Manntra

Manntra is a Croatian rock band from Umag, formed in 2011. After the disbandment of the industrial metal band Omega Lithium, two of its members, Marko Matijević Sekul and Zoltan Lečei, went on to form Manntra., immediately calling Andrea Kert as a drummer.

Manntra's musical style is characterized by a fusion of traditional Croatian folk music with heavy metal, incorporating elements of electronic music as well. The band often employs traditional instruments such as the sopele, the tamburica and the diple, alongside electric guitars, drums, and keyboards. Their music is notable for its dynamic rhythms, driving guitar riffs, and powerful vocals, often delivered in both Croatian and English. The band's lyrics frequently deal with themes of spirituality, mythology, and personal struggle, which are often drawn from Croatian folklore and history. Overall, Manntra's sound is a unique blend of different styles, creating a distinct and compelling musical identity.

The band gained popularity in Russia, Germany and Austria.

Demos and early works (2011–2018)
The band's debut album, Horizont, was released on 29 November 2012. It includes the songs "Kiša" and "Horizont" which were previously released as singles. The album was recorded in 2012 in Croatia and Slovenia and was entirely produced by the band's lead vocalist.

Between 2015 and 2018, Manntra continued to gain momentum with the release of two successful albums, Venera and Meridian. Venera, released in 2015, showcased the band's evolving sound, incorporating less electronic elements and more raw folk instruments. It featured a range of tracks, including "Bijeli Prah", "Vila", and "Put". Its fusion of traditional Balkan folk music and hard rock garnered critical acclaim.

In 2017, Manntra released Meridian, which built on the success of Venera while pushing the band's sound in new directions. The album featured a more ambitious and experimental approach which aimed closer to home, showcasing Balkan's soundscape, but finding some success outside Croatia, as well. The track Meridian achieved widespread critical acclaim outside of Croatia.

Oyka!, Dora 2019, and Monster Mind Consuming (2019–2021)
Manntra decided to pivot their focus outside of Croatia with the new Oyka! album. They continued to blend traditional Balkan folk music and heavy metal, but this time exploring it in English. Manntra signed with the record label Menart, which also released their previous album Meridian in 2017. This deal led to further contracts in Germany and performances at major festivals. Their success opened doors to sign with NoCut Entertainment (SPV) and Schubert Music Agency.

On 17 January 2019, the band was announced as one of the 16 participants in Dora 2019, the national contest to select the country's Eurovision Song Contest 2019 entry, with the song "In the Shadows", where they landed in the fourth spot.

Released in 2021, Monster Mind Consuming showcased a heavier and more complex sound for Manntra. The album was presented as a conceptual album about war and personal struggle, with tracks such as "Heathens", "Ori Ori", and "Monster Mind Consuming".

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Manntra remained active, collaborating with other artists and experimenting with new material. This period was also marked by the return of the original bass player Zoltan.

Kreatura (2022) and Endlich! Live in Hamburg
In 2022, Manntra released Kreatura, a third release in English. Released by No Cut Entertainment, it was followed by extensive touring and a festival season, resulting with the release of ''Endlich! Live in Hamburg,'' a live album and video release of Manntra's show in Hamburg.

Kreatura expanded on Manntra's interest in regional folklore and mythical stories and returned slightly to a metal and industrial sound.

Just before their solo tour through Germany, the band got another addition in the form of the masked mystery guitarist/multi-instrumentalist they call the Barren King.

War of the Heathens (2023)
In the summer of 2023, during a year of extensive touring, Manntra released War of the Heathens via No Cut Entertainment. It entered the top 100 bestselling albums on the German charts and reached number 43 after the release, thus becoming the first Croatian band to enter the German Billboard. The album is to be promoted on the upcoming 2024 War of the Heathens Tour.

Band members
Current members
 * Marko Matijević Sekul – lead vocals, guitar, keyboards (2011–present)
 * Zoltan Lečei – bass guitar (2011–2016, 2021–present)
 * Andrea Kert – drums (2011–present)
 * Dorian 'Dodo' Pavlović – guitar (2022–present)
 * Barren King – guitar, pipes, keyboards (2022–present)

Former members
 * Danijel Šćuric – bass guitar (2016)
 * Filip Majdak – guitar (2016–2018)
 * Boris Kolarić – guitar, bagpipes, mandolin (2016–2021)
 * Maja Kolarić – bass guitar (2016–2021)
 * Marko Purišić – guitar (2011–2016, 2018–2022)

Discography

 * Horizont (2012)
 * Venera (2015)
 * Meridian (2017)
 * Oyka! (2019)
 * Monster Mind Consuming (2021)
 * Kreatura (2022)
 * Endlich! Live in Hamburg (2022)
 * War of the Heathens (2023)