Sometimes it seems that this or that Metal genre has come to a point of saturation, what means that the formula is eroded and only the pioneers are still having new ideas, while the greater part of bands is just following the models. But it doesn’t mean that things are in a point of breaking apart, but that new things are about to come, liking them or not. And on Folk Metal, the name of the Croatian quintet MANNTRA seems to be trying something different on “Titans”. Produced by Marko Matijević Sekul and Simon Michael Schmitt (with both working on the recordings, on this second one having Zlatko Štefančić and Žarko Pak giving support), with mixing and mastering done by Joerg Umbereit (and Marko helped on the mix), the sonority is clean and defined, but having that ‘rough-and-filthy’ touch for a Metal album.

The instrumental tunes used are filled with modern elements, bringing the songs of the band a refreshed outfit. And the artwork of Peter Sallai and Daniel Hofer is excellent. As guest, here is Nina Kraljić on the female Folk vocals. The band uses Folk music instruments along with guitars, bass guitars, drums and synth parts. But along with Folk Metal influences, there are elements of Industrial Rock/Metal (something of RAMMSTEIN can be heard on the mix of influences), and such modern outfit is a different element on their work. It sounds modern, intense and massive, filled with a hooking energy and a touch of musical accessibility. Resuming things: it’s really very good.

“Ceremony” is an intro, and after it, the blows given by “Titans” (an intense and accessible song filled with very good female vocals contrasting with some Industrial Rock elements), “Teuta” (a truly accessible song with charming synths and guitars), “The Heart of the Storm”, “Unholy Water (Voda)” (a bit heavier than the previous, but still accessible, and what very good bass guitar and drums parts), “Skal” (a personal version of the band for an old song of MIRACLE OF SOUND), “Higher”, “My Sandman” (a tender and melodic song, indeed), “Riders in the Dawn”, “Forgotten pt.1”, “Forgotten pt.2 - The Ritual”, and “Nav” (fine guitars once more, and what excellent contrasts between female and male vocals) are hard to resist to those that don’t care if a band is following this or that genre into Metal, but if it is good. And this quintet is really very good.

“Titans” can be pointing to new unexplored ways in Folk Metal, but for now, listen and enjoy this offering from MANNTRA.