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Artist description
We are a metal band that mixes complex harmonies. |
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Musical Influences
In Flames, Children of Bodom |
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Similar Artists
In Flames |
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Press Reviews
Chris Barnes of ultimatemetal.com says, "You know, if ancient South American civilizations accompanied their tribal drum ceremonies with aggro-style guitar blasts and rough hewn vocals, I wonder if their impact on modern civilization would have been different? Would the world be a large mosh pit? Would everyone great each other by flashing the horns instead of a handshake? The speculations appear to have no end.Mandrake is the brainchild of Venezulan-born lead guitarist/vocalist Ronald C. Ardila, who formed the band in 1995. The current Mandrake lineup also features Jason Mannon-bass, lead vocals; Nate Scofield-percussion and Ryan Mannon-congas, pit percussion.Admittedly not being a big fan of "death vocals" I was pleasantly surprised at this independent EP release. Mandrake combines heavy, Dimebag Darrell-like riffage with traditional metal percussion (that is damn good, btw) and South American tribal beats to add a new dimension to the oft-copied aggro-style of heavy metal.The obvious comparisons to Sepultura's "Roots" album will abound here, and that isn't necessarily a bad thing. It's good to hear something different in this genre, and hear something that combines cultural stylings with talented musicians. The production on this EP is phenomenal. The drums and percussion sound solid and unmuddied, the vocals upfront and clear and the guitars aggressive and crisp. These guys spent some money to do it right. The sometimes impossibly complex rhythm structures in the five songs on the EP are what sets Mandrake apart from the aggro-pack. Both guitar and percussion work together to create mosh-fuel of the highest quality...plus, it's friggin' down right interesting! Lighten up on the vox, (Hey! Polyps on the vocal cords is no party!) There are moments when the vox take a normal range that help differentiate the Mandrake sound even more. Other than that minor complaint, a solid debut from an obviously very talented band. Splattergod says, "Mandrake are a metal band which tries to meld hardcore, death metal and eastern folk, with suprising results.When I first put this Cd in, I was greeted with Indian sitars and cymbals which gave way toa Pantera-ish form or thrash. The vocals definitely draw and inspiration from Phil Alsemo aswell as Internal Bleeding with even a touch of standard "cookie monster" thrown in, for good measure.The music itself seems to draw heavily from hardcore, with a few thrashy riffs tossed in. Thedrum work is filled with variety ( sounds like there are some bamboo sticks popping in and out)The mix is well done (recorded at Hellion Studios) , and I like the minor fuzz/feedback that intertwines inthe tracks. It keeps the tracks from sounding too polished. Although I'm not really into Pantera, I got into Mandrake." |
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Location
Greeley, CO - USA |
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