Maximum Metal Rating Legend

Manntis - Sleep In Your Grave - 2005 - Century Media

Track Listing1. Axe Of Redemption 2.Shades Of Hatred 3.Approach 4.Reflection's On You 5.My Enemy 6.A New Breed Of Life 7.Second Life Ahead 8.Weathered Soul 9.Resist And Overcome 10.Sleep In Your Grave 11.The Ends Where It Begins

Century Media is really starting to take a long look at these young, up and coming stems that breathe new life into the same old formula. With groups like In Flames and Dark Tranquility really setting the formula in place, new and energized bands like Killswitch Engage, Burden Of Grief, and even Shadows Fall seems to be taking it to new heights. But that isn't to say the market isn't already overflooded, completely drenched with suits and ties and their underground possessions.

Manntis is a bit different though, simply because they make this sound enjoyable. Taking everything they can from a wide variety of options, this Southern California act are quite captivating in their delivery, a fresh, more focused effort to gain the listener's attention. I've said it a million times, as long as these New Wave Of American Heavy Metal bands can get a decent production job, and supply enough melody and ear candy, then I'm on board. In this case Manntis hit on all cylinders, firing up on a sound that is both punishing and melodic, injecting a huge dose of rock and roll rhythm and furious new wave melody into a lethal mixture of killer sound. Really that is all you need to know, if you look to closely then the MTV shine will blind you. Just simply take it for what it is, just more of the same only this time done a notch or two better than the rest.

The biggest attribute for this group is the sonic eruption from guitarists Adair Cobley and Jeremy Swanson. Their combo work is just electric, an obvious priority from the first track. The two hook up on some Maiden style romps, some huge Meshuggah styled stomps, and at times a good hard rock backbone to rattle the cages. Vocalist Jake Sirokman isn't doing anything completely different here, just using the same old hardcore stance with the occasional screech. Songwriting remains to be seen, this effort really just fueled by anger and loss of life. But with the huge electric guitar sound it all seems like a good bit of fun.


--EC 05.30.05