Hard rock band Mutiny (from left) Raffy Zarzuela, Paul Viloria, Roy Secillano, and Sum Go. Handout 

MANILA -- Thank the hard rock and metal gods that Mutiny is back with their second album, 30 years after their stellar debut dropped like a hurricane the rock clubs and airwaves. 

"Engkanto," Mutiny’s second release after 1994’s "Ang Salamangkero at Ibang Kuwento," is out on cassette, compact disc, and vinyl. 

And though sans guitarist Chuck Fournier, the lads are back in black -- the overall black motif of Engkanto, I must stress -- and thankfully "hindi mababaon sa limot," to crib one of the best tracks on "Salamangkero."

And the second album, well, it adds to the band’s legacy.

The band was revived in 2012 by vocalist Paul Viloria and drummer Roy Secillano and a rotating door of guitarists and bassists. When original bassist Sum Go returned from a lengthy stay abroad in 2019, he rejoined the band in 2020 that now featured Raffy Zarzuela on guitars. 

By March 2023, they hit the studio to record new music that would become "Engkanto."

“Chuck wrote most of the first album while I wrote most of the second one,” said Go. “As for the title of the album, it was keeping in line with the title of the first one – Salamangkero then Engkanto.”

If the debut saw Mutiny recording a paean to their mutual love of Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Rush, Cream, Jimi Hendrix, among many others, "Engkanto" is like the band stepped out of a time warp.

The album features those long epics the band is known for. If the debut was dripping with tons of riffage, the new one is tighter and more melodic.

“Older and wiser,” Go surmised with a smile, who in the same vein bared the new songs was the band at their storytelling best.

The overall theme reflects the times -- war, depression, regret. Heavy themes the band likes. But think about it: this was recorded when the entire country emerged from the longest COVID-19 lockdown in the world. 

Viloria’s voice might not have its serrated age of before, but it ages like fine wine. 

Are there instant classics like “Salamangkero”, “Alipin”, or even “Ibaon sa Limot” in this new album?

“Minsan Pa” reminds me of Pearl Jam at its pensive best and should be a highlight of Mutiny’s live show. “Narciso” is awesome and should be amazing to hear and watch live (I do hope with the blues harp). 

The title track and the second song on the album, “War,” are good stuff.

If Side 1 was rocking, the flip side is more of the contemplative sort. Don’t think Mutiny has lost their mojo. You have to think of where they came from and the time they emerged.

Besides, they end the album with “Remorse” that revs it up once more and ends "Engkanto" on a mighty fine note. If you have an awesome sound system, this should sound amazing. Sometimes you wonder if some of Zarzuela’s licks get lost in the mix or is it your amp. But you know it is good.

Years removed from listening to "Salamangkero," I enjoyed listening to "Engkanto." It’s good to know the band has new material instead of living in the past (as good as that was). And hey, you have to love the Decepticon-ish cover. 

This is a nice left field independent release. The second act in Mutiny’s lives is in full swing. 

To crib a line from Neil Young, they didn’t burn out or fade away, they are still raging against the dying of the light.