melodic sensibility. Signing off on all instrumental duties, Christer pulls this release, with minor external additions as marked the debut. Guest appearances are now only noted for Jimmy Hedlund’s guitar solos on ,,Time is My Ally” and ,,Remember”, while Frank Nordeng Røe lays down drums on two tracks.

Magnus Karlsson also adds his skills but refrains to the orchestration of the opening intro ,,Prelude to Take-off”, which is colorfully setting an intimate tone for the album, unexpectedly shifting dramatic shape. Heavy’d up to the max, the bombast starts to crush onto the listener, perfectly weaving into the crunchy riffs and hooks of ,,Resilience”. Jagged licks pull it forward before Terje belts out his wonderful vocals. His soaring tone and powerful accolades add to the dynamics of the powerful track.

QUEEN AND DIO

,,The Highest Mountain” opens with one of rock’s most memorable moments in recording history as the foot stomping and clapping of Queen’s ,,We Will Rock You” enters the stage, after which the song shifts shape with rousing chant and powerful progressive groove and riffs discharged.

Transcending the expected beat-stomp, the track is led by Terje exploring Dio-esque vocals and song craft. It is powerful and fierce, fist-pumping metal with refined choruses and melodies. It perfectly paves the way for the wonderful timid ,,The Light”, which displays their exquisite skills as song writers, with tasteful guitar licks and acoustic strumming underneath Terje’s introspective vocals. The harmonies are stacked and the track flourishes when it starts to unload its piercing emotions. A remarkable guitar solo injects more of the harrowing pain captured in the rich textures of the song. 

The album truly shines through its carefully constructed tracks. The title track is set in motion with wonderful opening solo and soaring harmonized vocals, while ,,Come Undone” explodes with a kinetic energy of the layered triplets, immediately capturing attention. The previously mentioned ,,Time is My Ally” reveals a more personal side of the band. This track soars with wailing melancholic vocals and guitar salvos, demonstrates the group’s ability to inject genuine emotion into their heavy sound. The solo hits home and falls well in front of the nesting hook cooking into the chorus. ,,A Stronger Stance” is typical loaded melodic metal, with ,,Barricades” displaying Terje’s towering power, piercing through the song’s barrage with parading riffs supporting.

MANTRIC MOMENTUM – THE CONCLUSION

,,Remember” emerges as highlight, featuring an orchestral elements, though not pressing the weight, and blends a cinematic quality with epic appeal to the expansive sonic palette. It showcases the willingness of Mantric Momentum to experiment and push beyond traditional metal conventions. What sets `Alienized’ apart is its ability to appeal to both hardcore metal enthusiasts and listeners who might typically shy away from heavier music. The album’s melodic sensibilities, combined with its intense technical excellence, create a universal appeal transcending genre limitations. Just check out the ravishing ,,Siren’s Call” with its dazzling progressive turbulence, equally impressing with its stacked guitar and vocal melodies emerging constantly. The pace is high, yet feels melodically anchored, while the time changes and rhythmic shifts are at the helm. Cinematic orchestration midway with soaring elements and jagged hooks creates an impressive powerful feeling, underlined by the guitar harmonies and erupting solo.

Mantric Momentum’s album `Alienized’ is a vibrant addition to the power metal genre, showcasing the band’s impressive musical capabilities. Each track on `Alienized’ invites listeners to engage deeply, as it reveals new complexities with every listen. While the band adheres to traditional power metal structures, the Havøy cousins infuse their creativity into 10 captivating tracks that promise to resonate and evolve in the listener’s experience over time.

Release date: 14 February 2025