SAFE

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'!

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