ROOTS OF ETERNITY

"Roots of Eternity" is the debut full-length studio album by Danish power metal act Manticora. The album was released through Black Lotus Records in August 1999. It follows up the release of the "Dead End Solution" EP from 1997, which was originally released under the Manticore monicker, but is still considered Manticora´s first release. Forming in 1996 under the Manticore monicker the band changed their name to the current one in 1997.

Stylistically the material on "Roots of Eternity" continue the dark and heavy take on Euro power metal that Manticora initiated on "Dead End Solution (1997)". The songwriting and the performances are a notch up in quality from the EP, which is also what I expected and the same can be said about the sound production, which is more professional and powerful than the sound production on the EP. When that is said Manticora haven´t taken a quantum leap on "Roots of Eternity". The addition of keyboard player Jeppe Eg Jensen brings more focus on that instrument, but the music is still predominantly centered around the heavy guiar riffs and melodic themes of guitarists Kristian Larsen and Flemming Shultz (also new in the lineup since the EP).

Lead vocalist Lars Larsen predominantly sings in mid-range, and that´s a good choice because he still sounds a little strained when he hits the high notes, and although he is a skilled enough singer, his voice and vocal style don´t bring that icing on the cake element that the best singers bring to music. The instrumental performances are strong, but there´s little here anyone would think of as unique or original. This is just good solid quality Euro power metal in the heavy end of the scale, with the occasional progressive element thrown in for variation. A 3 - 3.5 star (65%) rating is warranted.

(Originally posted on Metal Music Archives)