MUSTANG – Beyond Raging Thunder

One of the most underlooked caveats of Heavy Metal is the fact that it can be found all over the world. This week’s review is a band hailing from Kolkata, India, Mustang with their debut release Beyond Raging Thunder coming out on September 8, 2023, via Fighter Records. Jan Loncik (Traveler and Riot City) and Arijit Dutta co-produced the album at Rich Hobo Studios in Calgary, Canada. Dennis Koehne (Sodom, Exumer, Lacuna Coil to his credits) mastered the album in Dortmund, Germany.

Bio

Mustang was formed in 2015 playing the local circuit in 2018. In 2019, the Indian unit played their first overseas show at Thrashmandu 2 in Nepal. Singles “Terror Striker” and “Black Steel” earned the band acclaim from notable musicians including legendary personalities like Bryan Patrick of Manilla Road, John Gallagher of Raven, Allan Johnson of Exciter, as well as modern-day torchbearers like Enforcer, Solicitor, and Claymorean. The band was fully self-supportive of their own cause as there were financial hardships and obstacles along the way but with a strong support system and belief in themselves to release their debut album. The band was immediately signed by Dave Rotten (head of Fighter Records) after receiving the EPK from Mustang in 2021.

Beyond Raging Thunder

Beyond Raging Thunder delivers an all-encompassing package for all classic Metal enthusiasts running over 56 minutes across 10 songs. The album, which includes eight originals alongside an intro and a cover of Judas Priest’s “Ram it Down,” has lightning-fast Speed Metal furies, stormy sing-along bangers, solo-driven trad Metal fuels, and even soul-stirring ballads. MUSTANG equally prioritizes the impact of memorable and vigorous songwriting. “We aimed for leaving a long-lasting effect on the mind of every listener,” says the band.

Lyrical themes include a tribute to the late John Patrick Jr. McDonald (aka MIDNIGHT) of Crimson Glory, who is considered a significant inspiration to the MUSTANG vocalist in the song “Realm of Madness”. “Sapphire” was inspired by “Black Diamond” of Kiss and Thin Lizzy’s “Emerald”. “Queen of Red Light”, comes from Iron Maiden’s “Charlotte the Harlot” and “22 Acacia Avenue”, two songs that deeply fascinated MUSTANG’s vocalist Arijit.

Final Thoughts

Mustang’s debut effort is a blast from the past full throttle of Traditional Heavy Metal. Dutta’s nickname ‘Piercer’ is very fitting as his voice can hit the high notes along with his wails. Dutta’s vocals are reminiscent of early Queensryche, King Diamond, and of course Halford of Judas Priest. Tempos range from uptempo heavy metal (“Children of Thunder”) to midtempo rockers with an instrumental interlude that has an early Mercyful Fate feel in the song “Queen of Red Light”. Scorcher and Styx are very capable and talented guitars who complement each other’s abilities very well. Time will tell if they become the next power duo such as Glenn Tipton / KK Downing or Adrian Smith / Dave Murray. Stand-out tracks include “Children of Thunder”, Queen of Red Light” and “Terror Striker”. Sorcerer and Maniac are a solid rhythm section throughout the entire album providing the foundation for each song.

The vocals could be better honed in on “Realm of Madness” (which has a really good guitar intro by both guitarists). Piercer does his own vocal style of “Ram It Down” that will turn off some listeners as it strays away from Halford’s intense delivery of the song. Having a ballad close out an album is not traditional as it feels out of place.

Overall this is a very solid debut album from Mustang that has more strong songs than weak songs.

Tracklisting

1. Odyssey
2. Children of Thunder
3. Cosmic Rage
4. Queen of Red Light
5. Ram It Down (Judas Priest cover)
6. Realm of Madness
7. Electric Fantasy
8. Voyager
9. Terror Striker
10. Sapphire

Album Lineup

Arijit “Piercer” Dutta – Vocals
Snehashis “Styx” Nag – Guitar
Scorcher – Guitar
Soubhik “Sorcerer” Mondal – Bass
Anoubhav “Maniac” Bhaduri – Drums