Review: “Self Titled” by Mizery

“It’s a reflection of a world that some of us see, and others choose to ignore. The acts of violence, the fear of violence and the repercussions of violence.” ~ José Luna 

Back in December 2023 the unexpected and tragic passing of drummer Cayle Sain, who also performed with Twitching Tongues, God’s Hate and GhosteMane, rattled the music community and understandably put a pause on San Diego crossover Hardcore crew Mizery. At the time, the band had been preparing a follow up to 2016’s debut album “Absolute Light”, a record which was powerful enough to take them on the road with Power Trip, Terror and Backtrack. While processing their grief and reflecting, the remaining members of the band knew they had to continue on and a found recording gave them a new sense of purpose. It was during this time that vocalist José Luna and guitarist Taylor Parker discovered that Sain had taken pre-production demos they had sent him and tracked drums for them in a professional studio. With the help of produced by Taylor Young (Nails, Kruelty, God’s Hate) at The Pit, the band were able to obtain those drum tracks and use them for what would become their self-titled EP. The one exception to that was “Eulogy“, for which Sain had laid down programmed drums for instead of studio recordings, so drummer David Stalsworth (Militarie Gun, Torena) stepped in on the recording and now joins Mizery full time.

This collection of tunes built upon resurrected foundations begins with the inventive melodic grooves of “Renegade Rhythm“, a track that throws back to the early 90’s with its fusion of infectious rap-sung vocals and Metal riffs bringing to mind the early days of Ice T’s Body Count. Here however José Luna replaces the aggression with rich melodies, singing about how he’s tired of the day to day grind on the poverty line and how its time to get up and get out. It’s not introspective but politically charged and socially aware and that’s why it resonates. The lush leads from Parker continue into “99 to 1” which follows a lyrical narrative about being us against the world in a fight for freedom. What makes this one work so well is that it has a wonderful ebb and flow between the heavy and the melodic, the five piece able to switch seamlessly between Thrashier rhythmic passages to almost bluesy moments without so much as flinching. That means you get the best of both worlds but what’s even better is that those style shifts aren’t predictable in any way shape or form. Instead they’re as smooth as silk and flow like a mighty river into the sea. Its wonderful that the final studio recordings of Cayle Sain were able to be used on this record and his memory lives on though his work, the rest of the band putting their heart and soul into what sits upon those sounds.

A 78 second introduction piece “The Weapon Pt. I” has at its heart a tasteful solo from Parker and sets the tone for “The Weapon Pt. II” with style and grace, allowing the second part of the track to hit with those Thrash infused Hardcore riffs from the very start. Stepping up the intensity and aggression, Mizery pull out the pin and throw the grenade over the fence with verve and swagger, Parker delivering another sumptuous solo over bursts of rhythmic battery for the Chef’s kiss moment. There is no mistaking an undercurrent of Rage Against The Machine influence on this one and there is a hint of that in the more aggressive parts of “Through A Bullet Hole“, a track which has moments that make you wonder if Carlos Santana will be dropping by for a guest solo at some point in the future. The fact that Luna is singing about looking at life going by through a bullet hole, tells you all you need to know about the place’s he’s able to frequent. Life is rough in the Ghetto. Sammy Ciaramitaro of Drain makes his presence felt on “Eulogy”, a track with deeper rap flows and Deftones vibes in the chorus. The quality of the musicianship here is incredible and what you’re left with is something that not only stirs the soul while listening but has a depth of meaning and message that will give you pause for thought when the tape ends [8.5/10]

Track Listing

1. Renegade Rhythm
2. 99 to 1
3. The Weapon Pt. I
4. The Weapon Pt. II
5. Through A Bullet Hole
6. Eulogy (ft. Sammy Ciaramitaro of Drain)

“Self Titled” by Mizery is out 20th March 2026 via Flatspot Records