Release:
Hammerheart Records 13.05.2022 2CD (Album & Demos) + LP (Album only) + 2LP (Demos only)
Info:
Superb Scandinavian Thrash Metal - an absolute highlight fans! Remastered and full of killer riffs! Featuring all the demos!
Hammerheart Records states: We were around when the first wave of Thrash arrived during the mid 80’s, and we can say that this is the real deal. Listening to MEZZROW’s album brings us back to the days when we walked around with dirty white Nike shoes, stretch jeans, wore Slayer and Testament T-shirts till they were in tatters and we would literally use our last money to buy a band’s album. Our two favorite things about this album: the vocals and the riffs. Singer Staffe Karlsson (R.I.P.) has a nice aggressive edge to his voice, very different from the high-pitched, bordering-on-falsetto screams that bands like Anthrax and the like were using. We would consider these to be pure Thrash vocals, never crossing the line into death metal territory, but angry and at times gruff as befitting this style of music. While the two don’t sound anything alike, I get a vibe from Uffe Petersson on this album that makes me think of James Hetfield on “Ride the Lightning”.
You know, back when Metallica was an actual Thrash band instead of mainstream band. The guitar sound is another standout; reasonably clean and easy to decipher but without sacrificing any heaviness. “Then Came the Killing” is well-produced without being over-produced. The band even look right, opting for the accepted late 80’s Thrash “uniform” of ultra-long hair, ripped and faded jeans, leather motorcycle jacket and high top sneakers. Although the album didn’t come out until 1990, it is clear where MEZZROW’s sensibilities lie. MEZZROW represent high-quality Thrash of the old school. If you’re a fan of that kind of music then we highly recommend this. “Then Came the Killing” is an exhibit of everything reliable and satisfying in Thrash Metal.
Tracklist:
CD1 - THEN CAME THE KILLING 01. Then Came the Killing 02. Ancient Terror 03. The Final Holocaust 04. Frozen Soul 05. Distant Death 06. Prevention Necessary 07. Where Death Begins 08. The Cross of Torment 09. Inner Devastation
CD 2 - THEN CAME THE DEMOS Frozen Soul Demo 01. Frozen Soul 02. Prevention Necessary 03. Resurrection of the Beast The Cross of Tormention Demo 04. The Cross of Tormention 05. Ancient Terror 06. Final Holocaust 07. Inner Devastation Demo 1991 08. Silent Extenction 09. Echoes of Damnation 10. Blind Belief 11. Segregation of the Masses |