Right from its earliest days, metal has walked hand in claw with the horror genre. Often supported by costumes, props and a general Grand Guignol-style theatricality, a veritable plethora of acts have walked this same dark, bloody road over the years, many still continuing to do so.
Formed in 2018, Swedish act Mister Misery is one of the latest bands to slap on the make-up and raise hell by singing about zombies, psychopaths, demons and monsters – as well dipping into harsh reality. And despite looking – and occasionally sounding – like the result of an evening of sexual debauchery between Black Veil Brides, Marilyn Manson and Murderdolls, the band’s third, eponymously titled album (AFM Records) delivers the goods with a harsh contemporary touch.
The epic stomp of “Root of All Evil” kicks things off, the rhythm section of drummer Rizzy and bassist Alex Alister making an instant impression while guitarist/vocalist Harley Vendetta and axe partner Alex Nine supply some seriously chunky riffs and solos. All four members contribute vocally, the different styles combining to great effect during the first memorable chorus of many.
The clean/harsh vocal sparring continues with “Erzsébet (The Countess),” another hook-laden little beast written about the titular Hungarian noblewoman who, according to legend and Hammer horror movies, enjoyed bathing in the blood of virgins. “Eye Of The Storm” and “Haters” are melodic fast paced thrashers which, rather unsurprisingly given the band’s country of origin, contain more than a hint of acts like In Flames and Soilwork.
Elsewhere, “Hand of Death” is downbeat, heavy and catchy but bolstered by the most muscular of breakdowns while “The Doomsday Clock” finds jangling, mildly distorted open chords duelling with atmospheric keyboards and riffs forged from iron girders.
Arguably the finest cut on the record, “Crooked Man” boasts a twisted little melody and darkly playful riffing, the song seemingly inspired by creepy horror sequel The Conjuring 2. “Survival of the Sickest” and “Sinner Or Saint” possess aggressive vocals and catchy choruses, the latter even featuring a breakdown that wouldn’t sound out of place on a King 810 album. But don’t hold that against them.
Another song lifted from horror themed source material, the simple but effective “Until The End” is based on popular survival horror game Resident Evil while “Ripper” slashes its way into your senses before “Dark Legacy” closes the record with a suitably ferocious/melodic bang.
Savage melodeath riffs, insistent horror-punk hooks, and brutish breakdowns all held together with a darkly vibrant modern aesthetic, Mister Misery is about as subtle as a chainsaw to the face but thankfully a lot more enjoyable.
Buy the album here:
https://shop.afm-records.de/de/mister-misery/
7 / 10
GARY ALCOCK