Back when the world of Death Metal was first taking shape and evolving came a wave of aggressive bands that hit the world by storm. By the late 80’s bands such as MORBID ANGEL, DEATH and NECROPHAGIA had already hit the stage and were growing with popularity and infamy alike. France was no different with their underground Metal scenes taking shape and evolving the same. Having originally formed back in 1986 as MERCILESS by Max Otero, Stéphane Viard, Gerald Guenzi and Boris Mandavis who then went on to record multiple demos before the realization of a Swedish Death and Thrash Metal group who adorned the same name. Due to this, in 1991 the band then changed the name and MERCYLESS was born. Having been heavily influenced by the original bands mentioned, MERCYLESS would forge their sound around Death and Thrash Metal  which led them to make their breakthrough into the underground world of Metal.  

Well fast forward till today and despite it all, the band is still going strong and very much a well-known staple within the world of Death Metal. Having a plethora of releases that range from EP’s, singles and full-lengths to having splits, a few live albums and a compilation. MERCYLESS has carved its way into the history of being one of the original forefathers of Death Metal and are still active and relevant even to this day with their latest release. 

“Those Who Reign Below”, the latest full-length album was released under the banner of Osmose Productions and offers an unapologetic display of traditional old school Death Metal in its purest form. With eleven vile tracks of impiety that are delivered with a putrid aggression for 42:52 minutes, this album is sure to hit you hard. 

This album art is a wonderful display of blasphemy in all of its great vileness. A very detailed black and white drawing of a ritual summoning a great demon holding a scepter or staff accompanied by lesser demons. Possibly from a sacrifice of two people which can be seen on either side of the main demon. A swirling of clouds can be seen emerging from the ritual. Framed in blood red Gothic border with Goetia sigils in each corner that makes the main image pop. The artist for this piece is very talented. The band’s logo sits bottom center as does the album name in the same blood red just below that. The album name is within a Gothic styled distressed font. 

“Extreme Unction” starts the album off in such a great and blasphemous way. Dark ambience backed by gregorian chants with demonic sounding chants overlapped with a radio sounded voice talking. Before long, it kicks up with an onslaught of beastile aggression. Harsh inhuman vocals coat the thick chord progressions as blasts from the drums pulverise you. This track is a great start to an album of pure old school Death. 

“Evil Shall Come Upon You” picks up with a heavy Thrash coated in the putrid vileness of old school Death. Thick and fast low tuned chord progressions. Solid drum beats and breakdowns with a few sols that shred which remind me of some OBITUARY. Max Otero’s vocals fit so perfectly as he coats everything in an inhuman vileness. The track even breaks into some good slam riff parts as well. 

One thing that is apparent is the tone of earlier Death Metal displayed in a putrid unforgiving way. A certain disgusting tone we all love and miss. Considering that is the cesspool from which birthed this abomination of impiety. This album brings it back as MERCYLESS showcases their use of scales that blast into power chord riffs and chromatics. It’s all executed flawlessly. The sound levels sit decently as well which still give off the sound and feel from back when Death first made its appearance while honed in on quality of sound. Each track offers something to the album and builds it up with intensity as you go. “Those Who Reign Below” is a testament to their legacy and offers a nostalgic display of disgusting Death that we have all come to love.