Neomantra: Post-Metal Textures Over Progressive Tropes
NEOMANTRA are a post-metal band from Perth, Western Australia and they’ve just dropped their 5 track EP entitled Paranosis.
I say post-metal because they tap into different sonic textures than you would find in an EP by a progressive metal band. Textures that evoke the stylistic leanings of early Isis when they were more of a repetitive sludge/noise band; or even the likes of Old Man Gloom. That said; there are progressive elements to Paranosis, but not in the way that you’d expect a progressive EP to be. Moreso in the argument of progressions of themes this EP evokes.
Traversing Darker Emotions
Paranosis is a dark and moody EP that traverses a landscape of darker emotions. Progressing through emotions of longing, loneliness, fear, melancholy, sadness, isolation, and depression – to name a few.
Themes explored amidst Neomantra’s unrelenting tapestry of brutal riffs. A tapestry that leans into faint echoes of electronica which provides an atmosphere where you’ll find comfort in the uncomfortable.
Track-by-Track Breakdown
- “Consciousness” – repetitive yet hypnotic.
- “Astral Prison” – bleak, layered with eastern-tinged guitar solos, culminating in a post-metal gallop of sludgy fervour.
- “Dualism II” – slow, resonant, calm peeking through the storm.
- “Boltzmann Brain (Thought Experiment)” – extended pursuit of dread, haunting guitars battling against guttural vocals.
- “Atman/Brahman” – a closing track that feels unnecessary, not as strong as the preceding four.
Personal Standout
For me, I resonate with “Astral Prison” the most as the song to its core represents the band at their musically finest whilst communicating this message of darkness incarnate.
Final Verdict
All in all, a fine outing for a band that doesn’t concern itself with the bastardised wankery of drawn out solos which serve no real purpose. Paranosis is affectionately littered with heavy and punishing movements which satisfy the post-metal or post-sludge fan. There’s a lot of depth to it. Its rich in texture.
And this is why Neomantra’s Paranosis is My Kind Of Weird.
