The boys in Mugshot have definitely got a fierce determination when it comes to crafting heavy, gritty metal. They're here to bring a fresh twist on the classic old-school nu-metal sound, blending it seamlessly with modern metalcore elements that shake things up in all the right ways. Imagine a combination of the raw intensity of Jesus Piece with the chaotic energy of Slipknot, and you've got Mugshot.

One of the standout features of this EP is the guitar work. From start to finish, the guitars have a strong groove, consistently driving the tracks forward with solid riffs that add an extra layer of depth to the music. The technicality and creativity of the playing really stand out as a key strength of the EP. The vocals also bring an interesting dynamic, flowing smoothly through both harsh, aggressive shouts and lighter, more melodic moments. This switch-up in vocal style keeps things fresh and engaging throughout.

The bass is a bit of a mixed bag—it’s often hard to hear in the mix, but when it does make its presence known, it adds a certain feeling and weight to the music that complements the rest of the instrumentation. The drums follow a similar pattern; at times they’re difficult to pick up clearly, but when they hit, they’re absolutely crushing. The way the hi-hats, cymbals, and snare are used is impressive, bringing an extra level of texture to the band's overall sound.

Production-wise, the EP is solid—nothing groundbreaking, but it serves its purpose well. It’s clear enough to capture the energy of the band without any unnecessary bells and whistles. However, if there’s one criticism I have, it’s that the back half of the EP feels a bit weaker compared to the first. While the tracks are still heavy and well-executed, they don’t carry the same level of uniqueness or stand-out moments. They could easily be mistaken for songs by another band in the genre.

Despite that, Mugshot still shows a lot of potential. I’m definitely looking forward to seeing where their raw, dirty sound will pop up again in the future.

RATING:7.5/10