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MUSTANG
Beyond Raging Thunder

Fighter (2023)
Rating: 8.5/10

Even though they formed in 2015, Kolkata, India-based combo Mustang explodes from seemingly nowhere with a scorching debut full-length album that hits the black sky like a firework then erupts like a volcano of molten metal.

I love how the synths of co-producer Jan Loncik give this opus a fresh outlook, as do the squawked vocals of Arijit Dutta whose nickname isn’t “Piercer” for nothing! His series of high yelps remind me of some of the classic Japanese frontmen of the 80s.

Musically, Mustang serve up white hot racing metal that is often speedy (‘Children Of Thunder’) but also gloriously crisp, melodious and clear (‘Cosmic Rage’), and all the while pulverising through its twin guitar assaults courtesy of Scorcher and Snehashis “Styx” Nag. The guitar team overloads the tracks with spiralling steel, where even the cover of Judas Priest’s ‘Ram It Down’ rips hard.

There is a strong 80s feel throughout, but this is no poor man’s imitation metal. Instead, you get spun, twisted and turned inside out by ten slabs of hard metal that combines crunch with fever. A tolling churchyard bell signals impending destruction on ‘Terror Striker’, a sniping speed metal cut that harkens back to Judas Priest coupled with Loudness and Exciter. And that’s the theme here; metallic onslaughts equipped with whipping solos and lashing riffs, bolstered further by the crashing percussion of Anoubhav “Maniac” Bhaduri and the blistering bass lines of Soubhik “Sorcerer” Mondal.

There is some great evocative subtlety contained herein too. Album closer ‘Sapphire’ is a steamy ballad, while ‘Realm Of Madness’ teases with its soft intro before eventually catching fire. ‘Queen Of Red Light’ is both gracile and electric as it borders on the darker shades of classic Metal Church and yet awash with those majestic solos.

Beyond Raging Thunder is some debut that has effortlessly slid into my top ten list for album of the year… and all wrapped up in delicious artwork for good measure.

Neil Arnold

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