2024 was a banner year for newcomers Mean Mistreater. The Lone Star ragers burst out of nowhere with their aptly titled debut album, Razor Wire, which was quickly followed by a rip-roaring set at Chicago’s own Legions of Metal. As the year marched on, so did Mean Mistreater, embarking on an endless spree of tour dates and festival appearances. And despite their busy road schedule, in an age where bands both new and old take their sweet time in between releases, Mean Mistreater have opted to go for an approach as old school as their sound itself, opting to build upon this ongoing momentum with the release of their second album, Do or Die.
If there’s anything listeners will take away from Do or Die, it’s that Mean Mistreater adhere to the old Dictators philosophy of going “Faster and Louder” on album #2. Admittedly, my first listen of this ripper took place while driving at illicit speed to an Vltimas show an hour from home (aside from David Vincent’s goofy Undertaker garb, a fine set), so there might be some bias. That said, this new speed metal edge, which was merely hinted at on the Sunset Strip inspired Razor Wire, suits the band very well, and I can’t help but think bleeds into these new songs as a result of the band’s high velocity live shows.
At any given point, the drums are flying, the riffs sting at breakneck pace, and the vocals, courtesy of Ms. Janiece Gonzales, come off as more fiery than ever. From the opening wallop of “Killer Red”, Mean Mistreater get down to business, shifting their focus from the hedonistic Californian vibes of their debut to a sharper, supersonic, NWOBHM flavored attack that never really lets up. Whether it be the motörcharged rock n’ roll mayhem of “Nothing’s Free”, chug-heavy punishment of “Road Dogs”, or proto-thrash barrage of the title track, Do or Die is a headbanger’s heaven.
When they aren’t teetering the line between tried and true traditionalism and fuel-burning speed, Mean Mistreater manages to make this short and sweet album all the more intriguing with some darkly majestic forays à la Chastain. “Walk with Fire” captivates with its warriorlike riffage and epic disposition, channeling the bloodlust of the Leather Leone fronted outfit circa 1985. “Three of Swords” expands upon this USPM romanticism even further, channeling Manowar and Omen in its riffage and arrangement, yet without ever sounding like a blatant knockoff. Perhaps album #3 will be a USPM affair? Only time will tell.
Just as Razor Wire quickly became a favorite amongst the traditional metal crowd last year, Do or Die is bound to do the same this year. It’s fresh, fast, and firing on all cylinders, never sounding like a rehash of ancient clichés and keeping listeners on their toes at all times, which really, is all one can ask for in a traditional metal album in 2025. I must also commend the band for the album’s brief runtime. 8 songs in 26ish minutes? Talk about taking all killer, no filler to the next level!
8 out of 10
Label: Dying Victims Productions
Genre: Heavy Metal
For fans of: Tower, Midnight Dice, Chastain
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