Mentation formed in 2000 with the aim to have fun and play some metal. Not a bad idea to start with if you ask me. But over the years the band became more serious; and I quote: “their song-writing aimed to approach a perfection that was virtually unachievable; yet, by setting these high standards, a goal had been set that would guide the band where they wanted to go.”

I don’t know where they want to go eventually but at this point in time Mentation is a melodic death metal band which released a fine demo in the form of “Circle Of Perpetual Occultation” and is capable of perfecting their skills and ink a deal someday with a small label.

The demo isn’t shockingly revolutionary or progressive but is just a plain good death metal demo: good guitar sounds, acceptable drum sound and a nice throat.

The tracks are fairly long with the shortest still clocking five and a half minutes, but they manage to keep things interesting with tempo and rhythm changes and guitar riffs that stay in your head forever.

For all Kris Verwimp fans out there, the famous Belgian artist painted the cover and designed the Mentation logo. All this is wrapped in a professional package with a pressed CD and a 6-page booklet. Thanks for the band photo that was included with the promo package by the way; I haven’t seen one mouse since I hung it in the attic.