In VainIn VainMantra
The End Records 2010

Symphonic black metal fans…you just met your new best friend. Off of The End Records, In Vain comes out with Mantra: 66 ½ minutes of some of the best black metal I’ve ever heard (anyone that knows me will tell you that that statement is something worth cherishing, as I am a black metal nut).

Am I joking? Let’s put it this way: the FIRST TRACK is worth whatever you spent to obtain that album…I’m serious.

If you ever want to sample black metal in one or two songs, the opening tracks “Captivating Solitude” and “Mannefall” will get you really close to the full black metal scene. Both are symphonic in nature, although the latter contains more of the rawer elements seen in bands like Antestor (Return of The Black Death era) and Horde.

In short, the entire album is flawless. Though if the song “Ain’t No Lovin’” had nothing to do with the following track “On The Banks Of The Mississippi”, then there’d be issues. I would note the other 5 tracks on the album here, but then this review would be the zine this issue; I just can’t stop thinking of all the positives.

[rating:7/7]

Reviewed By: Bryan Jones