New York’s Mutoid Man came to my attention via the wise words of Doc Fisting and I’ve been a rabid enthusiast of the colorful power trio’s works ever since. In particular, 2017’s modern classic War Moans hit me particularly hard and helped me navigate challenging personal and professional events occurring around the time. So I hold the album close to my heart and revisit it regularly. Six plus years shot by and waiting time is finally done as the dynamic duo of guitarist/vocalist Stepehen Brodsky (Cave In) and drummer Ben Koller (Converge) return with original bassist Nick Cageao subbed out for High on Fire four-stringer Jeff Matz. Mutants is Mutoid Man’s third LP and channels their super fun and explosive genre-bending blast of metal, punk, hardcore, rock, prog, math and trademark wackiness into typically exuberant and inventive tunes. However, do they succeed in their mission statement, and does Mutants feature the addictive toxic ooze of its predecessors?

Mutoid Man have subtly tweaked and refined their unique formula, without diluting their manically restless songwriting approach. Many of their previously shining attributes are retained throughout Mutants. Lead-off singles “Call of the Void” and “Sirens” unleashed instantly infectious, melodic bursts of Mutoid Man’s effortless blend of high-octane energy, blazing musicianship, and hooky songwriting, bottled into compact tunes designed to spike the adrenaline. However, on first playthrough, Mutants didn’t quite capture that trademark immediacy, leading to kneejerk concern that lofty expectations were going to fall short, with the furious speed and raw, unhinged charm of War Moans tempered slightly. It turns out my initial concerns were largely unfounded as Mutants took little time to sink its claws in. It contains some of Mutoid Man’s most melodic, restrained and accessible material to date however, taking a more refined, though still bonkers approach than War Moans, while injecting the chaotic and heavier elements of the band’s early work.

Within their offbeat and unique style, Mutoid Man keep Mutants chugging along with nifty variations. Heavier cuts, like the chaotic, noisy dissonance and unhinged qualities of “Unborn” and “Siphon” harken back to their aforementioned earlier roots, without diminishing the melodic hooks and quirkier aspects embedded in their songwriting DNA. These aggressive turns sit comfortably alongside more melodic, crunchy fare, such as the sludgy, grooving swagger of addictive later album highlight, “Memory Hole.” Even lesser songs (“Graveyard Love,” “Demons”) still pack bucketloads of zany fun, infectious hooks, and tongue-in-cheek humor into the mix. Epic closing track “Setting Sun” feels like the distant cousin of War Moans brooding ballad, “Bandages.” Not so much in a stylistic sense, but how the rollicking metal anthem, complete with rousing chorus, soulful guitar licks and heroic gallops, carries a similarly impactful emotional heft, closing the album with a powerful classic metal bang.

Mutants is a versatile and engaging listen, that may not surpass the nutso edge or consistent highs of War Moans, but doesn’t trail far behind and it’s never dull. Despite the overflowing stream of ideas, Mutoid Man employ an efficient approach to their craft. And though the writing is more streamlined and restrained than previous offerings, it contains many high points, sharp turns, and unpredictable twists to complement standout performances by its architects. Brodsky is a bonafide riff machine and the skillful ways he riffs and shreds across a wide spectrum of genres and styles while maintaining that wildly technical, melodic and distinctive Mutoid Man character is frequently exhibited, even at groovier, less frantic tempos. Vocally, Brodsky smashes it as well, with a versatile, soulful, and occasionally unhinged delivery. Meanwhile, Koller’s reputation behind the kit is well known and he delivers another powerhouse, complex and ear-catching performance. Matz locks things up tightly with solid basswork, though the crushed mastering and mix impacts the final package and restricts the full potential of his contributions.

Though perhaps edged by its excellent predecessor, Mutants remains a finely tuned and most welcome return for Mutoid Man that should please existing fans and reel in some new enthusiasts in the process. Frequent repeat listens have served to reinforce the impact of Mutants and its addictive, replayable charms. Difficult to pigeonhole, Mutants is at once a thrillingly fun, memorable, challenging, and unique blast of Mutoid Man’s genre-smashing shenanigans that seems destined to stay on high rotation for the foreseeable future.

Rating: 4.0/5.0