December 22, 2024

Skylight Webzine

Online since 2000

MÆNTIS’ “Brute” is a dynamic composition that opens out with an explosive burst of punk force. The bass takes center stage from the very beginning, creating a frenetic and super fast rhythm that combines punk brutality with a raw, fuzzy production approach representative of the earliest black metal. The music is both confusing and strong, creating a sense of chaos that draws listeners into its aggressive audio universe. At 1:08, the tune suddenly changes into doom metal, slowing everything down and adding a heavy, groovy vibe. The change adds dimension to the song by contrasting the chaotic speed with something more peaceful and dark. As the tempo slows, each layer of instruments get heavier, creating an unpleasant mood that develops throughout the song. When the vocals eventually enter the mix at 2:42, they have a raw, uncommon tone similar to Manila Road’s vocal style. The unusual but exciting voice provides the music a strange, even extraterrestrial vibe that nicely matches the dark and  atmosphere. The vocals provide a rawness to the music, increasing the sense of disorientation and merging genre barriers to create something uniquely unplanned. At 4:19, the music slows down again, but this time with a spoken-word part that provides some minor relief. This pause allows listeners to catch their breath before the tune resumes its heavy doom-laden patterns. The spoken-word part adds a narrative element to the music, making it deeper. As “Brute” approaches its end at 11:36, the heaviness rises in a number of ways, moving between sludge and doom while maintaining its chaotic core. The track’s huge arrangement allows for moments of explosive violence and crushing headbanging, while also maintaining a rough, chaotic edge.

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