Mandrake’s Monster are chomping at the bit; cymbals ready for action and guitars pointed towards the sky; leaving a trail of blatant talent in their wake. Thanks to their riveting catalogue of alternative hard rock, the band have already made a name for themselves across parts of Europe. Now and with their first album “Regrets” under their belt, their sights are firmly set on the limelight. „Regrets“ was recorded at Rock City Studio, Solingen (GER) and produced by Ralph Quick and Carsten Steffens.
Inspired by the likes of Queens of the Stoneage, Foo Fighters, Black Sabbath and Led Zeppelin, together the five-piece create a raucous fuss of military beats, electric riffs and sturdy bass worthy of their Marvel inspired name. With a steady history of music-making already giving them flight, to say that they’re ready to charge at the music scene is an understatement.
Comprising guitarists Alex Freise and Peter Muller, bassist Sem Christoffel, drummer Mart Nijen Es and vocalist Martin Duve; Mandrake’s Monster are based in Enschede, the Netherlands, having met and formed at University in early 2012. Their love affair with cutting hard rock and blistering alternative music started earlier on, however.
Seeped in the kind of metaphorical and galvanising imagery that makes the rock scene so fun; Mandrake’s Monster wish to trigger the kinds of emotions stirred by their heroes, invoking a “stunning and warm feeling, full of energy that, at the same time, makes you shiver to your bones.”
They do this through love stories, “frustrating romances full of despair”, “fantastic stories and everyday life experiences” – topics anyone can relate to. It’s not all tears over cornflakes though; their often sarcastic view of things helps to make sense of the world, one blistering riff at a time.
This fusion of dark fantasy meets audible clarity often results in layer upon layer of guitar battering an incredibly intricate melody. Unsurprisingly, the band aim to create a night their fans will never forget.