Mercyless, is a highly respected death metal band from France. They have released two critically acclaimed albums: “Abject Offerings” in 1992 and “Coloured Funeral” in 1993. They have toured across Europe with the likes of Death, Asphyx, and Unleashed as well as shows with Cannibal Corpse, Obituary, and Incantation to name a few, Pathetic Divinity marks their sixth studio LP. The band call it their best, heaviest, and most brutal work to date. A showcase of both the old and the new.
OSDM of the finest caliber here. Though not as rugged in production as some of the similar releases this year, Pathetic Divinity is no less fevered in its appetite for destruction. The drumming is top notch, from the unremitting doses of double bass to the tribal tom fills closing out "My Name is Legion." And as always, the D-beat driven tracks like "Exhort the Heretic" continue to catch my fancy and quickly become my favorites. Equally enjoyable are the very Carcass-y riffs across the board from the slower, swampy "A Representation of Darkness" to "Left to Rot," which also sports lyrics and vocals ripe for audience participation.
The grimy death metal growls will come as no surprise to fans of the old school, but that's not to say everyone pulls them off with skill. There really is a certain inborn nihilism that needs to come across. Mercyless' vocals are...well...without mercy. Standing alongside other strong OSDM performances this year from Hellsworn, Gruesome, and Shed the Skin, the band once again proves their worth even after 30 years in the field. And that goes for everything on this album. The hooks are strong, the drumming as energetic as men half their age, and the vocals carry a certain power that only comes with experience.
In just 34 minutes time, you will find yourself trampled, broken, and begging for more. While I prefer the first half to the second, "How Deep Is Your Hate" serves as a thrilling conclusion to the proceedings. Fans of old school death metal, energetic extreme music, and longtime followers of the band should all find something to enjoy here. Mercyless may be getting on in the years, but they show no signs of slowing down. Find the stream on the Kaotoxin Bandcamp page.