Manticore: Mighty Shadow in front

Manticore is a Swedish progressive-rock group with roots in groups like Yes, Genesis and Emerson, Lake & Palmer. The band is fronted by Ulf Mighty Shadow Holmberg which is a master in retro guitar rock. In 1993 Manticore produced their first and up to now single album and then fading into obscurity. Now 25 years later suddenly their second album Next Step Flight 19 is released!

Three of the musicians from the first album is still in the band, and the already mentioned Ulf Holmberg plays guitars of course but also keyboards. Göran Holmberg takes the lead vocals, bass, bass pedals and acoustic guitars, and Per Östling is the drummer. Time To Fly clocked in at 63 minutes, but now 25 years later the album is at only 38 minutes.

Next Step Flight 19 is a retro symphonic prog album with the more than 10 minute tune The Answer as a tune probably many prog heads would adore? So far Next Step Flight 19 has been realy well received and get high scores. Time To Fly on the other hand with all the ingredients to be a good one from start to finish wasn`t specially well received back then. Imagine a combination of ELP, Quill, The Flower Kings, Kalaban, IQ or with even some hints of Camel or Rick Wakeman here and there.

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