EP Review: Mutank – W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. (Boonsdale Records)

Hailing from Montreal, W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. is the follow up to thrash metal band Mutank’s 2014 debut album M.E.C.H. METAL. The new EP is out on June 16th 2017 via Boonsdale Records.

Vocalist/bassist Stephen Reynolds had this to say about the new EP:

“Our upcoming EP ‘W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T’ sort of started as a joke. I just thought it would be funny to force an acronym for ‘what’s that?’ and I came up with ‘We Have Alottta Thrash Songs That Have Abbreviate Titles’. From there we came up with the concept of an EP with a bunch of forced acronym titles. The EP itself was written somewhat conceptually with the individual songs being very short thrash songs that come together to make one longer progressive thrash track, which harkens back to the title since we don’t even know what it is! We have a ton of new material in the works as well, people can expect new stuff sooner rather than later!”

L.I.F.E starts off this short EP in style with a fast, guitar driven blow to the head before the thrash stylings of I.D.I.O.T. brings a bit more noise to proceedings. It’s up-tempo sound really hit thanks to a nice bass groove that sits comfortably alongside the hard vocals.

P.O.P.U.L.O.U.S. vastly picks up the pace & really delivers a short, wall of thrash metal noise. Fantastic riffing & a head-banging drum beat really makes it stand out from the pack. It’s at this point that it’s clear Mutank offer more then an old school sound. That they have one foot well & truly rooted in a more modern take on aggression.

The penultimate song, F.O.G & its wailing guitar solo alongside the punchy way the vocals are spat out, sounds great.

A great, little EP ends on the longest track of the 5. D.E.A.T.H is nearly 4 minutes long & showcases a ton of talent. Killer drumming, awesome bass hooks, great rhythm & furious sounding vocals. It’s a statement of intent from Mutank. That they are not to be underestimated & written off as just another ‘thrash throwback’.

Mutank – W.H.A.T.S.T.H.A.T. Full Track Listing:

1. L.I.F.E
2. I.D.I.O.T.
3. P.O.P.U.L.O.U.S.
4. F.O.G
5. D.E.A.T.H

The EP can be ordered now over on Bandcamp. Check out Mutank over on Facebook, Twitter & YouTube. The band will also be on tour with Annihialtor across Canada this June.