Since their 2013 release Into the Light, the ever-evolving French act Mantra has consistently created concept albums that explore the violent and transformative forces shaping both humanity and nature. Blending elements of progressive, doom, and atmospheric post-metal, the band has developed a sound that is both dynamic and thought-provoking. Their latest release, Celestial: Fall, marks the first of four installments in a concept album cycle centered around the changing seasons. After the success of 2019’s Medium, which delved into the body-mind duality, Fall shifts the focus back to earthier, more grounded themes.
This ambitious project has been in the works for five years, picking up where their 2016 album Laniakea left off—a philosophical exploration of mankind’s solitude in the face of civilizational collapse. In Celestial, Mantra crafts a narrative that is both mystical and deeply rooted in the harsh realities of human existence, examining our species’ struggle between conquest and restraint. At the core of this saga is a mysterious disc from another world, representing the weight of history and the choices that shape our future. The band has structured the album around a unique release schedule: each of the four parts will be unveiled between September 2024 and June 2025, coinciding with the solstices and equinoxes. Each installment corresponds to a season and advances the larger Celestial story.
Musically, Celestial: Fall showcases the chameleonic nature of Mantra’s sound. The band masterfully contrasts moments of haunting, melodic beauty with crushing heaviness and aggression, often within the same track. The opening song, “Fall I – Messenger,” begins with an eerie, nocturnal atmosphere. Delicate piano melodies and hypnotic guitar lines intertwine with ethereal chanting, creating a sense of foreboding. However, the calm is soon shattered as the track erupts into a visceral post-metal assault. Pierre Junod’s vocals cut through layers of overdriven guitars and thunderous drums, pulling the listener into a maelstrom.
“Fall II – Illumination” continues the momentum, driven by a tight, grooving rhythm that propels the vocals forward in a frenzied rush. The song’s dynamics ebb and flow, with tension building during atmospheric instrumental passages before exploding into bursts of raw energy. Arresting guitar chords and jagged, dissonant notes further intensify the track, while the pounding drums drive it toward a powerful climax. The intricate layering of instruments creates a sense of chaos that mirrors the song’s thematic exploration of uncertainty and upheaval.
The final track, “Fall III – Premonition,” is a slow-burner that takes its time to build tension. The song’s first half hesitates, allowing ambient textures and subtle drumming to create an ominous mood. But in the second half, the track surges forward with ferocity. Popping snares and shouted vocals collide with sweeping, cinematic passages, leading to a grand symphonic finale that feels triumphant and foreboding. This closing section expands the sonic palette of the EP, hinting at the larger scope of the Celestial project.
Celestial: Fall is a labyrinthine work that demands close attention and patience from its listeners. Its experimental structure and complex arrangements are challenging but deeply rewarding for those willing to immerse themselves in its world. Mantra‘s ability to balance brute force with moments of delicate introspection is a testament to their disciplined musicianship and creative vision. Thematically, the album serves as both a reflection and a warning—an allegory about the evolution of humanity and the fragile future of our species.
In this first chapter of Celestial, Mantra has expanded their creative horizons while staying true to the core of their sound. The combination of philosophical depth, intricate storytelling, and musical innovation sets the stage for what promises to be a captivating and prophetic series of releases. With Fall, Mantra not only delivers a powerful musical statement but also plants the seeds for an epic saga that will continue to unfold with each passing season.
Celestial: Fall is out now; check it out on Bandcamp here. Follow Mantra on Facebook and Instagram.
With Fall, Mantra not only delivers a powerful musical statement but also plants the seeds for an epic saga that will continue to unfold with each passing season.
