One of the many metal bands hailing from Finland is Manitou, which was formed back in 1998. Back then their intention was to make traditional heavy metal with slight progressive rock elements. I still remember when I first heard - and saw the video of - their song "Face the Snake", which is really similar to Dream Theater's work in my view. With their latest album "Deadlock" the group has further developed their style towards more individual direction away from the prog influences. The music is still melodic, but it has gained a lot more edge and power.

Musically the progress Manitou has made is positive. However, the vocalist's soaring vocals don't quite manage to impress me. Actually they're a bit irritating at times. I just wish Markku Pihlaja would work a bit more on his bottom-end to gain more mellowness as well as power to his vocals.

Production on this record is somewhat average. Especially the guitar tone could have been better in some ways, though the harsh tone suits the album fairly well. All in all, Manitou's Deadlock isn't too bad effort for a straightforward metal record.

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- MAGE (May 4th, 2006)

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LINE-UP:
Pihlaja, Markku: Vocals, Synthesizers & Backing Vocals Vanhala, Markus: Lead Guitar, Synthesizers Laurén, Antti: Guitar, Synthesizers Laukkanen, Ismo: Bass Suhonen, Matti: Drums Saksa, Janne: Slide Guitar on "Black Burning Flame" & Backing Vocals
Producer:	Manitou & Saksa, Janne
Mixing by:	Saksa, Janne
Mastering by:	Forsbäck, Svante

	TRACKLIST:
	01. And the Silence Bites 02. Fools in Control 03. Waste, Damnation 04. The State of Mind 05. Black Burning Flame 06. Swallowing the Dark 07. Psychoracer 08. Lead a Wild Ride 09. By the Waves of Stars 10. Black Meadow (Menace of war) 11. The Black Meadow Length: 46:31