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MEZZROW
Summon Thy Demons

Fireflash (2023)
Rating: 6.5/10

Way back in the late 80s a Swedish thrash band named Mezzrow released two decent demos which were followed by an impressive debut album, 1990’s Then Came The Killing. In 1991 another demo followed but soon after the band were no more, suffering at the cold, grunge-laced hands of 1993. The combo attempted a return in 2005 but not a lot materialised, then six years later Mezzrow reformed again and now in 2023 were treated to this new full length.

Okay, so the cover art isn’t great but I’m still stuck in the 80s so it’s more of a reflection on me, but with Summon Thy Demons Mezzrow once again gets to vent. However, in spite of its aggression, there is that all too modern air of the mechanical in its drive. So many bands, due to contemporary dynamics, seem to sound rather generic in their structuring, and while vocalist and original member Uffe Pettersson is still at the helm this a record that lacks the identity and charm of the debut. Sure, Then Came The Killing emerged during a different time, but with Summon Thy Demons there is such a cold and clinical feel, no doubt accentuated by the mastering techniques.

Even so, throughout this opus there is plenty of crisp and crushing weight and the expected bouts of speed; at times the more technical marrying reminds of me of Annihilator. I can’t deny it’s a solid record; tracks like ‘What Is Dead May Never Die’ and personal favourites ‘Through The Eyes Of The Ancient Gods’ and ‘Blackness Fell Upon The World’ are dark, brooding and clinical tirades delivered not a world away from Megadeth but with all the cold steel offered and somewhat chilled by such colourless flashes and grinding.

Mezzrow is certainly back but I’m concerned that this album will just end up on the pile with all the other formulaic compositions I’ve siphoned through over the last few years.

Neil Arnold

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