The Maension

What is “FutuRock?” Hollywood quartet The Maension are here to unveil it to you on their debut album, ÆVOLUTION. The band describe themselves as art rock, alt metal and prog rock with electronic elements, according to singer/songwriter Mark Maension. “The idea is to be unique,” he says. “Every song has a different identity, and that’s purposefully done to express a wide range of moods and emotions. We like to crossover and always deliver the unexpected.” Originally from Italy, Maension has been working as a producer for other acts while working on the nine tracks that comprise the band’s debut.

The majority of the album is proggy hard rock in the vein of A Perfect Circle, but there’s a particularly interesting appearance from a familiar voice of rap-rock past on the album, Limp Bizkit’s Fred Durst, who makes a cameo on the album’s “Chrysalis.” Mark recalls how that collaboration came about:

“It was the craziest thing,” he recalls. “I was playing the song loudly one day, and Fred heard it from my studio. He loved it and asked if he could add vocals. Within less than thirty minutes, he ripped it on the spot. I still can’t believe it. Growing up in Italy, people thought I was crazy when I said I was going to move to California and make music. I lost a lot of ‘friends’. So, the whole song is a fuck you to everyone who doesn’t believe in you. When you achieve what you said they would, they all come back and try to be your friends. It’s so perfect that Fred is on it.”

The band are currently touring the states, and will hit Europe later this fall for a tour that they’re promising will hit 12 countries in 12 months. Check their tour dates out after the album premiere. The album can be purchased here (or here on Google Play). - metalinsider.net

I have been corresponding with Skye Mansion since she was in the Netherlands in Spring. I was looking forward to The Maension’s arrival in not-so-sunny-Florida on the evening of August 16th. In fact, it had been raining non-stop for hours but I still ventured down to the Brass Mug to finally interview Mark and Skye Maension on their tour bus. We sat at the little dinette booth within the ample-sized Winnebago tour bus. I could hear the rumblings of music from the nightclub (it was actually Fearless, the Swedish self-proclaimed “hillbilly” band). Mark Maension was very friendly and very articulate (one of my favorite interviews, I might add) as he discussed life on the road and the development of his music he calls “FutuRock” (kind of Nine Inch Nails meets progressive rock). Skye Maension was even more tall and beautiful in person. Both look the metal-band part with Mark sprouting bright blue dreadlock extensions and Skye wearing a Crayola-red mane (geez, and no roots). Both were very personable and intelligent as the conversation deviated from music to politics. I have always noticed that metal and punk rockers are very astute with keeping up on current events and world affairs.

I thoroughly enjoyed the band’s music, which is also comprised of Link (drummer) and Zeek (bass player). All of the musicians were very animated with hair whipping, stomping, and of course, the music was fantastic. The Maension’s music is very complex and cerebral, something which seems to be missing from a lot of metal I hear today. Maybe The Maension’s self-described “FutuRock” is truly the evolution of the genre.

You can listen to the full PODCAST interview at the link provided - Rock At Night

Purely captivating! That is how to describe the music from one of Hollywood’s best metal bands. It has been a good long while since I have had the chance to hear a great metal act emerge but The Maension could be that one who reach the upper echelon of the metal world. Then again, maybe they will just be one of the many bands out there who slip through the cracks.

The Maension do an incredible job of creating their dark brand of music without becoming predictable, songs like “Lizard Eyes”, “Camelia” and “The Essence” keep listeners wondering where the band will take them next. At times the music can sound downright terrifying then at a drop of a hat moves to an ominous silence before taking you back on this musical ride over again. “The Essence” is a great song to listen to if you want to hear the band’s musical diversity. One minute you are listening to churning guitars then the next you are listening to the whispering vocals of Mark Ortoli who does a wonderful job leading this band on their first EP.

One can only imagine how this band will evolve by the time their full length CD is released, but it is one that I hope you all keep an ear out for.


