Review Summary: Mantak, in Kedayan dialect means 'evil black magic', and 666 is their blasphemous spell.
Formed in 1995, Mantak is often considered as one of the most well-known Malaysian extreme-metal acts. So far, they have released four LPs, six EPs, and a few split-albums along the such Abigail (Japan), Amputator (USA), and Enshadowed (Greece). Mantak play black/thrash style and sometimes combine strong death metal influences - this, possibly will remind some people to Sacramentum, Sabbat, or even Behemoth. However, in context of Southeastern Asia metal enthusiast, Mantak is a good answer to the legendary Singaporean band, Impiety. Coming from Borneo island which is more renowned with its quite dense jungle, now with this
666 EP, Mantak apparently prepare themselves to explore the murky jungles of world global extreme-metal, and yes they have enough tools, ammo, great self-confidence, and they also have a good capability to tame the "wild beast" (meaning that; metalheads) with their quite good extreme music.
Basically,
666 is a bit polished in production quality. This thing perhaps will disappoint people who love somewhat raw, a bit louder and more straight side of extreme music. Yeah, unlike their latest EP,
Evilust Necrolust (2012) which is pretty raw, however,
666 is still worthy stuff. Contains only four tracks, include cover version of Tankard, this 15-minutes EP is fine introduction for first time listener. Vocally, Naz nicely fits the intensity side of music. It's not too loud anyway, his vocals is kinda overwhelmed by his rapid and thick guitar sound. Above all, the crucial thing is, his low-shrieked vocals is able to present somewhat atmospheric and creepy sound - the thing that people usually can find in many other black metal stuffs. Regarding to guitar riffs,
666 does not offer something unique, complex, or something special. But, who cares if they don't invent something revolutionary to the wheels. They play at their best, and offer a good music, for now it's more than enough to give 'em appreciation, right? Hmm, whatever, Naz's riffing actually is memorable enough. He succeeded to manage not only being atmospheric and fear-inducing sounds, but also energetic thrash elements. While Kevin Helvete's bass is not so audible and bit difficult to hear, their drumming is pretty solid. Shaun Yazeed performs it well. He throws down some ferocious blast-beats with nice fills here and there.
In closing,
666 is solid EP. This is recommended for whoever who looks for solid black/thrash stuff from uncommon country such as Malaysia. within the course of 15 minutes of music, this EP must be too damn short. However it's nice introduction to any other Mantak's album such as
Diabolical Psycholust,
Evilust Necrolust,
Sabahell's Blasphemer, and etc.
