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MUTATION
Mutattack

Self-released (2023)
Rating: 8/10

The cover art on this debut full-length album from Taiwan’s Mutation is certainly a draw, but is the music contained within any good? Well actually, it is. Mutation plays a rough style of thrash and an extra layer of toughness is applied through the vocals of Peter Lee. One doesn’t come across many thrash metal bands from Taiwan but after just a few spins I’m convinced that Mutation is a force to be reckoned with.

The track which stood out after just one listen of Mutattack was ‘Romantic Daggersman’ with its hard rampant drums courtesy of Mike Hsu. Another instant hit with me was ‘Freak Zone II’ which successfully marries speed and mid-paced chugging. The axe duo of Steven Liao and Zendake do a fine job here and are backed by the grumbling bass of Vackson Yang.

Mutattack is somewhat refreshing in spite of having no real frills or unusual angles, but it’s not just another straight laced thrash outing of varying tempos. I wouldn’t go as far to say that this has a UK thrash vibe but at times this has comparisons to Evile’s 2007 debut album (Enter The Grave) which caused a stir, or for the more devoted metalheads, particularly in Britain, may I suggest a slight comparison to Hydra Vein.

The strong, dominant vocals are key here as they provide that extra layer of grit and slurping, especially on another favourite track which is ‘Sorcerer Of Southern’. This really is good stuff, an album I’ve spun several times. I also enjoyed the jab of the percussion on ‘Swamp Surfing Ghoul’, the chugging of ‘Speed Metal Bikers’ and the craziness of ‘B.D.S.M.’, so quite a variety at times from this rather intriguing band who I suggest you support… now!

Neil Arnold

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