(BlackSeed Productions) Total Time 47:46
Two years ago, I’ve been asked by my chief editor to make a review on a new band’s album called “The Latter Rain”. The name of the band was IN VAIN and I had no idea about their existence. After listening to this album I was pretty amazed from what I had listened! This band’s quality and pluralism of ideas made me a fan of them. Years passed and here we are in 2010 with IN VAIN’s new album called “Mantra”.
“Mantra” is another qualitative release from IN VAIN and by this, they seem to establish their own musical mark and characteristic sound. Their music style is a complex of black metal’s furor, death metal’s roughness combined with sensitive and calm passages that really make you wonder if this is the same band. For example listen to the last hidden track "The Wayfaring Stranger", which is actually a traditional folk song of unknown origin and many popular singers, have sang it like Johnny Cash and many more. Then, listen the seventh track called “Circle Of Agony” and you will understand the contrasts between the songs I am talking about...
Johnar Haaland is the mainman of the band, while he is responsible for everything (lyrics, vocals and strings) and that makes him a totally respected musician to me. What should be not be forgotten is that the production is totally professional.
In every spin of the record or better say Cd, I discover a new layer of musical pleasure and taste which makes me feel absolutely satisfied. So, for all of you out there who consider themselves as alternative listeners, “Mantra” is a choice that won’t let you down for sure!
