Back in the day - those are words that are used quite often these days, but I actually lived it! Bands such as METALLICA, EXODUS, TESTAMENT and many others, I saw live and photographed as well. Those days are burnt memories that could never be brought back to the twentieth century. Or can they? I mean, you can never bring back the raw energy of thrash metal unless you check out the latest smash hit movie “Get Thrashed” by Rick Ernest. Little plug there as I had some photos used in that movie! Anyway, getting back to reality; MANTIC RITUAL was named by METALLICA’s James Hetfield as having the best debut metal album of 2009 with their excellent “Executioner” CD.

For me, I can’t name it the best as of yet because there’s a long way until the end of the year, but I can say it’s the best so far. A CD that will rock your world, bringing back those memories of killer thrash bands.

Never thought I would hear a band that could actually change the direction of music until NIRVANA wrecked the music scene years ago, but as they say music runs in cycles and it could be time for thrash to make its move back to the top, led by MANTIC RITUAL’s “Executioner”.

The opening track “One By One” is truly an amazing tune reminiscent of METALLICA’s “Breadfan” and also the vintage sounds of EXODUS. Throughout “Executioner” you will be reminded of releases like “Kill Em’ All”, that lay shreds to your typical modern day thrasher. I haven’t heard anything else this amazing that can uproot the underground scene like MANTIC RITUAL can. The guitar work can rip your testicals to shreds as you enter the mosh pit from hell. These boys from the steel city of Pittsburgh, PA have coal in their blood and will reach that diamond plateau seeking world domination with “Executioner”.

Check out “Black Tar Sin” and the raw vocals of Dan Wetmore; at one time, a non-stop overthrow of vinyl had induced a silver disc known as a CD and the change had been made. As with MANTIC RITUAL; they are the next in line to crack the egg of evolution and become the kingpin. From the simplest of guitar chords to technical masterpieces, guitarist Jeff Potts is memorizing. And you know most drummers never get fair credit but Adam Haritan’s bashing can change that perception.

“Death And Destruction” might be my favorite track with vibes of classic METALLICA meets OVERKILL and the list never ends with how bone crushing the music of MANTIC RITUAL sounds. Check out that shit on guitar… incredible!

I really don’t know what else to say but listening to this CD I think I just lost twenty years off my age and senility is not around the corner anymore! And no steroids needed here either as my new “roid” is MANTIC RITUAL’s “Executioner”! Hetfield may be right on the money with his synopsis. These boys are out on tour now too, so check em’ out! A great new debut in “Executioner”; it’s simply AMAZING!