A German power duo that specialize in an unholy amalgamation of gnarly, punk-infected doom metal and punishing black metal, Mantar is the brainchild of Hamburg denizens Hanno Klärhardt (guitar, vocals) and Erinç Sakarya (drums). Founded in 2012 by the two longtime friends, the band cite early Melvins, Darkthrone, and Motörhead as inspirations. Mantar issued their debut studio long player, Death by Burning, via Svart Records in 2014. They made the move to Nuclear Blast for their sophomore outing, 2016's Ode to the Flame. ~ James Christopher Monger