Review: Mystery – Mind Pollution
Metalapolis Records (July 5th, 2024)
Reviewer: Chris O’Connor
This is a weird one to review as when I put my name forward to review it, I thought this was a new album by the very well established Canadian progressive outfit, who already have a very extensive back catalogue. So, it came as something of a shock to find it was an album by an Australian mob of the same name. I can’t help but think/feel/believe that this Oz act should change their name to avoid the obvious confusion that sharing the same name engenders.
So, this version of Mystery plays a fusion of punchy Melodic Rock fused with Hard Rock. They have shared festival main stages with the likes of Motörhead, Cheap Trick, Iron Maiden, Megadeth, Twisted Sister, and Mötley Crüe, At Vance, Kissin’ Dynamite, and Jaded Heart, so are fairly season road warriors.
My understanding is that ‘Mind Pollution’ is the band’s fourth sudio release, and is certainly well played and well executed. The quartet is led by vocalist/guitarist Rocky Ravić, who is certainly an accomplished six-stringer, and whose slightly rasping voice gives the band a nice punchy edge that sets them apart from other melodic acts. The band is rounded out by keyboardist Duje Ivić, bass guitarist Oscar Hauke, and by drummer Gavin Hill. The album is tastefully produced by Alex Vaulin.
‘Mind Pollution’ features eight original tracks, all of which stand up well in themselves, and then (and somewhat surprisingly), two covers. Given that the band is Australian, it makes eminent sense that they would cover Oz legends The Angels, firing of a punchy take on ‘No Secrets’. The second is by Twisted Sister – this time a feisty version of ‘You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll’
Of the band’s own songs, I would specifically direct you to ‘Fantasy’, which is a genuine Melodic Rock anthem, ‘Imprisoning Me’, which is a snarling Hard Rock firestorm, and to ‘Highroller’ which fairly seethes with bad attitude and imperious magnificence. Having got over the shock that this Mystery is not the Mystery I was expecting or hoping for – ‘Mind Pollution’ has immediately grown on me, and I will certainly be revisiting it. I still think a change of name is in order … but despite this, it’s definitely a strong album, worthy of your time and money.
Tracklist:
- Writing On The Wall
- Dead By Sunday
- Mad Man
- Fantasy
- Take You Down
- Imprisoning Me
- Alive Today
- Highroller
- You Can’t Stop Rock ‘n’ Roll
- No Secrets
Line-up:
Rocky Ravić – Lead Vocals & Lead Guitar
Oscar Hauke – Bass
Duje Ivić – Keyboards
Gavin Hill – Drums
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