The collaboration for "Mantra" was announced on December 14, 2012, two days after the live debut of another song, "Cut Me Some Slack", which features ex-Nirvana bandmates Dave Grohl, Krist Novoselic, Pat Smear, and ex-Beatle Paul McCartney.
[4][6] Live footage from the studio, which features Grohl, Homme and Reznor performing an instrumental version of "Mantra", was released via Rolling Stone's official website on March 7, 2013.
He also noted the song's transition, with describing it as a song "which opens with a simple drum beat and bass, then slowly grows into a gargantuan slab of soulful rock before ending in an orchestral explosion of guitars and keys and fuzz";[5] "a delicate tapestry supported by percussive beats and occasional piano trills midway through this one.
"[10] Michael Nelson of Stereogum stated that the song does a "surprisingly good job of featuring all three of its stars" and found it "very subdued and gently textured".
[9] Rolling Stone also gave the song a positive review, complimenting the "trio's impeccable chemistry".