No, I haven’t already reviewed this album two years ago, that was the similarly titled “To Kill To Live To Kill”, the first part in a two part concept spread over both releases (hence the familiar album name). Manticora, who as established last time, now favour a much more aggressive, modern Speed Metal sound rather than the dark Power Metal they were previously known for, waste no time in picking up exactly where they left off.

The key to a musical and lyrical concept which runs over two releases released at different times, is that you can still play the entire story from start to finish as if it was one album, and Manticora have definitely achieved this. The musical approach, style and production on this second instalment being the same as the first. Fans will know the concept in depth by now as the band’s 334 page novel that tells the story in more detail has also been out there for a couple of years so there’s no need to dwell on that aspect, so straight onto the music.

‘Katana – The Moths and The Dragonflies’ is a brave way to kick off the album at over 14 minutes long, but as I said, this is ‘part 2’ and fits perfectly in the unified double composition. The intensity is non-stop as the album continues, and just as with last time, the songs are growers without an abundance of vocal melodies or catchy hooks to snare you in – but that’s never really what Manticora have ever been solely about. It’s a full in-yer-face onslaught of well crafted technical Speed Metal (even the more melodic and poignant ‘Goodbye Tina’, can’t resist a couple of double-kick fuelled speed barrages!) riddled with intricate time changes – the drums throughout are particularly excellent. Each song seems to twist its way around the story, as the story entwines itself around the music.

I don’t think it’s too flippant to basically state that if you liked the previous album you’ll like this one and the opposite is also true, but I would recommend a few additional listens to allow the albums to really gel. Most of what I said about the music on “To Kill To Live To Kill” is relevant to this album, as it should be with a good dual concept release. As I listen back to both albums together, I’m also struck by how much the more aggressive, faster Manticora suit the vocals more, allowing them to be a part of the song rather than expect them to carry it as was sometimes the case in the past. What is also very striking is the huge amount of time, thought and energy that’s gone into this release, as well as its older twin and Manticora have done a sterling job bringing it all into the world.

(7/10 Andy Barker)

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https://manticora.bandcamp.com/album/to-live-to-kill-to-live