Solar Mantra are a stoner rock band from Rome, Italy, formed in 2017 as an instrumental desert and psychedelic project. Over time, the band evolved into a more structured and expressive unit, incorporating vocals and expanding their sonic identity toward a blend of stoner rock, grunge and heavy psych.
Their debut album “Away” (2021, Argonauta Records) introduced the band to an international audience, showcasing a balance between heavy riffing, atmospheric textures and melodic songwriting. With a sound rooted in the tradition of bands such as Kyuss, Queens of the Stone Age, Clutch, The Sword, Greenleaf, Dozer and Danzig, Solar Mantra established themselves as a solid presence within the European stoner rock scene.
About the Album
With their second full length “State of Joyful Lightness,” Solar Mantra take a decisive step forward, embracing a darker and more intense sonic direction while preserving the melodic sensibility that defined their earlier work.
Compared to “Away,” the new album leans toward a heavier and more aggressive approach, enriched by psychedelic elements and lyrics that explore personal experiences, relationships and obsessions. The songwriting reflects a more mature and cohesive vision, where groove, weight and atmosphere coexist with dynamic and memorable hooks.
A key element of the record is its production process. The album was recorded through live sessions and mixed using an analog system, a choice that allowed the band to capture the natural energy of their performances. This approach results in a warmer, more organic and vintage sound, enhancing both the raw impact and the emotional depth of the material.
The band comment:
“State of Joyful Lightness is a different album from our previous work, ‘Away,’ with a generally darker and more sinister sound. We’ve retained some psychedelic elements and lyrics focused on personal experiences, relationships, and obsessions, but always prioritizing heaviness and some catchy melodic moments. The most notable features, however, are the live recording sessions, which allowed us to capture the naturalness of our performances, captured via analog mixing system, which gave a warmer and more vintage flavour to our songs.”
Tracklist
- Dynamite 05:15
- Avetrana 02:30
- Appaloosa 05:53
- A Brand New Grave 03:42
- Holy Water 04:59
- Lucky Mia 05:13
- Morning Glory 05:03
- Shelter 05:07
- Piñacolada 04:17
- Raging River Of Fear (Captain Beyond cover) 03:50