MNTL goes full throttle with ‘Rock In Roll Race’ on Evolution Chamber

There is something about cold air, concrete and pressure that forges tough music. That energy runs straight through ‘Rock In Roll Race’, the latest statement from MNTL, and it hits with the kind of intent that feels built for dark rooms, sweating ceilings and serious sound systems. ‘Rock In Roll Race’ is not here to gently introduce itself. It kicks the door clean off and lets the bass do the talking.

Hailing from Vorkuta, Russia, Shtefan Ivanov’s journey through Drum & Bass has already taken a few sharp turns. Many first clocked him as one half of Saint Robbers, a project that gained serious traction through releases on respected underground labels, including their Evolution Chamber drop ‘Quality Train / Happy Day’ back in 2021. That era carried weight and recognition, but it also sparked a need for something more personal, more direct.

That instinct led to the birth of MNTL in 2022. The solo project arrived swinging with ‘Gearbox’ on Neuropunk alongside long-time collaborator Grinder, immediately laying out a sound rooted in grit, momentum and movement. Since then, releases on labels like Ozriderz have continued to sharpen that identity, each track dialling in energy without losing personality.

Now MNTL steps onto Evolution Chamber for the first time with ‘Rock In Roll Race’, a five-track EP that feels deliberately varied and confidently unrestrained. This is Drum & Bass built for impact, but with enough twists to keep heads locked from start to finish.

The title track ‘Rock In Roll Race’ sets the tone instantly, fast, fierce and unapologetic. ‘Until Dawn’ follows with a subtle nod to earlier Saint Robbers energy, bridging past and present with a refreshed edge. ‘Magical Move’ pushes further into experimental territory, playful but still built for the club. ‘Don’t Kill You’ drags things into darker territory, heavy on atmosphere and tension, while closing cut ‘Western’ with Grinder throws a curveball, blending country-flavoured motifs with a sharp neurofunk bite that should raise eyebrows in the best way.

‘Rock In Roll Race’ is a clear marker moment. Five tracks. Zero filler. A reminder that Drum & Bass still thrives on risk, pressure and personality. Evolution Chamber kick-starts its 2026 chapter with authority, and MNTL makes it very clear he is here to stay. Lock in, turn it up, and take this one straight to the dancefloor.

Check out our premiere of ‘Rock In Roll Race’ below. The EP dropped on Friday, 2nd January, grab a copy here!