BY STEVE THIRIOT
The San Diego-based metalcore band Mandala has indeed made a promising entrance into the genre with their debut EP, "The Way Out." Drawing influence from such established acts as August Burns Red, Texas in July, and Lamb of God, their sound is a stirring concoction of metalcore with nuanced hints of progressive and deathcore elements.
"The Black," the intro track, sets an ominous tone for the EP. The auditory illusion of a man walking through grass in this 44-second eerie intro adds a touch of suspense and anticipation for what's to come.
The intensity kicks up a notch with "Zero Hour," an adrenaline-fueled track full of pulsating rhythms and ferocious riffs, serving as a true testament to Mandala's metalcore roots.
"Don't Lose Sleep" maintains this high-octane tempo, fusing aggressive instrumentals with lyrical intensity, and "Maelstrom" impresses with intricate and epic guitar work that displays the band's technical prowess and hints at their progressive influences.
"The Descent" lives up to its name as it plunges listeners into an insanely heavy and brutal soundscape that could rival the intensity of genre veterans. The vicious instrumentals combined with Garrett's fierce vocals provide a sonic assault that will undoubtedly resonate with fans of heavier music.
The EP concludes with "New Horizons," a track that contrasts beautifully atmospheric moments that instantly transports you to another world with fast and chaotic sections. This track showcases the band's ability to experiment with their sound and provides an exciting glimpse of what could be their evolving signature style.
"The Way Out" certainly leaves listeners eager for more from Mandala. Despite this being their debut EP, the band demonstrates a confident command of their sound and their genre's expectations. Their mastery of hardcore energy, brutal heaviness, and their evident willingness to experiment with atmospheric and progressive elements bodes well for their future projects.
Mandala's "The Way Out" is a potent concoction that will delight metalcore enthusiasts while also appealing to fans of heavier genres. It's an impressive debut that promises great things for the band's future. If you're into heavy, high-energy music with a twist of progressive elements, this EP is definitely worth a listen.
Mandala has marked their territory in the metalcore scene with this strong debut, and fans will no doubt be waiting in anticipation for their first full-length album. One thing is for sure, the future of Mandala is as promising as their music is intense.
Listen to the EP on SPOTIFY
Order the CD HERE