Mantiis Explained

Mantiis – An Agony in Fourteen Bites (2012) is the first studio album by Barcelona-based band Obsidian Kingdom. It is a concept album featuring a single song divided into fourteen tracks, noted for reflecting a broad range of emotions^[1] through a great variety of genres.^[2] The album was recorded, mixed and produced by Jorge Mur and the band at Ax Studios in Barcelona, and mastered by Jens Bogren at Fascination Street Studios. The artwork of the physical edition was in charge of Elena Gallen, under art direction by Ritxi Ostáriz and the band itself.^[3]

Critical reception

Mantiis was well received critically, obtaining positive reviews during 2012 and 2013,^[4] which praised the complex fusion of different genres,^[5] the originality of the proposal^[6] and the quality of its sound production.^[7]

Personnel

Band members

• Rider G Omega – guitar and vocals
• Prozoid Zeta JSI – guitar
• Zer0 Æmeour Íggdrasil – keyboards and vocals
• Fleast Race O'Uden – bass
• Ojete Mordaza II – drums

Other personnel

• Nicholas Dominic Talvola – trumpet on "Last of the Light"
• Fiar – vocals on "Awake Until Dawn"

Notes and References

1. Web site: Mantiis Review at Hipersónica. Spanish. January 4, 2014. dead. https://archive.today/20130411023606/http://www.hipersonica.com/criticas/obsidian-kingdom-mantiis-abriendose-paso-a-la-cima-con-14-bocados-de-genialidad. April 11, 2013.
2. Web site: Metal Hammer Magazine, issue 302-page 22. Spanish. January 4, 2014.
3. Web site: Portfolio de Ritxi Ostáriz. January 4, 2014. dead. https://web.archive.org/web/20131115051948/http://ritxiostariz.com/projects/mantiis.html. November 15, 2013.
4. Web site: Torn & Burnt Review at Rafabasa. December 10, 2013. Spanish. January 4, 2014.
5. Web site: Mantiis Review at Metal Injection. November 8, 2013 . January 4, 2014.
6. Web site: Mantiis Review at Rock Estatal. Spanish. January 4, 2014.
7. Web site: Mantiis Review at Terrorizer. January 4, 2014.