interstellar90210 | Available for purchase and download Feb. 12th!

Metal Artists to Release Pop Rock Love Song Albums
By Rick Role

MÄNTICORE and pop rock love songs. It might sound strange to use them in the same sentence together but there’s a high likelihood that it will soon be a regular occurrence. An inside source at Pride Records has informed us that the rumors are true: side albums are being produced featuring two of MÄNTICORE's own, and neither album is expected to fall into the metal or hard rock genre.

Genos, the lead singer of MÄNTICORE, and Roy Mustang the newly instated lead guitarist, have been seen walking in and out of recording studios to perform songs they've been writing for these side projects. The songs for these albums have been described as mostly pop rock and mostly love ballads, something closer to the material we would have expected from Flashstep. It’s anyone’s guess what inspired the two rock stars to write so many love songs but more importantly were the results any good?

We were sent a preview of a couple tracks from each of the two albums. Here’s what we thought:

We started with “Holding Out For A Hero” from Genos' album. This song was definitely the closest to what we regularly expect from MÄNTICORE's lead; loud drums and intense guitar playing in a heavy metal style. Genos' vocals ring out clear and strong with drama and desperation, bringing some of that MÄNTICORE tortured-soul sound to the song. The lyrics are optimistic but the drama keeps the song very much in the spirit of his usual work. Basically the song is exactly what we like to hear from Genos.

The other song from Genos' album was “Avalanche.” The drumming was there, the electric guitars, but this was far from hard rock. After hearing “Holding Out For A Hero” this track sounded incredibly tame. Tame, but surprisingly good. While we all agreed that we prefer Genos' voice paired with the sound of epic screaming guitars, the pop rock style compliments his voice better than we expected. In many ways with the background music that much more subtle it offers a chance to appreciate just how good Genos' voice really is. Had he not gone into heavy metal, Genos surely would have fit in fine in pop and other types of rock music. With that voice he could even sing circles around some of pop’s biggest stars.

We weren’t sure what to expect out of Roy Mustang’s album. While we’re now well acquainted with his guitar skills, Mustang was in another band before MÄNTICORE that was more rock or hard rock than heavy metal, and several early youtube videos have featured him playing acoustic guitar. We were pleasantly surprised by what we heard. While Mustang’s voice doesn't carry the dark and raw-emotional sound that Genos contributes so well to MÄNTICORE, Mustang sings like the pure-hearted boy next door that you would want to hear sing about love, dreams, and bittersweet memories. “Can’t Help Falling In Love” is exactly the type of song you’ll want to slow dance to with that special someone.

“Shades of Grey” was the only non-love song sent to us. We’re happy to say it includes some chords of Mustang on the electric guitar, something we hoped to hear on his album. The song itself hits a more political chord, speaking to the tragedies of war. It’s a catchy song with a great message; our only concern is that it might not fit in so well with the rest of the album. Still we could be wrong as we do not know the other tracks. Perhaps Mustang’s album is meant to be about more than simply love?

Our source said both albums will be released in time for that special day of romance. If your sweetheart is a MANTICORE fan or even if they just enjoy sweet love songs, consider giving one of these albums to them as a gift this holiday. Roy Mustang’s album Elizabeth and Genos' album Mechanical Heart will be released in stores and available for download a week from now on the 12th of February.

Flat | Top-Level Comments Only

[ can be found in Pride HQ slowly crumpling the magazine up and tossing it in the nearest bin ]

[ Roy has started limping around HQ with a cane to make it easier. He has been called away to meetings with Kid and other staff to discuss that upcoming album release. He laughs when he sees Squalo's reaction the the magazine article on his way back to the penthouse. ]

Too much like Flashstep for you to tolerate?

[ He offers him a grin in return, although it's... almost a bit tired. Less smug than usual. Something like that. ]

Yeah. It's like I've been stabbed in the back with an arrow of love.

[ He's joking but more than likely there's some abandonment issues in play here. ARE YOU GUYS PLANNING TO LEAVE HIM TO MAKE MUSHY LOVE SONGS. ]

Don't worry. Kid made sure to give MANTICORE plenty of practice time, even with all the promotions Genos and I have to do in the next few weeks. It should die down again after Valentine's.

[ He lowers his voice and adds another thought to that. ] I don't think our schedules would be this crammed if we weren't in trouble recently.

Oh. Good.

[ He sounds relieved? Who could've thought. There goes that superior smirk again. ]

Maybe I'll try to write something we can actually use for the occasion.

Well you know we won't be in a position to tease if you do. I thought that Genos had a little metal on his album. Not MANTICORE-enough?

A little rearranging and we could perform something that I wrote. [ He likes to believe at least. Let's not get into details about the hearfelt lovesick lyrics. ]

Yeah he's got some good pieces. I helped, you know. [ Might preen just a little tbh. There's no cure for an ego. ] Nah, it's fine if you guys have your own thunder for a bit, yeah? Just don't forget the rest of us.

[ ...but he can definitely rearrange soft rock into something more metal or at least nihilistic. The question is, do you really want him to? Especially if he decides to touch the lyrics? "Elizabeth" might not be too happy hearing about her own murder... ]

Since you insist, I'll try not to forget you. I promise I'll remember whenever I hear you yelling from the back of the crowded concert hall at one of my performances. Security might drag you out if you do that though, just a warning.

[ Like he can resist joking around about it. ]

Oh please. If I ever show up in one of your performances, they'll turn all the lights on me and leave you in a ditch.

[ Two can play this game, Roy. ]

The problem with that is I'll likely be the man in charge of the lights. And even then, I don't need lights. I have fire.

If you man the lights, you won't be onstage to begin with. That's why we hire shitlords to take care of that stuff.

[ Roy raises a finger. ]

Ever heard of remote controls? They've played a big role in my previous performances, set off by yours truly while onstage.

[ sighs in that "I hoped it wouldn't come to this" manner as if it's totally Roy's fault. ]

Fine. I guess I'll just have to punt you off the stage then.

So I can crowd surf?

Sure. Or you can try what Luci does. [ You know actually walking on the crowd. ] ]

I'm surprised Luci hasn't twisted an ankle walking out into the crowd. Is she secretly able to levitate or are her fans just really strong?

[ Yeah laughing now. ] It wouldn't be a secret if I told you.

Being your bandmate gets me no special access? It is not as though I'd forbid you from telling Luci about our newest pyrotechnics secrets.

Even if you don't, I'm not gonna. [ Are they sitting somewhere? Because he'll pile his feet on the table in that case. ] There's no place for friendship where business is involved.

[ Besides, it's not like they need pyrotechnics, with both Luci and Xanxus capable of setting their hands aflame, but he's not going to mention that. ]

Very well. I'll just ask her the next time I see her. [ Not like he really knows her but it's worth a try, not to mention an excellent ice breaker. ]

So. Will you listen at all to Genos' album, or even mine?

Go ahead. [ Not gonna stop him. ]

Yeah. If I can suffer through it. [ He sticks his tongue out. ] I like keeping tabs on new things.

Do love ballads make your ears bleed? That's a good safety question to ask before you listen.

Not my ears, my brain. [ casually. ]

Available for purchase and download Feb. 12th!

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