Metal maniacs, rejoice! I am proud to present to you: LANKESTER MERRIN; signed via MDD Records, hailing from the glory of Germany - performing Melodic Heavy Metal, on their sophomoric full-length studio album entitled: "Dark Mother Rises" (released March 24th, 2023). Since formation in 2019; the quintet in question have 2 full-length studio albums in their discography so far entitled: "Upon the Forgotten" (released April 21st, 2021) & this here 2nd album of which I am introduced to entitled: "Dark Mother Rises" in their discography so far. 9 tracks ranging around 38:42; LANKESTER MERRIN arranges an intricately designed formula on some heavy-hitting Melodic Heavy Metal developments.

Opening up with this rollicking remedy of vivacious melody; "We Ride The Storm" belts a clobbering foundation in flamboyant harmony, crafting a catchy calamity in amplified hooks and boisterously bouncy adrenaline... a barraged frenzy blisters eardrums with razor-sharp intensity in which revels with sonically seamless substance on organic tonality that's creatively choppy whilst venomously slabby & thuddy, which solidly ramifies with sulphurous volatility on anthemic elements in archaically crunchy finesse. "Bone Tomahawk" distils a dexterously dynamic virtuosity which towers with twinning guitar frolics from Chris Müller & Florian Schulz; both manifest with rapidly swift nimbleness & monolithic tempo, stridently surging with zestful trailblazing whilst synthetic attributes inject an infectiously thumpy synergy from flickering bassist Jan-Philipp Merten.

Audible fabrications in hybrid experimentation grinds impactfully; harnessing a rampantly rompy chug aesthetic, executing a fierce firepower expertise in enthralling density... embedding an enriching heft in Heavy Metal weight & punchline tightness that brims a chiselling chime in immersively distinctive pursuits of striking songwriting musicianship prowess that's most engaging. "Medusa" has an exhilarating kick implemented; where this memorable vehemence utilises versatile reverberation & rumbling trembles of prodigious musicality that skyrockets with salubrious maelstrom stability that's rather unique to rock to. "The Heathen" momentously perseveres with persistent quirkiness; still retaining those rambunctious piledrives from hammering drummer Shawn Layer, who's meaty slaps smack with relentlessly radical flexibility for good sport.

Spiralling a grandiose grandeur in fundamental instrumental flair; a concretely gritty groove flourishes with rocking furore and captivating grips, as "Perfect Illusion" showcases jumpy vibrancy with thrilling revs that pierces through with rolling symphonies of heavy crescendos with yet meticulous tremolo patterns that thrusts with rifting skill. This profusely robust drive in "Stranger" and "My Journey" portrays more prestigious licks amongst an effervescent buoyancy that's mellifluously euphonic, as a flourishing fundamental in dense archetypes of èclatful clean singing within Cat Rogers' uproarious pipes that soar with throaty yells & prolific musical talent that's just most fun.

The penultimate rocker "Sweet Lizzie" has an elegantly exquisite chime into it; intertwined with mesmerising vigour that's rigorously performed, meatily & with sophisticated jamboree which merges with outré panache for good measure. While the overall concluding banger "Evil Lives Here" has an intriguing metallic riffery to it; memorably pleasing whilst rhythmically heady and heavily spellbinding with a hypnotic twist to boot. Bottom line; I am compelled to say that LANKESTER MERRIN most surely outdone themselves with this one, "Dark Mother Rises" articulates in an immense Melodic Heavy Metal reveller that's worthy of spinning & replaying a good bunch of times. An enjoyably entertaining discovery in this subgenre that's justifiably rewarding to listen to, do check out this distinguished but entrancing Heavy Metal experience.