Mutiny remains one of the most creative and hardcore of all bands in the ska scene. The Pittsburgh-based band recently released the first single since their 2024 Avant Guardian EP and their first song affiliated with their new record label in Say-10 Records. It’s clear to say that, other than the label, absolutely nothing else has changed about this band. The aggressive and hardcore elements, mixed with ska-core riffs and themes of a grand fantasy story of epic proportions, still remain.
In previous songs, there were wars, kingdoms falling, dark tales of soldiers. All tie together to tell a great story. Anthem seems to continue this story, although I don’t know where it fits into the entire epic journey.
The song begins with some chaotic squeaks, proud, strong horns coming in with a driving drum beat, twice more interrupted with chaotic squeaks before the vocals join. Loud, aggressive, shouted, as drums pick up to double time and more, blasting aggression.
The lyrics are about the rising of a country, singing the anthem, the fleeting nature of life, the elimination of enemies, and the risk of what tomorrow brings. The music does a phenomenal job of helping to tell the story, setting moods and tones. Painting a grim outlook at the thought that “tomorrow we may day” or feeling completely anthemic and proud at the line “singing the anthem of our commonwealth”.
Every song from Mutiny feels significant, takes you to another place, and tells a chapter in a moral tale. Not all the chapters are positive. Not all protagonists are heroes. But all seem to connect, in some way. You are listening to some of the best hardcore and ska core you’ll hear. The heavy punk and hardcore music of Pittsburgh permeates the sound. But there is always so much more. You definitely don’t want to miss this song, but I feel like there is more yet to come, and I look forward to whatever is next as much as I appreciate what lies before me.
Written by Gimp Leg
