Once known as the “youngest band to ever tour the world”, Melbourne men Mystery is all grown up and bring you ten tracks of hard rock with their fourth album, Mind Pollution. It is a follow up to Live Life Loud, which was recorded and released between Melbourne’s lockdowns. The album is released through European label Metalopolis Records.
While their early efforts impressed, seeing the teenagers playing festivals around the world, this album can be compared in its own right. While they certainly have not reinvented the wheel, this is a polished album of melodic hard rock, which would fit right in on the Sunset Strip through the mid 80s.
Right through you hear the influences of the likes of Motley Crue, Twisted Sister and others of that ilk. During their long years touring, they have shared the stage with many of these legendary bands. “Fantasy” and “Highroller” take more of an Iron Maiden influence. Throughout the album frontman Rocky Rakic holds a melodic tone while shredding through various solos.
This is certainly not a new sound but sounds like it would be enjoyable in the live scene. With more than a decade of touring, the band have honed their live sound and is about to embark on a tour of Japan.
The final tracks do more than just show off the influences, they are both covers. The album finishes with a solid version of “No Secrets” by The Angels. As they say in their previous Twisted Sister cover, “You Can’t Stop Rock and Roll”.
Mystery: Facebook
Release Year: 2024
Label: Metalapolis Records
Category: Album
Country: Australia
Reviewed by Daniel Boyle
