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MEAN MISTREATER
Razor Wire

Self-release (2024)
Rating: 8/10

Named after a Grand Funk Railroad song, or so I assume, this Austin, Texas-based heavy metal combo is another gem to keep the metal flames flickering. Fronted by Janiece Gonzalez, Mean Mistreater has a lot in common with acts like Savage Master due to their brand of sizzling rock n’ roll, and after the second listen I was indeed prompted to fetch the leather jacket from the attic just for old times sake as the clan dragged me back to the rugged times of somewhat greasy heavy metal.

From the opening vim of ‘Forget It’, this album exists on gasoline as the riffs squeal and roar like a vintage motorcycle revving back to life. It’s straight down the line 80s homage that’s admirably executed with every thud, twang and clank. The band worships at the altar of New Wave Of British Heavy Metal, circa Saxon and that sort of pure steel execution.

The title track and ‘Visions’ gallop on hot coals to the thunder beat of Joaquin Ridgell whose timely bashing produces clouds of black smoke which in turn coat the charcoaled tonsils of Gonzalez. Mean Mistreater drives endlessly into 80s well oiled nostalgia but with enough spark to light the stuffy darkness.

‘Let ’Em Roll’ is a bit of a boogie bruiser as another smokin’ riff scorches the airwaves, while ‘Bleeding The Night’ offers up another customary metallic gallop and ‘Waiting To Die’ nods toward the hasty athleticism of Exciter. And that’s where the band comfortably sits, in that void where NWOBHM flirts with speed metal.

I guess Raven would also be another example of influence, but by the time ‘Bedevil’ starkly taps its way into earshot I’m thrilled to learn that Mean Mistreater has more variety to its arsenal because this track is a killer mix of soulful hard rock and doomier nuances. It’s a great way to round off this cool debut from a band sure to burn many ears over the coming years.

Neil Arnold

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