Even though I only became aware of Mean Mistreater a short time ago this was actually the first time that I had properly listened to them! I had heard a lot about them so I was excited to get stuck into their latest release and discover more! According to their bandcamp “Mean Mistreater is a heavy rock band from Austin, Texas, formed in 2023. Armed with heart racing riffs and powerful vocals they meld classic metal and retro hard rock, inspired by bands like Chastain, Warlock, and W.A.S.P.” Sounds interesting so let’s go!

Review

Forget It is the first track on Razor Wire and this song literally rips. It is one of those uptempo numbers that is full of energy and delivers on the feel good factor. It is tight and polished and has certainly left a first good impression on me! Their is so much enthusiasm and passion running in this song, which is something yoy always want from a band!

The album title track “Razor Wire” continues in similar fashion, with fast raging guitar work, fierce vocals lines and a rhythm section that has been Injected with a big dose of adrenaline! The Solo work is absolute incendiary! I can quite literally speeding down a road with the sunset behind me and wind flowing through my hair! Another great feel good song!

The band drop the pace a bit with “Visions” to let us catch our breathe a little bit! It is a solid song with plenty of variety going on and makes you are feel like you drift at moments, but the solos go to 0-60 in seconds when they happen in very short little bursts! Certainly a song you could dance around and have a beer to at a party!

Waiting To Die is up next and this mid album number certainly gives of sparks and is something that feels like it could explode any minute. From guitar licks and solos that fly around and roar to drums that seem to be caught in a frenzy, this song is no where near boring on the excitement scale. This is certainly my favourite track on the album so far! Turn it up to 11 and get ready for some neck breaking action indeed!

Let ‘Em Roll feels like a rocker on a big motorbike chugging along a speedway. Fuel dripping from the exhaust and smoke trails left behind! It has a bit of swing in the guitar riffs and even a big stomping and pounding tom section that is latched some tasty guitar licks. Another great number!

Bleeding The Night I think was one of the first tracks I heard from the album and instantly got my attention. I love the ideas flowing through the song like the galloping rhythms and the vocal melodies that Janiece delivers! The breakdown section of big kicks and open chords layered with a spicy lead guitar that helps to build things up is certainly something that I could easily see being a crowd pleaser, getting everyone pumping their fists. The solo that follow s is something spectacular and feels like a firework that has gone out of control!

One By One has a great little intro with harmonised guitars and being a drummer myself I simply love the drum pattern which has flair and little intricacies. The song is another mid tempo number yet makes the listener feel at ease and relaxed. There is one section where everything is stripped back to drums bass and vocals which i really liked before you spiral back in with more harmonies.

Bedevil is the last song on the album and starts things of with a light tapping of ride and woodblock which acts as a backdrop to a spooky little harmonised riff. There is plenty of play between slow and mid-tempos here and the guitar work certainly hits hard! As I have gone through and listened to this album I feel the guitar work of Quinten and Alex particular stands out!

Conclusion

Considering this is the first time I have properly listened to the band It is left me intrigued and I will certainly go away and listen to more of their music. There are some really great ideas here and as mentioned the guitar work in particular is certainly a strength that the band have! Razor Wire is a great album and delivers on the hot to handle heavy metal front! Go and give this a spin!

THENWOTHM Score: 8/10

Bandcamp: https://meanmistreater.bandcamp.com/album/razor-wire

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/meanmistreatertx

Band:

Janiece Gonzalez – Vocals
Alex Wein – Guitar
Quinten Lawson – Guitar
Joaquin Ridgell – Drums
Jon Gibson – Bass