SAFE

"Safe" is the 7th full-length studio album by Danish power metal act Manticora. The album was released in October 2010 by Nightmare Records. Manticora has long been one of the most prolific Danish power metal acts on the scene consistently releasing quality power metal albums.

The music on "Safe" pretty much follow the usual formula for Manticora. That means power metal rooted in the neo-classical euro power metal tradition but with a much heavier and at times even thrashy edge to it compared to the more whimsical style many of their collegues practice. Lead vocalist Lars F. Larsen can hit some pretty high notes but predominantly sings in a hoarse vocal style (think a heavy metal version of Rod Stewart). But ultimately it´s the powerful and memorable riffs that make all the difference to me. While the music features keyboards this is predominatly guitar driven power metal. The tracks are generally structurally complex and it wouldn´t be wrong to call the music progressive power metal. Especially the 14:10 minutes long title track. The tracks are memorable with anthemic choruses but I never feel that Manticora fall into the cheese trap. Their music is simply too intricate, tasteful and challenging for that. At the same time it can kick some serious ass which the opening track "In The Abyss Of Desperation" is a good example of.

With a professional and powerful sound production, clever songwriting and excellent musicianship "Safe" is in my book one great power metal album that I can highly recommend to fans of the more progressive and heavy part of the power metal genre. I guess Lars F. Larsen hoarse voice might pose and issue to some, but personally I enjoy his vocal style and sound. A 3.5 - 4 star rating is fully deserved.