Reunited modern-day thrashers Mantic Ritual unveil single "Crusader"

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!”

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” 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 now joining them on drums – in the beginning of 2021.

The unveiling of “Crusader” 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 months to come by M-Theory Audio and at www.facebook.com/manticritual.

MANTIC RITUAL is:
Dan Wetmore (vocals/guitars)
Jeff Potts (guitars)
Ben Mottsman (bass)
Carlos Cruz (drums)