Mayan - Antagonise (2014) [Gorgatz]

Mayan - Antagonise (2014) [Gorgatz]



- I N F O -

Dutch Symphonic Death Metal act MAYAN are on the verge of releasing their new album »Antagonise«, set for January 31st 2014 through Nuclear Blast.

The new album showcases the current condition of our society, in which our freedom and privacy are further limited. The lies and propaganda from governments all over the world, the spying, a so called “war on terror”, the insinuated “freedom” we get just to keep us under control…
This translated through Mark Jansen's sharp view and the band's characteristic style of Symphonic Progressive (Death) Metal for maximum expression results in the perfect and most powerful and confronting album possible to date. With their first release »Quarterpast« (2011) MAYAN got instant recognition in the media as has proven by the excellent reviews, in-depth interviews with many provoking questions about the band‘s point of view and raving reactions of fans throughout the world.

After very successful tours through parts of Europe, Central and South America plus playing renowned festivals like ProgPower USA, Graspop Open Air, Heaven & Hell (Mexico) and Zwarte Cross for thousands of fans, the band put themselves on the map instantly. Hundreds of thousands of views and confronting discussions from all over the world on their video `War on Terror` prove they set the world to think and hopefully act about what is really going on nowadays.

MAYAN was conceived early 2010 by versatile musician and EPICA mastermind Mark Jansen and old friend, ex-AFTER FOREVER keyboardist Jack Driessen to write an album in the style they always really wanted. Mark asked guitarist Frank Schiphorst (SYMMETRY, CHRISTMAS METAL SYMPHONY) to join in. Frank has a broad range of experience and skills aboard. When put together with Mark and Jack, an undeniable chemistry takes place producing songs in no time. The band needed the perfect musicians to work this out with, and as a logical result EPICA drummer Ariën van Weesenbeek and guitarist Isaac Delahaye joined in. Soon also guest vocalists Henning Basse, Laura Macrì, Simone Simons and Floor Jansen were a fact. Not much later followed by bassist Rob van der Loo (EPICA, ex-DELAIN). Laura and Henning became full members in 2013.

The upcoming album's concept is dealing about the current state of the world in which spying is more present than ever before. Our privacy has been taken away step by step. Some people say, "We have nothing to hide so I don't care", but after all we all have our secrets, not just the criminals. Under the flag of 'war against terrorism' governments (and above all the big corporations) all over the world have found a handy way to control their people and get things done without much resistance. They are spreading fear in order to have more power, make more money and stay in total control. It's hard to find good documentaries about this subject on TV as a little part of the media is truly independent but if you really search for the truth, you'll get the truth. Songs like 'Faceless Spies' and 'Paladins Of Deceit' (National Security Extremism part 1 & 2) are perfect examples of these subjects being presented on the new album.

On their second album, “Antagonise”, MaYaN – led by Epica guitarist/grunter extraordinaire Mark Jansen – have a lot to say and they’re not afraid to say it. In addition to Mark, MaYaN has also added a few new members who bring a lot to the table both professionally and artistically. Vocalist Henning Basse from Sons of Seasons is on hand to provide a power metal slant to the vocals in combination with symphonic death metal style of the band and female soprano Laura Macri gets to show off her extensive talents as well. Throw in the fact that MaYaN has released a sophomore album worth of great songs, with topical lyrics and we have a winner.

The opener “Bloodline Forfeit” is a really a great way to begin. This song is a death metal style opener with Mark Jansen adding his death style vocals before Henning Basse joins in with his power metal vocal style. “Burn Your Witches” has a heavy-as-hell opening riff and some symphonic elements going through it, before evolving into a fairly straight-forward track. Other highlights include: “Redemption – The Democracy Illusion”, “Lone Wolf”, “Paladins of Deceit 1 & 2)” and “Devil in Disguise”. Lyrically, the album deals with the current state of the world and governments spying on us and taking away our privacies. The lyrics are delivered with such conviction and integrity that it is obvious the band feels strongly about it – as we all should. Even if you don’t want to get into the heaviness of the lyrics you can still get into the heaviness and complexity of the music and songs. It’s all good.

“Antagonise” is a great title for the second MaYaN release. Both musically and lyrically this is an antagonistic, yet honest release. Mark Jansen has a lot on his plate when you factor in his work with Epica, but kudos to him for succeeding in making MaYaN a separate entity and surrounding himself with a truly great and inspiring band.

MAYAN were founded in 2010 by Mark Janssen, who is most well-known for his work with the Dutch Gothic Metal band EPICA. However, the other members were or are also engaged in bands like EPICA or AFTER FOREVER. MAYAN released their debut ‘Quarterpast’ in 2011, the second work ‘Antagonize’ follows in 2014 and provides a Melodic Death Metal concept album about spying and consequences like loss of privacy.

The first track ‘Bloodline Forfeit’ offers an overview concerning MAYAN’s stylistic elements: melodic, hymn-like or almost epic choruses with cleanly sung vocals are joined by harsher parts, which are in turn underlined by growls and staccato-like rhythms. In general, MAYAN include a lot of different elements into their music: symphonic, epic arrangements are contrasted with Death/ Thrash influenced riffs and Keyboard parts. Regarding the vocals, almost everything prominent in Metal can be heard – clean male and female vocals, growls and screams. Altogether, this does not make up for a very unique mixture, but is rather defined by a lack of recurrent themes and consistency.

Although a lot of ideas in itself are good, the overall combination at times appears too conglomerated. However, there is surely a lot effort put into the music and maybe fans of Melodic, symphonic Metal will still find elements for their liking on ‘Antagonize’.

- T R A C K L I S T -

01. Bloodline Forfeit
02. Burn Your Witches
03. Redemption - The Democracy Illusion
04. Paladins Of Deceit - National Security Extremism Part 1
05. Lone Wolf
06. Devil In Disguise
07. Insano
08. Human Sacrifice
09. Enemies Of Freedom
10. Capital Punishment
11. Faceless Spies - National Security Extremism Part 2

Format: 192 mp3
Style: Sympho Death Metal
Size: 104.45 MB