While famous metal musicians tend to blame Nirvana for the abrupt demise of thrash - a riveting, rhythmically propulsive heavy metal sub-genre launched by the likes of Metallica and Slayer - the real truth remains a mystery. Pittsburgh's Mantic Ritual, which sounds like it stepped off a time machine from the year 1984, is clearly trying to resuscitate this music. Every microscopic detail about this band, from the guitar lines and drum sound right down to the band photos, is tailored to mimic the classic thrash aesthetic to a tee. Essentially, Mantic Ritual is for nostalgic listeners who want to go to a show knowing exactly what they're going to get. The legendary Pro-Pain also appears.

Mantic Ritual

Sunday, June 28

Penny Arcade, 4785 Lake Ave

7 p.m. | $13-$15 | 621-7625