Mantar – Post Apocalyptic Depression (Review)

This is the fifth album from German blackened metal act Mantar.

A new Mantar album is always an enjoyable event. 2018’s The Modern Art of Setting Ablaze and 2022’s Pain Is Forever and This Is the End were both compelling hybrids of black metal, punk, and grunge, so it’s with expectation that we turn to the 36-minute Post Apocalyptic Depression.

Post Apocalyptic Depression finds Mantar in rawer and harsher form than their last record. It’s primitive and atavistic, revelling in its raw aggression and enthusiastic energy. Mantar’s attitude is palpable, but then so is their strength of songwriting. The brutality of the band’s delivery is tempered by their very capable abilities in building the music.

Taking a classic song-focused approach that’s drawn from grunge and punk influences and fusing it with a Darkthrone-esque flavour, Mantar know how to pen a good tune. Over time the grunge ingredients in the music have come through louder and clearer, as filtered through the rest of the Mantar melting pot. It’s an arresting and striking combination, recalling the 90s for sure, but also revealing Mantar’s own personality in deeper and richer ways.

Post Apocalyptic Depression is an album of potent groove, with slices of melody disturbing the darkness like arterial sprays. Raging and belligerent, but also highly catchy and infectious, Post Apocalyptic Depression hits the spot. It is a very simple album, in the best of ways; (mostly) two instruments, snarled venomous vocals, and bucketfuls of attitude and killer hooks. What more could you want?