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Boy! Has it been a wild ride for thrash metal act MANTIC RITUAL whose time together has had it's up's and it's down's from the start to the end to the beginning once again! This time around, the band has returned, giving us a complete run down since our first and only last discussion way back when in 2009! Now that some time has passed the band is back with new material, as vocalist/guitarist Dan Wetmore discusses the new work's, show planning, and all else left to be said below!

1. It's been 13 years since we first and last spoke way back in 2009. So give me a brief summary as to what happened between then and now in 2022?

I mean everything. You’d have to ask everyone specifically, but for me, it was about taking care of the things I needed from life. I’ve never given a shit about a rock n’ roll lifestyle. I was never trying to be Lemmy; playing, drinking and fucking every night. I like all that stuff, but not in excess. Maybe save fucking… I got a degree, met incredible people, bought a few properties, have/have had amazing partners and relationships, worked on cars and on my partner’s farm. Shit like that. Leaving the band in 2009 was the best decision I could have made. 

2. In 2010 the band had called it quits but just a few years later in 2013 a one off reunion show took place what was that like getting the band back together again at that point in time?

Situations like that happen simply. We were asked to play, flights covered, we all could so we did. Would have done it any other time, too. But this was the only time it happened. It was weird, but exhilarating. Carlos was a great fit. I could have used more practice, but it went down pretty OK. I skipped my college graduation to play that show. Again, best decision I could have made. 

3. Then come 2021 the band would reunite officially coming back again, so what was it like reforming yet again years later in 2021?

I never thought we’d have another go, but Jeff came through Pittsburgh and we got to talking. I had tons of written material stashed away and very quickly we realized an album was a viable prospect. We figured out a good system for writing and recording and went for it. I hadn’t been in touch with anyone for a long time, but in 2020 starting talking to Ben and Jeff more. In a way it was natural.

4. During this same year 2021, the band had signed onto M-Theory Audio so why this particular label and how did that all happen?

That’s all thanks to the involvement of Carlos. He was critical in getting that deal, because logistically I’m not sure how much pull we’d have out the gate. I think the music is killer, but we’re not doing 30 day tours to support anything, so label interest potentially seemed limited. More or less, this landed in our lap, but that’s not to downplay it. Marco at M-Theroy has been critical in making these releases a reality. I’m very grateful.

5. From there the band would go on to write and record which would become a limited 7' single with 2 tracks, tell me about it?

Crusader was simply the first track completed. Strong song, but there are even stronger ones behind it. The b-side, Black Funeral is nice n’ juicy and satanic and OK, god bless. There are almost 20 new tracks we’re pulling from. All new material was completed recently.

6. Following this would be what an upcoming EP titled "Heart Set Stone" out this fall, will this lead on to the expected sophomore album?

Yes, we have an album fully written. We’re close to finishing pre-production. There’s no deal for this album, but I’m hoping the recent releases are enough to get us something that will ensure some decent funding for recording and mixing.

7. Has the band re-released your debut album "Executioner" (2009) or plan too?

That’s in the works. Stay tuned!

8. The band had planned to do a tour or show but that did not take place, is there any word on any upcoming events?

We were going to play a show last summer, but because of covid shit, it fell through. No, no current shows lined up, but we intend to. It will happen, but it just hasn’t lined up yet.

9. What else does the band have lined up for 2022 into the next year?

Nothing for 2022 yet, but I think it’s possible we record another video and play a few shows. I’d like to head out to LA before Ben moves back to Pittsburgh. 2023 should definitely see the new full length. 

