White Mantis is
a thrash metal band from Bavaria, Germany. Since forming in the early 2010s,
the group has developed a strong reputation for their energetic playing and
thoughtful songwriting. Their lineup solidified with the arrival of drummer Thomas Taube in 2016 and bassist Jan Strobl in 2018. The band’s 2019 debut, “Sacrifice
Your Future,” introduced a raw, aggressive style that leaned into classic
thrash influences. Over the years, they’ve expanded their sound by bringing in
progressive structures and unusual rhythmic shifts, shaped by the various
musical backgrounds of the members. Now, six years later, White Mantis returns with their second
full-length, “Arrows At The Sun.”
“Arrows At The Sun” continues what White Mantis began on their debut, but with
greater focus and maturity. Clocking in at just under 47 minutes, the album
feels well-paced and purposeful. The band’s style blends fast, razor-edged
riffing with unexpected changes in direction, while keeping the core of their
music direct and rhythmic.
The guitars
from Matthias Pletz and Enrico Pertoso are efficient and aggressive, but
not overly complex. Their twin attack is the driving force of the album. The
rhythm section, with Strobl on bass and Taube on drums, brings a sense of momentum and
precision that helps each track feel distinct without drifting too far from the
album’s character.
Lyrically,
the album deals with modern concerns such as surveillance, technology, and
personal freedom. Tracks like “Reality Exists” and “Altar Of Technology”
present their ideas in a way that feels urgent but not forced. Even when the
songs lean into abstract themes, the delivery stays grounded.
The vocals are sharp and consistent across the album, with Pletz delivering each line clearly and with purpose. His voice adds weight to the social and philosophical ideas in the lyrics without overwhelming the instrumentation. The mix keeps the guitars forward without burying the rhythm section, and the production balances energy with definition across the board.
There are
moments when the chaotic structures pull the listener into unusual territory,
and that can sometimes make the songs feel intricate. However, the band never
loses control. Everything feels intentional, even during the more
unconventional transitions.
“Arrows At
The Sun” is an album made by a band that knows what it wants to sound like (an early
Voivod offspring, and you’re in) and how to
communicate it. It stands on its own, rooted in traditional thrash but not
confined by it. There are hints of Voivod and
Megadeth, but White
Mantis shapes those influences into something of their own.
This is a
strong enough second album from White Mantis,
marked by thoughtful songwriting, tight playing, and a clear identity. The band
doesn’t rely on nostalgia or genre clichés. Instead, they push their sound
forward with confidence. “Arrows At The Sun” offers plenty for both longtime
thrash listeners and those interested in something slightly outside the usual
boundaries.
Score: 8.5
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