Mantar - Post Apocalyptic Depression

Angry Metal Guy

German duo Mantar exploded onto the scene on 2014’s massive debut LP Death By Burning, unleashing a raw collection of doom-flecked, blackened punk-sludge anthems. Boasting a nasty streak and series of ginormous grooves and infectiously hooky riffs and songwriting, the album had a fresh appeal, featuring nods towards legendary acts, Motörhead and Melvins. An equally impressive sophomore album followed, solidifying Mantar as a dependable force as their career progressed. Despite recent efforts not quite hitting the impressive highs of their early work, Mantar remain true to the old ‘if it ain’t broke don’t fix it’ motto to solid effect. Returning with a fifth album of original material, can Post Apocalyptic Depression find Mantar raising the takes to return to the intense highs of their early work, or will they fall victim to the dreaded Law of Diminishing returns?

Mantar’s signature sound remains distinctive and easy to like. The duo’s more refined songwriting and polished modern production may have slightly compromised the nastier edge and rawer traits that proved so effective on Death By Burning and Ode to the Flame, however, the duo’s sound has certainly not lost its edge. Each song packs revved-up energy, punky attitude, and ample heft to get the blood pumping and the head bobbing in unison with Mantar’s groovy swagger and penchant for burly, surly riffs and hooky songcraft. In this respect Mantar treads similar terrain to their past couple of albums, pumping out compact, energetic ditties at a lively clip. Whereas the first couple of albums featured a darker, brooding menace and venomous edge, Post Apocalyptic Depression leans into the hard-hitting rock grooves and straightforward songwriting to warm, comforting, if less potent effect.

The raucous delivery and no-frills blueprint pay dividends for the most part, making for a punchy, compact listen. While mostly sticking to his trademark raspy snarl, Hanno’s endearing vocals possess a wickedly infectious knack for sing-along vocal hooks and accessibility that belies the seething elements and blackened touches that still frame the Mantar sound. It’s especially cool when he layers things up with a cleaner, punky snarl to offset his signature rasp. A quick burst of feedback kicks off opener “Absolute Ghost,” leading headlong into a thumping beat and typically groovy punk-sludge riff. It’s a brisk, impactful beginning, setting the tone for what follows. Amidst nods to their punkier old school roots, Post Apocalyptic Depression doesn’t bust boundaries or challenge the duo’s best work. However, it proves a heavier and slightly less polished affair than its predecessor, with a thin layer of grime to dirty up otherwise sleek modern production values.

Running at a tight 35 minutes, quality mostly strikes a consistent standard. A handful of decent but less remarkable tunes (“Morbid Vocation,” “Principle of Command” and “Two Choices of Eternity”) sit alongside more memorable counterparts, including super catchy single “Rex Perverso,” and the more ambitious, seething throes of blackened sludge brawler, “Halsgericht.” Pacing occasionally stutters but never derails momentum thanks to other cut-above gems, such as the vicious punk tones and anthemic hooks of the excellent “Dogma Down,” and walloping one-two punch of “Pit of Guilt” and dubiously titled “Church of Suck.” Later in the piece, listeners will be pleased by the uglier, genuinely blackened intensity of the rabid “Axe Death Scenario.” Hanno’s solid guitar work and punk-charged sludgy riffs still carry plenty of bite and heft. Melodic undertones and groovy textures provide some extra versatility and nuance to otherwise straight-ahead jams, further driven by Erinc’s powerhouse, no-nonsense rhythms and hard-hitting style. Production is less glossy than its predecessor but again lacks the unrefined sonic charms of their earlier material, further dulled by compressed mastering.

Over a decade removed from their punishing debut, Mantar continue delivering the dependable goods. And at this point, it’s hard to imagine them dropping a dud album anytime soon. All the key ingredients remain, the writing is as catchy as ever, and while impact may not match the might of their early work, the duo retains their fun, rollicking yet uncompromising style and infectious songcraft. On the flipside, things are getting a little too predictable over the past few albums, with the weaker, or stock standard tunes scattered amidst some genuinely top-shelf anthems compromising overall quality. Mileage will vary, but Mantar’s Post Apocalyptic Depression is another worthy and entertaining addition to the Mantar canon.



Rating: 3.0/5.0
DR: 5 | Format Reviewed: 320 kbps mp3
Label: Metal Blade
Websites: mantarbandcamp.com | facebook.com/mantarband
Releases Worldwide: February 14th, 2025

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