Their band name taken from the fictional and well renowned novel The Exorcist (1971), there is a character that shares the same name of this heavy melodic metal band called LANKESTER MERRIN. They are a five piece band fronted by a female singer named CAT ROGERS who are joined by two guitarists, FLORIAN SCHULZ and STEFFEN VORWALD as well as bassist BENJAMIN OFFENEY plus drummer SHAWN LAYER. All band members have come from other bands they used to play in or are still in existing bands, their lead guitarist FLORIAN SCHULZ has a wealth full of experience from previous bands, so the band has flourished for this very reason. The band themselves began their musical expedition back in 2019, when they formed in their native country of Germany as they were from different regions, nevertheless it was two years after they came together that they were ready to release their debut album UPON THE FORGOTTEN in 2021. This album contained nine tracks altogether and did feature two former members of the band who were JAN-PHILLIP MERTEN on bass guitar and ERIC LUHN on electric guitar as this was the first time the band had introduced themselves to listeners. It was to be another two years until the band released a brand new single in 2023, which was to be included on what was to be their second album following on from their debut release.

This album was titled DARK MOTHER RISES, this contained nine tracks that continues on the band’s legacy from their previous albums, there is no stopping these metalheads from creating epic metal mania with so much of an emphasis on the melodic tones of guitars and vocals. This album certainly shows there are no obstacles or blockade that holds them back, so now we come to their most recent and brand new album, a quick enough release only a year after their second album. LANKESTER MERRIN is back once more with a new album titled DARK MOTHER’S CHILD bringing nine new shiny new tracks as we take a closer look into this third album with great excitement and anticipation. So starting with the first track “Eyes Of The Night” as we hear drums kicking off this album with epic and wicked guitar riffs as there are sounds of vibrato notes, melodic metal sounds from guitars, bass and drums together with female vocals are such a great combination. When vocals come in it's certainly melodic but at the start and whenever vocals take a breather, the heavier bass guitar tones make it more complete, lead guitar even gets the opportunity for some solo playing before vocals return. The track ends how it starts so the next track we go is “High Plains Drifter” as we hear another blast of guitars and drums, assembling together to offer the listener so much.

Vocals are begging for attention as before, as we hear pulsating bursts of drums and guitars, some foot stamping by drums as well as lovely guitar riffs with some vibrato. Drums have a short part of counting in with some tasty patterns and fillers where they set up the lead guitar for some more solo playing, vocals take a short time to breath but come back in full motion as the vocalist really hits those high notes. So onto the third track which is “Hoist Up The Soil”, with burning guitar riffs so fast and quick as lightning, as a consistent drum pattern is laid down for guitars and vocals to pour their inner souls onto. There isn’t too much difference here as there was in the previous track, guitars speed up when they can yet the drums remain on the same rhythm with some additional solo playing when lead guitar does the same. So onto the next track which is “Immortal Prince” opening with a slow and resonant guitar intro as well as bass notes before the kick drum counts in the lead guitar into a slightly faster tempo, there seems to be a dialogue between the two electric guitars which works so well. Vocals fire into life with some kickass lyrics and some bouncy kick drum patterns from the drummer supports the vocals as well as lead guitar riffs, as they have chances for some solo playing. Some even more melodic solo notes are played lead guitar later on before a simple but gradual crescendo from a rising cymbal pattern, as we come to the next track which is “In Rank And File”.

This next track has some very cool lead guitar riffs, plus some double kick hits after and some serious hits from the drum kit, before female vocals come in and shine brightly. Female vocals really do stand out in this track with such harmony and cutting edge of those lower notes by her, the singer has a great vocal range so this stands to her advantage. The atmosphere builds up with all members playing, then when vocals bow out for a short time, lead guitar bursts into a solo section, with drums and bass guitar supporting. Vocals come back once more as we come to the next track which is “Lords Of The Flies” as we hear some thrashing drums and melodic guitars all present and correct, as vocals do join in singing in harmony. Drums and lead vocals set a nice enough pace throughout this track, it remains the same and doesn’t go off at all, but the drums will incorporate additional snare hits to give variety as well as umph to the track. There isn’t much more to say about this track but it’s pretty simple enough and well thought out, so onto the next track which is “Mastermind” as the drums continue on with a quick fill then straight-forward patterns as in the previous track. The lead guitar adopts a slightly different feel where the rhythm of guitar is more complex, the vocals has more of an assertive tone and confidence so there is no messing around in this track. As the track flows so nicely and consistently it’s full of delightful elements the lead guitar even gets a nice solo part.

As this solo part continues, the vocals come back and drums have some very nice and creative fills around the kit, but going back into a groove to push the track on, so we can now head onto the next track which is “When The Darkness Comes”. This track opens with quick and smashing drums, with lead guitar and vocals to follow along, it’s another great and not too complex of an arrangement. The vocals especially have some very cool characteristics as well as lead guitar taking another solo part for itself, drums set up for a short instrumental section with lead guitar laying down some tasty solo riffs. This track isn’t long either as the last two or three tracks have been short in length so onto the final track which is “Valley In Tears”. Lead guitar kicks this track off with as we hear building crescendo patterns on the cymbals from the drummer, as lead vocals also sing so well as before and beautifully too. The transition from the quiet intro to a more melodic rock style is clear, but the verse does switch back to the quiet atmosphere so there is a clear distinction as well as mix in dynamics too. Whereas the chorus has the heavier guitars, drums and vocals coming together one last time for this last track of the album. We can also hear vocal echoes where there is some delay or reverb effect applied giving the vocal parts a nice addition to the tonality before a very cool guitar solo part where there is so much vibrato as well as note picking, executed so magnificently. The vocals do come in briefly but this is how the album closes with lead guitar and drums as well as bass guitar bringing a gradual diminuendo before silence is in to close out the album.