Metal in L.A. used to be all about big hair, lip gloss and leather studded outfits. Appearance somehow was more important than songcraft. Underneath the popular L.A. Sunset Strip scene, a rabid thrash metal underground, Slayer, Megadeth, Suicidal Tendencies to name a few.  A glossy veneer over a crusty underbelly, that was Hollywood’s real musical identity, still is.

The multinational trio Mindwars is based in L.A. Home of the sleazy Sunset Strip. This song set punches that glam rock past in its face. An American guitarist ripping it up with an Italian battery.

There is so much excellent metal music unleashed year in and year out, it’s tough to sift through and find the gems forged. The group’s guitarist was in Holy Terror, a band admittedly I missed in the past. Doing my homework, I opened my metal music vault (AKA YouTube) to give an ear on the long defunct Holy Terror.

Yeah, a standard 80s / 90s metal band.  Nothing groundbreaking or life changing. Back to modern times, their 5^th  record, aptly titled, V, release officially dropped in 2024 as an independent release. In less than a month, High Roller is releasing a proper label backed album.  A big thanks to their A&R team.Most albums require a few listens to figure out an MR score. This 11-song set is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. First two or three listens (albeit listening whilst performing other tasks), not giving my full attention, there was enough metal chops to press play again…again.

It’s without question my most played album while writing a review. Cutting to the quick, this is what contemporary metal needs. A heavy aural assault, no excuses, no techno-wizardry or heavy production. The lead track “Stand Guard at the Gates of Your Mind” is fast and heavy from the first note.  A smart start to a thrasher album.

Stand out songs: “The Road to Madagascar” adds punk battery play, bridges fusing Megadeth and Pantera. A track I didn’t catch on to until giving the full album my undivided attention.  Months on, this one could very well earn a top 10 album of the year spot.

“Live to Die” is reminiscent of the legendary 80s UK punkers GBH mashed with “Killers” era Iron Maiden. Interesting side bar, when doing my homework, listening to the predecessor band, Holy Terror, after listening to a couple tracks, what did the algorithm queue up next?  Iron Maiden.  And this was after a few listens, making my initial notes/influences comparing the trio to the east London’s Iron Maiden spot on.

“Crusaders”, the next track intro is metal fireworks. Blistering solo before the raspy midrange vocals sound off.  A bottom end pumping battery paces the 3 and half minute song. The song unveils one flaw with the production of the album.The mix feels muddy and muted. Unsure if this is intentional or if there are factors limiting the quality of production. Excellent music need not be penalized for a less than stellar recording.

A quick break in the full metal assault, the album art at first glance is a fiery roman numeral five. Got it, that’s the name of the record.  A closer look, there’s more to see, ghastly and other-worldly.

The album closes with an unexpected twist, a cover of Supertramp’s “The Logical Song”. Interestingly, it works as a metal song. Not a standout track. I appreciate the trio going out of bounds covering a mainstream rock song. More homework to do, listening to Mindwars back catalog is high on my to do list.

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