Neomantra - Paranosis - EP Review - Contemporary Doom Metal from Perth, Western Australia
It is one of those last sunny days here in the North, and I sense a feeling similar to a Sunday vibe with its calmness, along with my day off. While taking my walk outside, I’m writing these words after listening to Paranosis for the last time, the most recent EP by the contemporary doom metal band Neomantra, from Perth, Western Australia. Let’s begin.
NEOMANTRA - ASTRAL PRISON (Official Music Video)
First and foremost, Paranosis is a fantastic-sounding album that easily qualifies Neomantra as an established band. Although I’ve never been a fan of doom metal myself, I would listen to these Australian gentlemen not only for their sound—but it plays a crucial role regardless. It wasn’t a surprise to hear that they’ve earned support from bands such as Karnivool. Paranosis is solid proof of their standards.
Musically, the album draws inspiration from the Western world and doesn’t necessarily stray from this comfortable zone. Many times during my listens, the music brought back memories of my childhood heroes. Among their major doom metal influences, Neomantra delves into vintage death metal with surprising twists of psychedelic, sludge, and even progressive elements. In the end, there was no doubt left in me that whatever they do, they do it well.
After almost two weeks since my discovery, I still sense the freshness in the album’s contemporary sound. It’s valid to say the album has flawless production. Technically, it sounds impeccable, but more importantly, capturing such real performances with such spacious, airy feeling made me think that it has a sound that will never get old, just like the classics don’t.
Lastly, I’m also convinced by the capabilities and experience of this collective. While you get to hear them playing the purest forms of vintage doom and death metal, songs like Dualism II and Boltzmann Brain brought back memories from the classic eras of Metallica, Black Sabbath, and even Mastodon. In addition to all these qualities that could make a band great alone, the vocalist, in my opinion, makes them special. Too many times, he commanded my utmost attention with his singing; I must say I’m convinced. Fundamentally, he is a fantastic singer with a death growling style and a characteristic deep voice, who can also sing melodically.
On the other side of the coin, I have a few suggestions to make, and the first one is about the limited musical language. From my perspective as a guitar player, composer, and music enthusiast, my journey through the album didn’t have the excitement that urges you to listen again and again, mainly because of the familiar ideas in a familiar language. I guess it’s the only thing standing in their way of becoming an internationally renowned band.
Secondly, Neomantra has, in my eyes, one of the most characteristic vocalists, yet they don’t seem to know how to fully take advantage of it. I think this is a mistake. I would argue for giving him the leading role in their production without hesitation. He has everything in his DNA to take the band further.
In conclusion, Paranosis has become my most-listened-to album recently, and it’s been a great pleasure. Vintage doom metal with a flawless contemporary sound by an established band, incorporating psychedelic and sludge metal influences, brings back memories of the finest. Thank you for reading.
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