PATHEI MATHOS

"Pathei Mathos" is an EP release by Norwegian experimental music act Manes. The EP was released through Aftermath Music in June 2024. Although it´s been quite a few years since the last major release from Manes, they have kept themselves busy releasing a couple of conpilations as well as a couple of singles since the release of "Slow Motion Death Sequence" (Manes fifth full-length studio album, released in August 2018). They have also released the black metal "Innerst i mørket" full-length studio album under the Manii monicker in September 2023.

The EP features four tracks and a total playing time of 23:40, and as something new most of the vocals are female clean vocals performed by M. Hellem (Martyra). Manes still use ambient electronic elements to create atmosphere, but the music features rock/metal instrumentation too and actually reminds me of late 90s/early 90s The Gathering. The Swedes in Paatos is another valid reference (and artists like Atrox and Madder Mortem), and on this particular release the Ulver clone accusations, which Manes are often subjected to, aren´t true at all.

"Pathei Mathos" features a nice raw sound production and the addition of a female lead vocalist has not meant that the music has become more polished or mainstream oriented. It´s still dark and somewhat heavy rock/metal music with ambient electronic elements and a melancholic atmosphere (the music also features gothic rock/metal leanings). Fans of especially The Gathering should find a lot to enjoy on this release. To my ears Manes aren´t as unique sounding on "Pathei Mathos" as they previously have been, but there´s nothing wrong with the quality of the music. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives).