In the eighties it was quite a feat to find a fitting name for yourself when you are of many playing Thrash Metal. MEZZROW, hailing from Nyköping in Sweden, had that problem too, because after using the names NECROMANCY and DARK RIPPER they settled for their current name in 1987. So, that does mean they have already done 36 years as MEZZROW. Well, not exactly, to be honest, as they only played until 1993. During that time they released an album in 1990, which was called "Then Came The Killing". In 2005 they were active for only a very short time, but that did result in the release of "Then Came The Video" in 2006. Another 15 years later, in 2021, they reconvened and released a compilation in 2022 which had the apt name "Then Came The Demos". Only now, in 2023, have MEZZROW made the decision to provide us with an album with actual new material. The result is "Summon Thy Demons".

And yes, these guys still know how to play Thrash Metal. And even though they might not have the same line-up as before, this sounds as a band that knows what they are doing. The only original member is drummer Jon Skäre. In 1987 he was joined by vocalist Ulf Petterson, followed by bassist Conny Welén in 1989. The two guitar players, Ronnie Björnström and Magnus Söderman, only have been in the band since 2021. But like I said, you wouldn't know due to the strong songs that mark  "Summon Thy Demons". They have groove, they have rhythm, but most of, they make you want to thrash your place. The music is fast when possible, slower when needed, but all the time filled with passion and resolve.

As I hadn't heard anything from MEZZROW before I listened to "Summon Thy Demons", I was able to go in completely blank. And I am awfully glad I did, as I do feel that tis band is a real revelation for me. Because of this I have no idea how the new material on "Summon Thy Demons", their second album, compares to the first, so I'll be finding out in the near future. This is a must fort every Thrash Metal lover out there. It could be it's not dirty enough for you, but be sure, you won't be able to fault this musically. Here's to another round of listening to "Summon Thy Demons". Now it's to hoping that MEZZROW will keep on showering us with more good music.