Artist: Mánþiel
Country: Chile
Label: Ars Maligne
Formats: CD
Year: 2024
After the ‘Vestiges Engraved In Frozen Mysticism’-album and the split with Wampyric Rites, both released in January 2023, it got a bit quiet around this project, run by the ever-restless Lord Valtgryftåke. But in the autumn months of this year we are treated to a 45+ minutes demo (‘From Lycanthropic Realms Of Sorrow’) and no less than two albums, all three released in the span of a mere two weeks, of which this is the first one.
Compared to the previous work, the most notable difference is that the music is less muffled and is more based on the fundamentals of rock-fuelled riffs. Of course, the Atmospheric Black Metal that the bulk of Lord Valtgryftåke’s work is based on is once again the biggest leitmotif through the album, but if you take a listen to ‘Strength And Pride’ you will definitely hear a more conservative and recognisable rocking vibe. Indeed, the lion’s share of Lord Valtgryftåke’s music is based on the slow and melancholic work of early Dimmu Borgir, Borknagar and Gehenna, yet here we are served with something that proudly wears the Finnish Black Metal influences. But, when merged with that more melodic and especially atmospheric spirit of Mánþiel’s previous output, the music gets a bit of an identity of its own – which, frankly, lacks in most of this illustrious figure’s work.
The occasional strumming or quieter passages do give the music a certain moody feel, which actually blends in well with the more bareboned style of riffing. I wouldn’t necessarily tie them to the most well-known acts from the Russian scene of the 90’s, but a vague resemblance to, for instance, Forest or Branikald is hard to deny. But then again, their approach to Black Metal exudes a folky and atmospheric touch as well as being able to rock in an almost punky fashion, which, in turn, is also found in many of the (current day) Finnish bands.
As far as I am aware, Lord Valtgryftåke now leads Mánþiel (or Mantiel) as a solo endeavour too as both other musicians left not too long after the recording after the last album. Still, this particular band has been among my favourite Lord Valtgryftåke work and ‘A Thousand Ornaments Of The Cosmos’ certainly did not disappoint.
