  We present a method for calculating the spectrum of periodic solids within
reduced density matrix functional theory. This method is validated by a
detailed comparison of the angular momentum projected spectral density with
that of well established many-body techniques, in all cases finding an
excellent agreement. The physics behind the pressure induced insulator-metal
phase transition in MnO is investigated. The driving mechanism of this
transition is identified as increased crystal field splitting with pressure,
resulting in a charge redistribution between the Mn $e_g$ and $t_2g$ symmetry
projected states.
