# Nigro Mantia

After our article on the Danish prog Metal band NIGRO MANTIA in issue 1, they lost their second vocalist too. Since then this young talented band have not been able to find anyone who fits in their style.

Contrary to the statement in UNCHAINED ENERGY No. 1, the demo is for sale at dkr. 40.00 at the address below.

The band have had rave reviews on their demo "POETRY OF SUBCULTURE," and have been approached by a British manager, but so far no contract has been signed. Also they have been offered an Italy-tour, but luckily they have of course not been able to accept this.

Watch out for an interview in UNCHAINED ENERGY No. 3.

### New address!
MORTEN LEHMANN  
ELMELUNDEN 205  
7190 BILLUND  
DENMARK  

Challenges and Opportunities for Danish Prog Metal Band Nigro Mantia

NIGRO MANTIA (se UNCHAINED  
ENERGY No. 1) søger for-  
sanger!

Vi spiller eksperimenteren-  
de, progressiv Metal - har  
demoet "POETRY OF SUBCUL-  
TURE" ude og har modtaget  
god respons i udlandet. Vi  
har desuden kontakt med et  
engelsk management.

Band erfaring kræves ikke;  
din musikbaggrund spiller  
ingen rolle, bare du er pa-  
rat til at udfordre dit  
talent.

Ring og hør nærmere!

05-80 15 75 (Henrik - efter  
17.00)  

05-82 20 10 (Jes)

Seeking Lead Singer for Experimental Progressive Metal Band

ISSUE 3  
AMONG OTHER THINGS  

**INTERVIEWS WITH**
  
trouble  

VULTURE  

MERCIA HANTA  

Manager: JOHN SMLATNAK  

GODZILLA (MONOLITH)  

Spotlight Interviews: Exploring the Minds Behind the Scenes

# Nigro Mantia

**Nigro Mantia are:**
- Jes Eschen: drums
- Dennis Riber: guitar
- Jonn Poulsen: bass
- Steen Jäger: vocals
- Peder Belial: organ, vocals
- Michael Skjödtgyld: guitar

After a long time of impatient waiting—a time which seemed like eternity to the insiders of the Danish Metal scene—the Danish metal band NIGRO MANTIA (former ARGON WRACK) finally issued their debut demo "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE."

The group describe their music as Prog-Metal. Musically it can be said to be a mixture of NIGRO MANTIA and TROUBLE. Djenty riffs, screamed and very powerful vocal lines set against epileptic drums. NIGRO MANTIA are actually adding something very new to a fairly staid musical genre. In the more serious moments they are a touch over the top, but for the most part, they are very impressive.

The arrangements are not to be compared with the endless repetition of simple notes and clumsy chardonic chords. Also in the lyrical field, there are major differences between NIGRO MANTIA and most other Metal bands. As the band's spokesman and manager Peder Belial states: "I actually use cliches and empty phrases." It's needed because our songs are for a world without visions. But even the poetry itself is strongly arranged which yields the strength to extrapolate strength in songs that even well-known bands' lyrics are boring and senseless.

NIGRO MANTIA will be one of the most interesting HR-bands for the near future.

But all this doesn't help if the music isn't any good. NIGRO MANTIA, however, can be proud of their efforts on the debut demo tape "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE". This tape contains 6 own numbers (playing time: 29 min., 6 sec) and one old song in a new version from the 70s, (the old song is just 1:50 minutes long) the masterpiece "THE END" (T. Rasmussen's extra piece there too). It is not a boring and one-piece Death album. No exaggerations this and the other MIOR numbers boast that without a shadow of a doubt.

The statement is proven by Dane Island's power play (a same-titled number). This hard but at the same time extremely brutal rock number is filled with good guitar-harmonies as well as a very good theme. Furthermore, the group make use of strange and unusual rhythm compositions.

But it is not until the last track of the demo ("Monolith of the end") which is by far the best song on the band's true potential is shown. "The extractor word" is set deviously at life's end. It is dark in a way of Wagnerian quality but at the same time, as majestic as Blackplague. The way that they are able to make ancient sound seamless, smoothly, and use the most contrary metal elements in one song is brilliant. "Monolith of the end" ought to be their next single. It's fantastic... "MONOLITH OF THE END" is at least one of the best tracks.

NIGRO MANTIA ought to be able to make it. But they shouldn't be down if some say their music lacks a basic clearness, not completely true verbosity, or even just too hard. Personally, I can't invest in this bunch. I favor another group than NIGRO MANTIA, and other creative ideas around above all, Crete (Cave)—the world's best new-found guitar-heart … one of the most astonishing revelations.

**STOP PRESS:**

NIGRO MANTIA have changed their vocals. Due to commitments of a personal nature, Bo Kjær has left the band.

Because of this, we believe "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE" in a short time should be enough for us, from where new material is to be made after thing to where.

For further info on how to obtain a copy of NIGRO MANTIA's new record "POETRY OF SUCCULCULTURE", please send tape to:

Peder Belial  
Nørregade 10  
DK-9800 Hjørring

Poetry of subculture (1984)

Unchained energy # 1 page 24

Unchained energy # 1 page 24

Unchained energy # 1 page 27

Unchained energy # 2 page 16

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