Denmark’s metal deities in Manticora stop by Inside Music to discuss their epic new project, creativity, and the future of live music.
Denmarks’ Manticora is nearly a quarter-century into a career built on the premise of constant reinvention. The band has written more songs and toured more cities than most groups can ever imagine. Their tireless work ethic almost broke the group in the early 2010s, but a bold vision for a concept album and accompanying book breathed new life into the band. That project took years to bring together, but as of August 2020, it’s finally complete and available for all who wish to lose themselves in Manticore’s unique creation.
On this episode of Inside Music, host James Shotwell chats with founding member Kristian Larsen about his time in metal. Kristian recounts the lessons he’s learned along the way, as well as the night that led to Manticora’s most ambitious project to date. He also speaks to the concept of creativity and what it takes to survive life in the unpredictable world of music.
Listening to this conversation is akin to attending a lecture from a soldier that has spent the past three decades at war. Larsen has seen the extreme highs and impossible lows that a life in music can present. His dedication to making a life in music has never wavered. He’s climbed every peak he gave himself, and he’s now confronted by the notion of what to do once your dreams come true.
