Nearly a decade after shaking the world awake, Rusko returns swinging — quite literally — with “Mantis Fist.” The UK-born dubstep pioneer once again flexes the inventive energy that made him a household name in bass music, but this time, he channels it through a cinematic, martial-arts-infused soundscape that’s both playful and menacing.

From the first bar, “Mantis Fist” feels like stepping into a neon-lit dojo: spooky synth lines creep in the background, setting a tense, otherworldly atmosphere. Then the bassline takes over — automated, elastic, and full of motion — evoking fight scenes straight out of old-school kung fu flicks. It’s no coincidence: one such film is actually sampled in the track, giving the piece its tongue-in-cheek personality and unmistakable sense of fun.

Rusko’s trademark groove is alive here — not the brash, over-compressed energy of modern bass drops, but something that swings with purpose. You can hear echoes of his FabricLive.37 era, yet “Mantis Fist” doesn’t dwell on nostalgia. It’s a reminder that the UK sound he helped define still punches hard, and that Rusko remains one of the few producers who can blend humor, heaviness, and technical precision without losing the dancefloor in the process.

Mantis Fist is equal parts throwback and evolution — a testament that Rusko’s world of wobble and wit is still very much alive. And if this track is any indication, the world better stay the fuck awake for what’s next.

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