Sep 23, 2024 3 min read

[promo] Mantra - "Celestial: Fall" (Vlad Productions) - Progressive Rock/Metal

A project five years in the making, CELESTIAL picks up where LANIAKEA left off in 2016, a philosophical exploration of the loneliness of humanity in the face of civilization's collapse.

Artist: Mantra
Release Title: Celestial: Fall
Label: Vlad Productions
Release Date: September 22, 2024
Format: Digital
Genre: Progressive Rock/Metal
Country: France

"Celestial: Fall" - Album PREVIEW

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Order now: https://mantrafr.bandcamp.com/album/celestial-fall

A project five years in the making, CELESTIAL picks up where LANIAKEA left off in 2016, a philosophical exploration of the loneliness of humanity in the face of civilization's collapse.

Mantra delves into a story that is both mystical and grounded in harsh realities, set against the backdrop of a crumbling civilization. The fate of humanity, torn between conquest and restraint, is encapsulated in a mysterious disc from another world, another time. This is the premise of the band’s latest project, CELESTIAL, which will be revealed through a unique release cycle. The album consists of four parts, each corresponding to a season and chapter in the CELESTIAL narrative, to be unveiled between September 2024 and June 2025, aligning with the solstices and equinoxes.

On September 22, 2024, coinciding with the autumnal equinox, Mantra will release three new tracks as part of Fall, the first side of a double vinyl album due for full release in June 2025. “We composed the album as a complete narrative, which will be revealed gradually, both on streaming platforms and on stage with a new live show,” says vocalist Pierre Junod. “This first season represents the starting point of the story: the discovery of a mysterious object fallen from the sky, signaling an inevitable collapse.”

Mantra has earned a reputation on both the French and international rock and metal scenes for their intricate concepts and meticulous craftsmanship. “Following Medium, a project focused on the separation of body and mind, where the two halves could be listened to simultaneously, we wanted to push our creative boundaries even further,” explains guitarist Simon Saint-Georges. Featuring long tracks (some up to 16 minutes), with lyrical choirs, piano, and even oud, this album is packed with surprises and innovations that the band is excited to share with their audience.

With this release strategy, Mantra aims to extend the experience for their fans. Those who pre-order the double vinyl will gain early access to the upcoming seasons as a gesture of gratitude for their loyalty and patience. The band is also planning a series of special concerts to coincide with each release, debuting the new material live. The first of these shows will take place at the Black Shelter in Nantes on September 21, to celebrate the release of Fall.

Celestial: Fall is just the beginning. The next installment, Celestial: Winter, will arrive in December, and the entire album will culminate in a double LP release in June 2025.