Pittsburgh Thrash Metal outfit Mantic Ritual are back and are set to release a new EP entitled Heart Set Stone on September 2nd. The band’s singer and guitarist Dan Wetmore took the time to talk with Metal Express Radio about the band’s upcoming EP, coming back from the band’s hiatus, his own Big Four, and more. Check out the chat below!
Metal Express Radio: The band’s new EP entitled Heart Set Stone is set to be released on September 2nd, what can you tell fans about the upcoming EP?
Wetmore: It’s a six song EP, half originals, half covers. I’m stoked with the result. Some good variety. It’s a critical bridge from re-forming the band to an actual full length and I think it establishes our path going forward. Songwriting has improved a lot. Back in the day I was just guessing and certain elements of songs were haphazard. The songs are far more considered.
MER: How did the band approach covering the Mercyful Fate classic “Black Funeral?”
Wetmore: The goal was to do it almost note for note. It’s a half step lower and a little faster, but pretty much the same. We mixed it with some consideration to the original. Carlos, Jeff and Ben are all very well trained musicians and it’s no sweat for them to figure this stuff out perfectly. It’s really helpful for me, as someone less skilled. I play the final lead and it’s not note for note. If Jeff had done it, I bet it would be spot on, like his harmonized solo just prior. The vocals are definitely critical and I’m pleased I could do it. I practiced much of it an octave lower, but when I finally started recording, the high stuff came naturally.
MER: What kind of feedback have you been able to receive on “Black Funeral” along with the other single you’ve released entitled “Crusader?”
Wetmore: Feedback has been really good. Fan reaction is great. I mean, let’s get real, the songs are better, the performances better, the recording is more round and expressive, and you can hear the bass, so it makes sense. So far exposure has been pretty limited, but the videos are getting a little play, our Spotify numbers are up, shit is selling (would like to sell more!!) so I’m happy.
MER: What do you see as plans for the band after the release of the EP?
Wetmore: We have a full length album fully written and the pre-production is nearing completion. I’m hoping for a 12 song album including a cover, but we have nearly 20 new songs from the past two years completed. And this stuff is good. The EP originals were based on song sound and completion, not really biggest hitters, so there is some super stuff that will be on the LP. We need to figure out a record deal that covers a bit of the production costs. I hope this album to be out in 2023. We’re not going to be touring really, but one off shows, small tours and festivals are on the table.
MER: How has it been getting back together writing and recording after the band’s hiatus?
Wetmore: It came quite naturally. We didn’t know this would be the case, but Jeff and I dug into the material I had written over the years and the pieces to the puzzle fell into place. I’m writing everything, then Jeff and I make a pre-production track that Carlos and Ben record to. Then we do our parts over theirs. It works really well. Interpersonally, it’s awesome. I’m a lot more chill than I was back in the day and these relationships are far more fun. We’re getting shit done and feeling good about it.
MER: How did you and your bandmates keep yourselves busy during the hiatus?
Wetmore: I can’t speak for anyone else really, but generally speaking it was a time to figure ourselves out personally, find what we wanted from life, to refine our preexisting skills, have good sex, make sweet music, make mistakes and figure them out. Ya know, like what healthy responsible people do when they’re not blasted out of their mind constantly touring and getting fucked up. I’m not saying any of that is bad, I’m just saying generally what I think has changed. For me, I got a degree, bought some properties, got into restoring historic houses, turbo Volvo’s, farming, good sex, good partners and shit like that!
MER: Is there anyone that you hope to tour with that you haven’t yet and why?
Wetmore: I can’t really answer this. When we toured I was a total recluse and I wasn’t having a good time. I quit Mantic because I hated touring! So it doesn’t really matter who, I just wouldn’t be happy. As for any show or festival, I’ll play with any band that shreds, means what they say and like to take it easy and see the sights. I’m not trying to get holed up backstage or on a bus when I don’t have to.
MER: Having come about during the New Wave of Thrash, are there any other newer Thrash bands that have caught your attention?
Wetmore: always suck at answering this shit because despite making Heavy Metal, I don’t listen to much contemporary stuff. I hardly listen to Thrash these days. Lots of Judas Priest and Black Sabbath, but like tons of Jazz, Frank Zappa, 1960’s Rocksteady and some contemporary stuff that isn’t Metal. And I think I make better music because of this.
MER: What are some songs from the band you would suggest to a new fan and why?
Wetmore: I strongly recommend checking out material from the new EP first. I think it’s the best material yet, and while “Executioner” has definite strong points, I’m somewhat over it. Except for “One By One”, “Next Attack”, and maybe “Souls”, I hear the songwriting flaws more than I’m enjoying the music. But that’s just me. “One By One” is the most popular track, and I’m glad that’s the case because it still stands pretty tall.
MER: If you could create your own Big Four of Thrash, who would it be and why?
Wetmore: OK, let’s see:
1. Sepultura. By far my favorite Thrash band. The lyrics, the attitude, the riffs, the beats and the looks all captivate me still. I’m not listening to Thrash much these days, but when I do, it’s often Schizophrenia, Beneath the Remains or Arise. There’s an energy and fury here that I find so authentic. And the Cavalera history, stirs me. Maybe it’s a Brazilian thing. Despite being worlds apart in both ascent to glory and specific pursuit, I love Sepultura like I love Aryton Senna. That passion is palpable and completely embedded and authentic.
2. Metallica. Yes, Metallica absolutely sucks now and have for decades. And I know it’s real cool to hate them, but Kill ‘em All literally changed my life forever. I was different person after the first riff in “Hit the Lights.” I had finally heard what I always wanted music to be. And even though that album doesn’t stir me the same now, I will never forget that feeling and the lasting influence. And in terms of music, not Thrash, I think the Black Album is excellent. And Justice for All is grossly underrated and everything in between has a real proficiency that most Thrash bands lacked. But their later career? Embarrassing to say the very LEAST. I see them as money grubbing idiots who never matured or learned how to be OK people. That’s another story…
3. Razor. I’ve mentioned this in other interviews lately, but realistically speaking less than 50% of Razor songs really hit home for me, but the ones that do, completely typify the genre and succeed in doing, what I believe, Thrash should do. And that’s a tall order. Where Metallica and Megadeth pushed the boundaries (often too far), Razor dug in and stayed true, very much like the evolution of the Ramones. This isn’t always a good thing, but sometimes it creates absolute GEMS. Currently, my favorite Razor song is “Hypertension” from Violet Restitution. Truly fucking supreme Thrash.
4. Venom. Maybe a touch on the “Thrash grandfather” side, but you asked! Since I came to Heavy Metal from Punk, there was a lot to love about Venom in attitude and production. Early on, and to this day, the evil, melodic and brutal playing of Mantas is something I constantly consider when coming up with riffs. You want a perfect Thrash song? (Despite the name!) “Black Metal” is tops on my list. No doubt Venom is the Gods’ Rock n’ Roll.
Be the first to comment