Mantra (Shelter album)

Untitled

In 1995 Shelter released their critically acclaimed album Mantra. It was the band's first and sole release by a major record label (apart from the one immediately proceeding it), Roadrunner — all of their previous and following works were released through independent labels, although distributed by major companies. By the time Shelter released Mantra, punk rock scene was in evidence in America, especially in California, with bands like Bad Religion, Rancid, The Offspring and Green Day achieving mainstream popularity.

With this album the band moved away from the more punk pop style and created a melodic hardcore style. The song “Here We Go” even became a hardcore anthem in North Apollo, Pennsylvania. Lyrically the album focused mainly on Hare Krishna philosophy and the problems the Western Civilization creates — as it's clear by a manifesto entitled SUPERSOUL in the album's booklet, before the songs, signed by band's frontman Ray Cappo. The first song, "Message of the Bhagavad", is introduced by an excerpt of a Bhagavad Gita verses reading.

Mantra was distributed in Brazil featuring two bonus tracks, expanding the listing from 11 to 13. The lyrics for tracks #12 and #13 were not included in the booklet though. By the time of the release, the band hadn't played live in the country yet, which happened for the first time in 1996.

Track listing

All tracks are written by Shelter except where noted

No.	Title	Length
1.	"Message of the Bhagavat"	3:00
2.	"Civilized Man"	2:37
3.	"Here We Go"	2:38
4.	"Appreciation"	2:08
5.	"Empathy"	3:33
6.	"Not the Flesh"	2:45
7.	"Chance"	1:15
8.	"Mantra"	3:09
9.	"Surrender to Your T.V."	2:32
10.	"Letter to a Friend"	3:19
11.	"Metamorphosis"	3:33
Total length:		30:29

Brazilian bonus tracks

No.	Title	Length
12.	"Progressive Man"	4:23
13.	"We Can Work It Out" (Lennon/McCartney)	2:23
Total length:		37:15

Credits

• Ray Cappo - vocals
• Porcell - guitar
• Adam Blake - bass
• Dave Dicenso - drums

Notes

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