Release
date: January 09th 2017. Label: Argonauta Records. Format: CD/DD
Mangog
Awakens – Tracklisting
1.Time Is a Prison
2.Meld
3.Ab Intra
4.Of Your Deceit
6.Modern Day
Concubine
7.A Tongue Full of
Lies
8.Daydreams Within
Nightmares
9.Eyes Wide Shut
Band
Members
Myke Wells-Vocals
Bert Hall, Jr.-Guitars, vocals,
devices
Darby Cox-Basses
Mike Rix-Drums
Review
Mangog’s
debut album – Mangog Awakens – is a style of classic Doom Metal
with more modern Hard Rock/Metal sounds with the band on inspired
form from the start. Opening track – Time Is A Prison has a
distinctive grunge feel with the familiar moments of classic doom
metal riffs. Lead vocalist Myke has such a rich and commanding
presence that you can’t but help listen to what he says with his
deep passionate vocals. The riffs have a heavy pounding feel with the
volume being quite loud at times. That’s no bad thing as Mangog
prove collectively what a powerful unit they really are.
Second
track – Meld – is a more fast-paced with some cool Stoner grooves
starting to appear. The song has a slightly distorted raw feel but
it’s a good sound as it’s not too over produced. The heavy
intricate drumming is perhaps one of the standout parts of the song
as the guitars feel too subdued at times. Myke’s vocals are clear
and on point with intelligent lyrics to match.
Third
track – Ab Intra – sees Mangog play a more classic style of doom
metal with psych and occult style riffs. The band spice things up by
writing bleak lyrics that play superbly well against the expertly
played riffs. Though Mangog don’t mind speeding things up a bit by
adding moments of fast and furious Heavy Metal. This is one of the
standout tracks on the album and it shows what Mangog are really
about.
Fourth
track – Of Your Deceit – is a very cold, slow and depressing
track with the lyrics slowly building up a gloomy atmosphere. Myke’s
or Bert’s vocals (I’m not sure. Sorry) are more theatrical this
time and it’s a very cool change of pace.
The
other tracks on the album follow the same path with Mangog paying
homage to their musical heroes past and present. Other great songs to
check out are: Into Infamy, Daydreams Within Nightmares and Eyes Wide
Sheet. Mangog experiment with their sound with the band even adding
moments of Funk Rock to the album.
Mangog
Awakens is a hugely entertaining that never outstays it welcome. It’s
a very cool sounding album packed with fresh ideas and sounds.
Argonauta Records are onto another winner here but this is Mangog’s
show and they deliver on all counts. Superb lyrics and riffs that
will not only keep true Doom Metal fans entertained but the more
casual fan as well. Mangog have indeed Awakened with an action packed
and stunning album.
Words
by Steve Howe
Thanks to Barbara at
NeeCee Agency and Gero at Argonauta Records for the promo. Mangog
Awakens will be available to buy on CD/DD via Argonauta Records from
Jan 9th 2017.
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