10. Do you want to say anything else to the fans both old and new out there?

Yes. Fans? Hello fans, can you hear me? Thanks for sticking around after all this time. I’m writing the best heavy metal I can. This shit is really considered because number one: we’re all losing money on this. And number two: I have no reason to do this other than because I love it and I mean what I do and say. I’m not religious by any stretch of the imagination, but as a kid, heavy metal truly was my salvation. There is a passion in heavy metal and punk that no other kind of music can touch and that’s why I’m doing this. In art and music almost everything has been done, so I can’t claim originality. But without sounding like crap, I’m trying to put my edge on it. Is anyone reading this? Let’s get real… But thanks if you have. -Dan

MANTIC RITUAL release music video for “Crusader,” the first new song from the reunited thrashers since their 2009 Nuclear Blast debut. “Crusader” was originally released earlier this year to all digital platforms, in addition to a limited 7” single backed with the group’s take on the Mercyful Fate classic “Black Funeral.” The music video was shot in the Mojave Desert by producer Randall Smith and edited by Kai Young and captures an intense performance by the band complementing the infectious balance of high-energy traditional melodicism with thrashy break-neck aggression.

“With no festivals or tours on the schedule, we felt it was really important to make a simple, performance-oriented video,” explains vocalist/guitarist Dan Wetmore. “It was about getting the Mantic boys together and once again telling the dumbest jokes and being Beavis and Butthead x2, all the while making a sincerely mad clip. Filmed out near Mojave, we took our time hashing out that Pittsburgh/So-Cal vibe. ‘Crusader’ is already out, so this is a weird order of operations, but at approximately 1500 followers on Instagram, you gotta ask yourself, does it matter?! Good news is, we make music cuz we’re still pissed and still metal believers. If we were in it for cash, we’d have stuck with Nuclear Blast and made that weird euro pop metal. Enjoy, my friends!”

Mantic Ritual are spread across 3 states but that didn’t stop the core teaming up with friend and fan Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Hexen, Exmortus), who has joined the outfit’s ranks, to crank out a few more originals and covers to please fans asking for “Crusader,” “Black Funeral” and more on CD. Sept. 2nd Mantic Ritual will release, “Heart Set Stone,” a 6-song collection of 3 originals and 3 covers, including the aforementioned in addition to renditions of classics from British hardcore originators G.B.H. and Canadian thrash legends Razor. Pre-order CD and limited-edition (100) cassette versions at www.smarturl.com/manticritual.

Check out the new video which can be seen here - https://youtu.be/GqG86IV4m-w.

Reunited thrashers MANTIC RITUAL have unveiled a visualizer video for their cover of Mercyful Fate's classic, “Black Funeral.” The track is the B-side of the 7-inch vinyl release for their recently-revealed single, “Crusader.” The limited-edition of 300 collector’s 7-inch vinyl with “Crusader” - the band's first new music in 12 years from the reunited group featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Machine Head, Power Trip) - as the A-side and “Black Funeral” as the B-side is set to be released this Friday, January 28th. Order now at https://www.smarturl.com/manticritual.

 “I can't think of a metal band I like more than Mercyful Fate; melodic, dark, and shockingly heavy at times,” explains guitarist/vocalist Dan Wetmore. “We've covered ‘Doomed by the Living Dead’ and ‘Gypsy’ in the past, but I wanted something direct and short. ‘Black Funeral’ really delivers. Heavy as hell, straight to the punch and then it ends with two beautiful leads. Perfect. We wanted to do this largely note for note, true to the original, just a bit faster. My vocal style has changed a bit. I scream less, and I sing more. And my range is much bigger. This seemed a challenge, but it came out in just a few takes. All hail Satan!!”

The video for “Black Funeral” can be viewed at https://youtu.be/xQGWm4mk7xQ. 

Reunited thrashers MANTIC RITUAL have unveiled their new single, “Crusader.” The first new music in 12 years from the reunited group – featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Exmortus, Power Trip) – is on all streaming and download platforms now. Pre-orders for a limited-edition (300) 7-inch vinyl with “Crusader” as the A-side and the band’s cover of the Mercyful Fate classic “Black Funeral” is set to be released in early 2022 are available now at www.smarturl.com/manticritual.