Tracklist

1. Lizard Eyes *
2. Camelia (Opera Song) *
3. Hedonistic Goat
4. Turquoise
5. The Essence *


- melodic.net

For those of you who are old enough to remember groups such as Pearl Jam and Alice in Chain, the one aspect that stood out about their music was its power. The voices of those lead singers knew how to draw fans into their world. This next band has some of those same qualities that I loved about Pearl Jam and Alice in Chain.

THE MAENSION is mastering their art with some of the best sounding music that is currently out in the music industry. With fierce electrifying guitar playing, strong vocals, and God-like bass that I have heard in a long time, THE MAENSION is showing other bands how it is done. After listening to their music, if you are not a fan, then you do not know what real music sounds like.
I give Introspection a solid A-

- Junior's Cave online magazine

Introspection, the 5 track e.p. by Hollywood rocker's, The Maension is a great rock album! Lizard Eyes, the e.p. opener is very well produced, recorded, and written. In the vein of Tool, Lizard Eyes utilizes time and space in a creative and driving way.

Camilia (Opera Song) swirls with a delay-laden opening riff that sets the ominous mood of this 6+ minute song. Again, with great execution, The Maension is able to use non-traditional hits and percussive rhythms to set them apart from the bland mainstream of Hollywood rock.

Perhaps their most critical song, is Hedonistic Goat; a riff-laden song with punching bass lines and enough grit to blind you. By no means is it watered down and poppy, but it remains singable and will stick with you for hours. This song has real punch to it.

If you find yourself on the West Coast, be sure to check their tour calendar and take in the live show. If it stands up to their e.p., The Maension is sure to be an up and coming force to be reckoned with.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 - Awaken Pubblications

Introspection, the 5 track e.p. by Hollywood rocker's, The Maension is a great rock album! Lizard Eyes, the e.p. opener is very well produced, recorded, and written. In the vein of Tool, Lizard Eyes utilizes time and space in a creative and driving way.

Camilia (Opera Song) swirls with a delay-laden opening riff that sets the ominous mood of this 6+ minute song. Again, with great execution, The Maension is able to use non-traditional hits and percussive rhythms to set them apart from the bland mainstream of Hollywood rock.

Perhaps their most critical song, is Hedonistic Goat; a riff-laden song with punching bass lines and enough grit to blind you. By no means is it watered down and poppy, but it remains singable and will stick with you for hours. This song has real punch to it.

If you find yourself on the West Coast, be sure to check their tour calendar and take in the live show. If it stands up to their e.p., The Maension is sure to be an up and coming force to be reckoned with.

Rating: 4.5 of 5 - Awaken Pubblications

When you first listen to their music, it sound like Tool or APC. The maturity in their music is evident, and maybe thats the only thing which could let them down (sounding like other bands), otherwise its a treat to listen. 'Hedonistic goat', 'The Essence' , 'Lizzard Eyes' and 'Turquoise' are well composed and arranged songs. Vocals are strong, drums are impressive and bassline is cool with solid guitar riffs. 'Camliea Opera Song' is very melodic. The band has what it needs to be a hit, I'd be surprised if they dont make it big. It'll be interesting to see how well they do in a saturated market of commercialism.


ArF ( Sydney ) - Infernal Scream - Home Of Metal Artists

When you first listen to their music, it sound like Tool or APC. The maturity in their music is evident, and maybe thats the only thing which could let them down (sounding like other bands), otherwise its a treat to listen. 'Hedonistic goat', 'The Essence' , 'Lizzard Eyes' and 'Turquoise' are well composed and arranged songs. Vocals are strong, drums are impressive and bassline is cool with solid guitar riffs. 'Camliea Opera Song' is very melodic. The band has what it needs to be a hit, I'd be surprised if they dont make it big. It'll be interesting to see how well they do in a saturated market of commercialism.


ArF ( Sydney ) - Infernal Scream - Home Of Metal Artists