DEAD END SOLUTION

"Dead End Solution" is an EP release by Danish power metal act Manticora. The EP was independently released in October 1997. Manticora formed in 1996 under the Manticore monicker but changed name to the current one in 1997. "Dead End Solution" was originally released under the Manticore monicker, but it is seen as the first release by Manticora and subsequent re-issues of the EP have been under the Manticora monicker.

Stylistically the material on the 5 track, 24:38 minutes long EP is energetic, powerful, and melodic power/heavy metal with a predominantly mid-range lead vocalist in front. He can sing in higher pitches but honestly he sounds a little strained when he does. The instrumental part of the music is very well played, but the vocals aren't that great in this release. It has something to do with the vocal production too, so it's not necessarily because lead vocalist/guitarist Lars Larsen isn't a skilled singer, but on this release the vocals are definitely the weak link.

While "Dead End Solution" is a power metal release, it's in the harder edged end of the scale with influences from both traditional heavy metal and even occasionally thrash and speed metal. As mentioned above the vocal production isn't that well sounding, but other than that, "Dead End Solution" is a fairly well produced release. A little rough around the edges, but decent enough in terms of production values. Upon conclusion it's a promising start to a career, but I'm not blown away by what I hear on this EP. Still a 2.5 - 3 star (55%) rating isn't all wrong.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)