Says vocalist/guitarist Dan Wetmore, “What’s up, metal wackos, death stare daddies and thrash ragers? I’m pleased to announce the first MANTIC RITUAL release since our 2009 debut on Nuclear Blast. Though it has been a while, the metal flame never died. We aren’t dropping an album at this time, but rather putting out a few smaller releases in anticipation. It’s been a while and we’re stoking the fire, revvin’ up, getting our shit together. Via M-Theory Audio, this 7-inch is just a small taste of what’s to come, and paves the way for a worthy successor to 'Executioner,' condensing our thrash, death and punk influences into something competent and pointed.

When I was 18, the thrash revival seemed like a nice jumping point for the pissed-off, metal-head prick I was. I'm still pissed-off, might still be a prick, but shit has landed and it's way more concise, and I think, way better. Whatever furious adjective-filled heavy metal tagline you choose, I promise the new Mantic Ritual will deliver. Sure, a 7-inch isn’t a big release, but I’m sure it’s bigger than most of you...stay tuned, mates!”

Stream "Crusader" here: https://youtu.be/1vr63c1o2Xw.

Reunited thrashers MANTIC RITUAL have signed with M-Theory Audio. New music from the reunited group – featuring original members Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars), Jeff Potts (guitars), and Ben Mottsman (bass) alongside new drummer Carlos Cruz (Warbringer, Exmortus, Hexen) – will be released later this year, but the first taste of the new riffs to come will be unveiled with a live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA.

"This is Dan Wetmore with the first Mantic Ritual news in over ten years! We have reunited and working on a new EP for later this year via our recent signing with M-Theory Audio. With over twelve original songs already written, this will set the path for an imminent full-length album next year. Reviving Mantic Ritual isn’t something we’re taking lightly, we intend to best our debut album, "Executioner" in every way. The new material is true to our roots in Heavy Metal, Thrash/Speed and Punk. This is in our blood and it’s time to share with everyone. Mantic Ritual is ecstatic to work with M-Theory Audio and thankful for the opportunity furnished by Founder/President, Marco Barbieri. Cheers!"

The early beginnings of MANTIC RITUAL were birthed in the band's hometown of Pittsburgh in 2005. Performing initially under the name Meltdown, the group began building a buzz with Northeast heavy metal fans over the next two years with their combination of boundless thrash enthusiasm and superb songsmanship. The band moved across the country to Los Angeles in 2007, where performances alongside leaders of the budding Southern California thrash revival such as Warbringer, Fueled By Fire, and Merciless Death earned them attention from discerning metal audiences and a record deal with Nuclear Blast Records.

The group soon changed their name to MANTIC RITUAL, and released their first – and so far only – full-length record “Executioner” produced by Andy Classen (Asphyx, Tankard, Krisiun) in March 2009. The album received critical acclaim at the time of its release, with MetalSucks praising the band's “ability to display solid songcraft while maintaining a high-level of heaviness,” Blabbermouth taking note of their “passion, chemistry and intensity,” and the Washington Post noting that “MANTIC RITUAL’s old-school sensibilities act like a group hug that brings punks and headbangers together.”

MANTIC RITUAL followed up the release of “Executioner” with live touring alongside heavy metal titans such as Rotting Christ and Destruction, before dissolving in 2010. Potts and Mottsman later went on to join Warbringer for their 2013 release, “IV: Empires Collapse,” with Potts himself also performing on Gygax's 2018 release, “2nd Edition.” Potts, Mottsman, and Wetmore began writing and recording new music together - with Cruz (still a member of Warbringer) now joining them on drums – in the beginning of 2021.

The group's upcoming live performance on Thursday, August 26th at Supply & Demand in Long Beach, CA – their first since a one-off reunion at Thrasho De Mayo 2013 in Los Angeles - is only the beginning of this exciting new chapter in the story of MANTIC RITUAL. More information on new music from MANTIC RITUAL will be unveiled in the weeks to come by M-Theory Audio.

MANTIC RITUAL is:

Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars)

Jeff Potts (guitars)

Ben Mottsman (bass)

Carlos Cruz (drums)

For more information:

www.facebook.com/manticritual

www.instagram.com/manticritual

https://manticritual.bandcamp.com

www.m-theoryaudio.com