Yet another heavily ELP-influenced (note the band's name) and short-lived symphonic band, MANTICORE produced a single album in 1993 before fading into obscurity. The band featured heavy use of string and choral-tinged mellotron, but not surprisingly considering the timing of their existence, the band also straddled the neo-progressive sound with their equally heavy use of synthesizers and contrived keyboard constructions. Their keyboard-heavy sound has also been compared to RICK WAKEMAN and to CAMEL.
The band's primary claim to fame was their association with Pär Lindh, who worked with the band early-on in their formation and co-founded the Swedish Art Rock Society with the band's members. Though Swedish, the band's vocals were mostly sung in English.
MANTICORE deserve a place in the archives for their creative dual mellotron symphonic music and their role in establishing a formal art rock society in Sweden.
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